London's 10 Best Murals: A Taste of the Capital’s Street Art
London isn't just Big Ben, black cabs, and weather that can't make up its mind. It's also a giant outdoor art gallery—if you know where to look. From politically-charged graffiti to jaw-dropping wall art, the capital is bursting with creativity at every corner. Whether you're hunting down iconic London murals or planning a London mural tour, here’s your ultimate guide to 10 must-see masterpieces that turn our grey walls into vibrant storytelling canvases.
Strap on your comfiest trainers—we’re mural-hopping across the city.
1. Battersea in Perspective – Brian Barnes (Battersea)
📍 Dagnall Street, SW11
You can’t talk London murals without tipping your cap (or beanie, we’re artsy here) to Brian Barnes. His mural Battersea in Perspective is a community love letter on bricks. Painted in 1988, it blends Battersea landmarks, social commentary, and a cast of local legends including John Archer, Britain’s first Black mayor.
Barnes’s bold colours and clean lines scream "look at me," while the political undertones whisper “but also think about me.” It’s public art with purpose—and a must-see on any London mural tour.
More about Brian? Scroll to the end for some links to the man, the myth, the muralist.
2. Girl with Balloon – Banksy (Originally Southbank)
🎈 Now preserved, formerly under Waterloo Bridge
The queen bee of British street art, Banksy's Girl with Balloon is arguably the Mona Lisa of graffiti—but with more heart and a bit less smirk. Although the original is no longer on public view, this elusive piece remains etched in the imagination (and Instagram feeds) of millions.
If you’re doing a London street art tour, it’s worth stopping by the Southbank to soak up the spirit of Banksy, even if the balloon’s flown away.
3. Leake Street Arches – The Graffiti Tunnel (Waterloo)
🚇 Leake Street, SE1
Welcome to graffiti heaven. The Leake Street Tunnel is a legal wall where artists from around the globe are invited to spray, stencil, and splatter their genius. It's loud, it's rebellious, and it changes faster than you can say “Montana Gold.”
Born from Banksy’s 2008 CANS Festival, it’s the beating heart of London’s street art scene. Whether you're an artist or just an enthusiastic observer, it’s impossible not to be wowed by the creativity oozing from these arches.
4. Hackney Peace Mural – Ray Walker (Dalston)
✌️ 274 Dalston Lane, E8
The Hackney Peace Carnival Mural is pure 1980s joy: marching bands, rainbow banners, and the type of community spirit that would make your nan cry. Created by Ray Walker, the mural celebrates Hackney’s multiculturalism and anti-nuclear activism.
It’s big, bold, and bursting with colour—ideal for those Insta-selfies or your next London mural tour stop.
5. Spirit of Soho Mural (Soho)
🎭 Broadwick Street, W1F
Think of this mural as Soho’s yearbook photo. Painted in 1991, it’s a mosaic of characters who shaped the neighbourhood—everyone from Karl Marx to Ronnie Scott. It even has a mechanical Saint Anne whose eyes follow you around like your mum when you sneak in past midnight.
Perfect for culture vultures and pub crawlers alike, this mural reminds us that Soho is more than just bars and neon.
6. Camden Lock Mural – John Bulley (Camden Market)
🎸 Camden High Street, NW1
Camden’s never been subtle—and neither is its art. Originally painted in the 1980s and lovingly restored in recent years, this mural is all about that Camden attitude. Think punk rock meets psychedelic cartoon.
A staple of any London mural tour, it screams “I’m with the band,” even if the closest you’ve come to playing live is a Spotify playlist.
7. Dulwich Outdoor Gallery (Dulwich)
🎨 Various locations in SE21
Where else can you find Rembrandt chilling next to a spray-painted space chicken? Dulwich Outdoor Gallery pairs contemporary street art with classical masterpieces from Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Curated by street art royalty Stik, this project blurs the lines between the old masters and new rebels. Grab the self-guided tour map and take a stroll through an art history lesson with attitude.
8. Stockwell War Memorial Mural (Stockwell)
🕊️ Near Stockwell Tube Station
Brian Barnes strikes again—but this one’s different. The Stockwell War Memorial Mural honours local heroes lost in war, with detailed panels depicting both world wars and community life.
In 2005, Barnes stirred controversy by adding Jean Charles de Menezes to the mural—a poignant reminder that art can also challenge. Whether you see it as memorial, protest, or both, it's a key stop on any London wall art exploration.
9. Brixton Murals (Various locations)
🌍 Windrush Square & Electric Avenue, SW9
Back in the 1980s, the Greater London Council funded a series of murals across Brixton to reflect local stories. These vibrant pieces depict Windrush arrivals, civil rights struggles, and everyday London life.
Most are still standing, and if you're doing a Brixton mural tour, don’t miss the one near the Brixton Academy—massive, moving, and unforgettable.
10. Elephant and Castle Mural – David Bratby (Elephant & Castle)
🐘 London College of Communication, SE1
David Bratby’s colourful tribute to Elephant and Castle is like a visual mixtape—full of movement, chaos, and unexpected rhythm. It’s urban poetry in paint, summing up a neighbourhood that’s as London as it gets.
Swing by on your way to the Mercato Metropolitano. Murals pair well with street food, after all.
Jean Cocteau’s Crucifixion
Not all murals are outdoors, and if you look hard enough you can find murals by great artists in the least expected places. At the Notre Dame Church, just off Leicester Square (and next door to the great Prince Charles Cinema) you will find an amazing mural by the 20th century artist, poet, filmmaker, writer Jean Cocteau. Created when he came to vist
So, Fancy Your Own London Mural Tour?
London’s walls are alive. They shout, whisper, protest, party, and sometimes just flex their colour palette. From graffiti tunnels in Waterloo to heritage murals in Brixton and Battersea, there's enough wall art here to fill your phone storage—and your soul.
Whether you're a Londoner or just in town for the tea and TikToks, take the time to explore these vibrant public canvases. Trust us: there’s more to see than the inside of a Pret.
If you’re feeling inspired to capture your own mural journey or creative project, check out our friends at Chocolate Video Production—experts in visual storytelling who know how to frame a wall just right.
Discover More About Brian Barnes and His Legacy
Intrigued by Brian Barnes’s work? You should be. He wasn’t just painting walls—he was painting history, politics, and community voices. Dive deeper into the life of this legendary muralist and discover where to find more of his work on the 1000 Londoners website.
You’ll also find videos, interviews, and personal stories that bring these murals—and the man behind them—to life. Go on, click it. Brian would’ve wanted you to.
