Abbey Road

The basics

Having been at the center of the 1960s British Invasion and the Brit-pop explosion of the 1990s, London is a city steeped in 20th-century rock and pop history. Visitors can tap into Beatlemania during guided tours by bus and black cab. These tours make the rounds of London locales associated with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, from Abbey Road to the site of the Beatles' famous 1969 rooftop concert.

Alternatively, opt for a broader half- or full-day music history tour that goes to neighborhoods including Soho, Camden, and Notting Hill. You'll see sites connected with the Beatles, and also with other British musical legends like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Clash, Queen, David Bowie, and Pink Floyd. Most music-themed tours focus on England's capital, but it is possible to do a music-themed day tour of London and nearby Cambridgeshire.

Things to know before you go

• Abbey Road's famous studios are closed to the public, so visitors can only view the heritage-listed building from outside.

• Look out for graffiti messages paying homage to the Fab Four on the wall outside the studio.

• The popular crossing can be very busy, so be careful when stepping out.

• You don't need to book Abbey Road tickets to see the landmark—it's free for all to visit.

How to get there

The Abbey Road crossing is in St John's Wood, North London, NW8 9AY. To get there, take the tube to Saint John's Wood (Jubilee line) or Maida Vale (Bakerloo line). Note that the Abbey Road London DLR station in West Ham refers to a different Abbey Road and is nowhere near the crosswalk.

When to get there

If you want to get a photograph at the crossing, avoid congested weekday rush hours (around 7:30–9:30am, and 4:30–7pm). For those determined to get the perfect shot, try coming at 7am on a Sunday when traffic is quiet.

Tips for getting the perfect photograph at Abbey Road

The Abbey Road zebra crossing is located in a heavily trafficked part of London, which can make getting the perfect shot difficult. Cars won't hesitate to honk the horn at tourists taking too long to stage their shot. To speed up the process, make sure you have all your equipment set up and ready to go.

Can you visit Abbey Road?

Yes, you can visit the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing featured on the Beatles' album cover of the same name. You can stop by the outside of the Abbey Road recording studios. The nearest underground station is At. John's Wood, on the Jubilee underground line.

What is the best time to visit Abbey Road?

For fewer people in your pictures of the iconic crossing, the best time to visit Abbey Road is early in the morning—the road is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so try to arrive as soon after daylight to increase your chances of capturing a crowd-free photo.

Should I book an Abbey Road tour in advance?

The Abbey Road crossing is a regular feature of music tours of London, which are always a good idea to book in advance. If you want to take a tour of the Abbey Road studios on the rare days it opens its doors, advance booking is a must as this is a very popular attraction.

Can you book a tour for inside Abbey Road Studios?

Yes, you can book a tour inside the Abbey Road studios, but only on select dates. It's only open over two weekends in August in 2023, which tend to sell out months in advance. The only other way you can access the studios is if you want to rent them to record music.

Can you get your picture taken at Abbey Road?

Yes, you can get your picture taken at the Abbey Road crossing and outside of the Abbey Road studios, where the Beatles recorded the famous album. You can also leave your mark on the graffiti wall or browse for souvenirs in the gift shop.

Can you see yourself on webcam crossing Abbey Road?

Yes, you can see yourself on the webcam at Abbey Road. There's a webcam overlooking the crossing, so if you tell your friends and family what time you'll be visiting the landmark, they'll be able to watch you live from anywhere in the world.

Ways to explore

Having been at the center of the 1960s British Invasion music movement and the Brit-pop explosion of the 1990s, London is steeped in 20th-century rock and pop history. Tap into Beatlemania during bus and black cab tours that visit London locales associated with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—from Abbey Road to the site of the Beatles’ famous 1969 rooftop concert.

Alternatively, opt for a broader half- or full-day music history tour of neighborhoods including Soho, Camden, and Notting Hill. You’ll see places connected with The Beatles and other British musical legends such as The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Clash, Queen, David Bowie, and Pink Floyd. Most music-themed tours focus on England’s capital, but some also cover nearby Cambridgeshire.

Accessibility

There’s step-free access on either side of the crossing.

Age limits

None

What to pack

The Abbey Road crossing is uncovered, and London weather is famously rainy, so pack an umbrella.

What to wear

Some visitors like to dress up in Beatles-themed outfits for their photo opportunity at the crossing.

Not allowed

Posing on the crossing, as it’s considered a safety risk.

Amenities

There are no facilities at the crossing, but you’ll find a gift shop and restrooms at Abbey Road Studios beside the walkway.

Address

Abbey Road is in a leafy part of northwest London‚ not far from the charming waterways of Little Venice—add time on either side of your Abbey Road visit to check out this lovely and literary part of the capital.

Driving

From Oxford Circus, continue on Portland Place to stay on Marylebone Road (A501) and turn right onto Park Road. Follow Park Road as it becomes Wellington Road (A41), then turn left onto Grove End Road, and Abbey Road will be on your right shortly after.

Public transportation

The nearest tube station to Abbey Road is St. John’s Wood on the Jubilee line. From the tube station, it’s a 5-minute walk.

Best times to visit

Avoid visiting the crossing during London’s morning and late afternoon rush hours, when traffic peaks.

Best days to visit

Visit on Sunday morning when there’s the least traffic; you might be able to snap a picture on the crossing without holding up any cars.

Best months to visit

London’s sunny weather in spring and summer is perfect for enjoying this exposed outdoor attraction.

Special events

Just across the road, Abbey Road Studios hosts the KITE music festival every year in July, which celebrates creative musical genres.