The platform could fit a 9-car train – if only such a train ever went to this station
The London Underground is a labyrinth of curiosities, from concealed tunnels to deserted stations, but one of its most perplexing features is a platform that appears excessively large. While some stations hold records for their depth or number of platforms, this one holds a title that offers little practical use.
Among Transport for London’s 272 stations, Highgate, situated in North London, boasts the longest platform on the network, extending an impressive 490 feet (150 metres). However, this station sees little traffic, only being served by the Northern line.
Even more peculiarly, no Northern line train is long enough to span both ends of the platform. A stopping mark at the front end of the platform indicates where drivers should stop, rendering much of it superfluous.
It is quite a long walk from one end of the platform to the other(Image: MyLondon)
According to Reddit user mycketforvirrad, the platform was initially built with future expansions in mind. However, these grand plans never came to fruition, leaving Highgate with a lengthy yet largely unnecessary platform.
Despite its underutilisation, Highgate remains a captivating anomaly within the network, providing a window into ambitious transport plans that never materialised.
No Northern Line train reaches the ends of Highgate’s platform(Image: MyLondon)
The London Underground, with its rich history of pioneering features, first opened its doors in 1863 as the world’s inaugural underground railway. Today, it boasts 11 lines, including the Victoria line, which was introduced to the public in 1968.
Just a few stops away, Hampstead station holds a unique record of its own as the deepest Tube station, nestled 58.5 metres below ground level. However, this isn’t as simple as it seems.
The depth of Hampstead station is largely due to its position atop a steep hill, giving it an unfair advantage in claiming the title. For those daring enough to forgo the lifts, the station also presents a formidable 320-step staircase – akin to scaling a 15-storey building.
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