January 7th 2025.
As we venture deeper into the bustling city of London, we come across the marvel that is the London Underground. A network of tunnels and trains that have been connecting people for years, transporting them to all corners of this massive metropolis. And while many of us may take for granted the convenience and efficiency of this underground system, one man has dedicated countless hours to exploring and ranking the stations that make up this intricate network.
Tom Rees, a Tube enthusiast, has spent years visiting each and every station on the TfL network armed with his trusty GoPro camera. His mission? To rank the stations based on his personal experience and observations. Some stations fared better than others in Tom's eyes, and he was not afraid to share his opinions. From the futuristic and grand architecture of Canary Wharf to the dismal atmosphere of Barking station, Tom has seen it all.
Originally from rural Shropshire, Tom was drawn to the Tube by the bustling energy and efficiency of Londoners as they zipped around the city. He was captivated by the idea of being able to simply turn up on a platform and be whisked away to any corner of this massive city. And so, with his fascination for the mass transportation system growing, Tom embarked on a mission to visit and review all of the stations with a more subjective approach.
With his home now in Islington, Tom set out to explore the vast network of stations in 2017. And in 2018, he began his mammoth task of reviewing each station, spending around 20 minutes at each one. He even ventured to the end of each line, visiting stations like Chesham, Epping, and Upminster. After hours of filming and capturing the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Tube, Tom shared his footage on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. And to his surprise, his videos started gaining views and attention from fellow Tube enthusiasts.
For Tom, his journey through the London Underground was not just about ranking the stations, but also about discovering new places and gaining a better understanding of the city. His favorite stops included Uxbridge, Chesham, and Canary Wharf, while his least favorites were Stonebridge Park and Barking. However, he admits that choosing just one favorite station is like choosing a favorite song - it changes all the time.
To rank the stations, Tom used a tier system based on his gut feeling and the overall vibe of each station. He took into account the maintenance and upkeep of the station, as well as any unique artwork or architecture. And while stations like Uxbridge and Chesham made it to the top tier, others like High Green Islington were ranked lower due to their neglect and decline.
As Tom continues to explore the London mainline stations, he has uncovered hidden gems like the Trinity Buoy Lighthouse in east London, which has been playing a 1,000-year-long song since 1999, and a Roman bath under an office block in Billingsgate. His reviews have gained him a following on social media, and he feels like he has become a part of a community of Tube enthusiasts.
The London Underground, with its 161-year-old history, continues to captivate people like Tom. And as he travels through the tunnels and stations, he is not alone in his fascination with this iconic network. From artists painting every single station to map enthusiasts creating alternative versions of the iconic Tube map, the London Underground continues to inspire and captivate.
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