Luggage storage at Liverpool Street Station: your 2023 guide
Liverpool Street Station is one of the most important stations open in London. Not only does it serve 4 London Underground lines, making it the sixth-busiest underground station in the city, but it also is an important hub for National Rail services taking travelers to and from the East of the country and to Heathrow and Stansted airports. Its location in the city, nestled right in the busiest business zones of the City of London, and also near fun, vibrant, and authentic East London neighborhoods.
A common problem for anyone traveling into a train station, though, is where to store bags and luggage for a few hours. Maybe you left early and are heading out on a day trip and don’t need to bring all your luggage with you, or else you’ve just arrived at Liverpool Street Station and want to explore without being weighed down by heavy bags. If your hotel or Airbnb check-in is in a few hours, it would be a waste to not explore London right away. The same thing goes if you’re traveling out of London and have several hours between your hotel check-out.
Whatever the reason you have for needing to drop off bags with a luggage storage service, lockers can save your day! No need to get lost on travel forums for hours. Our guide will tell you the best strategy so you can make an informed choice and book cheap left luggage or a locker, and store bags at one of London’s many baggage lockers for a few hours or more. But first, some information about the station itself.
Liverpool Street Station, located in the heart of London in the east of the historic center (known as the City of London) is one of the busiest and most iconic railway stations in the United Kingdom. The station has a rich history, and fascinating architecture, and serves as a gateway to some of the city’s most exciting locations. It’s also located at the heart of one of the most important business districts in all of London, meaning many commuters come through this busy station every day to and from work.
The station was opened in 1874, and its original design was heavily influenced by Gothic Revival architecture, with Italianate influences also present. The current building is famous for its glass roof, drowning the concourse of the station in sunlight, as well as its impressive clock tower. It was designed by Edward Wilson, an engineer for the Great Eastern Railway, the company that funded construction.
The station was named after the street it was built on, which in turn was named after Tory Prime Minister Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool in 1829. The station has since undergone several renovations, with the most recent complete redevelopment and large-scale remodeling being in 1991. However, there’s constantly something being upgraded at the station. In 2022, for example, work finished on creating new platforms in the underground station for the new Elizabeth line. Also featured at the station is a memorial to the Kindertransport, a rescue mission that brought Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe to the UK in the lead-up to World War II. Thousands of these children passed through Liverpool Street Station upon arrival in Britain.
The station has 18 platforms, making it one of the largest railway stations in London. It serves as a major transport hub for commuters traveling to and from the East of England and also offers connections to the London Underground via the Central, Circle, Metropolitan, and Hammersmith & City lines. There are direct services to London Heathrow Airport via the new Elizabeth Line and Stansted Airport via the Greater Anglia/Stansted Express, meaning this will be a first stop for many travelers coming from abroad. Every year, around 20 million people pass through the station making it one of the busiest in London.
However, the station isn’t purely somewhere that is useful for traveling far and wide. There’s also a huge amount to do in the area surrounding the station, as well as many services and facilities, shops and restaurants inside Liverpool Street station to keep you entertained for a while. Keep reading to find the best things to do and locations to see around the station, what services are contained in the station, and of course what your best luggage storage options are to store your bags in a locker!
Do UK train stations have luggage storage?
Left luggage facilities and lockers are available at most of London’s main train stations, such as Paddington, Euston, Waterloo, Liverpool Street, Kings Cross, St Pancras International, Charing Cross, and Victoria. However, the situation changes outside of London, particularly in regional towns and stations where security measures like bag scanning and checks on items are not implemented due to cost constraints. Consequently, these stations do not provide left luggage facilities or lockers for bags. In larger cities like Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester et cetera, luggage lockers and other storage options are available at the main open train stations.
Nonetheless, if an official left luggage service is not open by the station or railway, there are a few companies, described and compared in the section below, that offer storage solutions. These luggage storage companies have partner locations (shops, hotels, restaurants, for example) located near major train stations, as well as other landmarks, transport hubs, airports, and so on, where you can safely store your items for a few hours or more until you need them again. Most of these left luggage services are international, so wherever you end up needing a luggage storage service in cities around the world, why not have a look online to see what your options are to store bags?
10 things to do around Liverpool Street Station
The station is in a great location in London to explore many sites and experience some of the best things the city has to offer. Here’s a quick list of the ten best things to do around the station once your bags are safely stored:
1. St. Paul’s Cathedral
A masterpiece of architecture and the seat of the Bishop of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral is a must-visit landmark. It was completed in 1710, following designs by Sir Christopher Wren, and is a truly iconic landmark of the city. The sheer scale of the cathedral cannot be properly imagined until you see it in person. Climb to the top for stunning views of London.
2. The Barbican Centre
A leading arts and conference venue, the Barbican Centre is home to the London Symphony Orchestra, theatre shows, art exhibitions, and cinema screenings. It’s home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, and you should check out a performance here if you have the time! It is the largest of its kind in Europe and also contains a library, three restaurants, and a conservatory.
3. The Tate Modern
One of the world’s most visited art museums, the Tate Modern houses a vast collection of contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Matisse. There’s a free entry policy here, so why not spend the day experiencing some of the most amazing art the city has to offer?
4. Brick Lane
A vibrant and multicultural street, Brick Lane is renowned for its street art, vintage shops, curry houses, and trendy cafes. Why not do some clothes shopping in one of the cool vintage shops on this street, or do some people-watching from one of the cool restaurants, bars, or coffee shops on this fun street?
5. HMS Belfast
A retired Royal Navy cruiser that saw action in World War Two and the Korean War, HMS Belfast is now a floating museum moored on the Thames near Tower Bridge offering visitors the chance to explore life on board a warship during World War II and experience a museum of Naval History.
6. The Tower of London
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of London’s most iconic attractions, the Tower of London is a fortress, a palace, and a prison that has played a pivotal role in the city’s history. It dates back all the way to the 11th century (the White Tower was built in 1078) and is a large stone complex where you feel the unmistakable weight of history as you walk around.
7. Tower Bridge
A symbol of London and one of its most recognizable landmarks, Tower Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the River Thames and offers stunning views of the city. You might be lucky and catch the amazing daily spectacle of the bridge being raised, but even if not, check out the incredible engine rooms in the towers.
8. The Old Spitalfields Market
A vibrant and historic covered market, the Old Spitalfields Market is home to a wide range of independent traders selling everything from antiques and vintage clothing to street food and artisanal crafts.
9. The Sky Garden
Located atop the “Walkie-Talkie” building, the Sky Garden is a garden open to the public offering incredible panoramic views of the city. There’s a bar up here, so you can enjoy a drink in incredible surroundings, and have a meal at the restaurant, all the while surrounded by beautiful plants and even better views.
10. The Whitechapel Gallery
One of London’s leading contemporary art galleries, the Whitechapel Gallery features a range of exhibitions and events showcasing emerging and established artists from around the world.
Services available at Liverpool Street Station
There are all the services, including luggage storage, that you will need in order to have a pleasant and smooth time in the station after or before a long journey. All your basic needs are covered – there are ATMs on the concourse as well as a Bureau de Change on the North Mall. There’s free public WiFi, telephones, toilets and baby changing facilities, and a ticket office as well as many ticket machines dotted around. Lost property is handled by the station’s left luggage service, run by the Excess Baggage Company, near platform 10.
Aside from these necessities, there are plenty of other services that provide comfort, relaxation, and (perhaps most importantly) some great things to eat and drink. There are some fast food outlets, because sometimes what you need most while waiting for your train at the station is something satisfying! Treat yourself to a McDonald’s, something hot and filling at Gregg’s, or sink your teeth into a Krispy Kreme donut. Leon’s provides that satisfying fast food taste while remaining healthy and usually meat-free.
There are plenty of other healthy options, like at the M&S food hall, or the Camden Food Company. Craving a coffee? Grab one from the Pret-a-Manger, the station’s Starbucks, or Caffé Nero. If you’re looking to quench your thirst with something a little stronger, the Wetherspoon’s in the station is a spot where you will find some cheap and tasty beers, ales, and cocktails.
There are also plenty of shopping experiences here, from jewelry shops like Pandora and Oliver Bonas to health products from Neal’s Yard Remedies. Get your haircut at Supercut, or even work out in the station’s gym, Fitness First. Meeting someone special off the train? You can even buy some flowers at the Flower Station. Whatever you might need or want, it’s likely you will find it at Liverpool Street Station!
Storage solutions near Liverpool Street Station
If you’re traveling through Liverpool Street Station and need to store your luggage, there are a few different options open to you. Much like at King’s Cross Station and most major London railway stations, the official baggage storage office at the station is run daily by a service called Excess Baggage Company, which offers secure locations and flexible storage options. However, compared to most other services, their rates are higher. See their list of rates:
Up to 3 hours £7.50
Up to 6 hours £10.00
Up to 24 hours £15.00
Up to 48 hours £22.50
Up to 72 hours £30.00
Hotels sometimes provide left luggage, but this service is often limited, allowing overnight hotel guests only to drop off luggage for a few hours. The good news is that, if you’re looking for a cheap option, you will find luggage storage platforms like LuggageHero, Stasher, and Bounce. LuggageHero is handy because it lets you store bags for a short period of time. Apps such as Stasher offer good rates. However, these services often have hidden fees that can make them more expensive than they appear at first glance.
In our opinion, the best option for affordable, secure luggage storage is Nannybag. With a flat rate of €6 per item per day and no hidden charges, you can store your luggage at a nearby partner location with financial protection of up to €1000. The online booking process is easy, all their partner locations are secure and verified, and Nannybag has great reviews from satisfied travelers who used the platform.
Download the best travel app!
With all this in mind, we, therefore, recommend Nannybag as your luggage storage app of choice. This left luggage service is available in a huge amount of towns and cities across Europe and indeed the world and is rapidly expanding its number of partner locations in stores, hotels, and restaurants.
The app and website are super user-friendly, and their great reviews from travelers make it a trustworthy service. You simply enter your location, like Liverpool Street Station, and you will be presented with a map showing all the available nearby “Nannies”. Just select one, make your booking and payment, and select a drop-off time!
Once your item is in storage, you can have peace of mind knowing that the item is in a locked storage room in a secure location. Your item is financially protected up to €1000 in the unlikely event of damage, loss, or theft, and is sealed by a biodegradable safety seal. Finally, the flat rate of €6 per item per day, no matter how big your item is or what duration you have your baggage in left luggage, means it’s among the very cheapest options. Furthermore, there are no hidden fees, unlike with other services.
FAQ
- How to get to Liverpool Street?
- The station is easy to reach as a transport hub in the center of the city. It’s served by several train operators including Greater Anglia, TfL Rail, the new Elizabeth Line, and London Overground. Trains run from destinations across London and the southeast of England. Several bus routes run to Liverpool Street Station, including the 11, 133, 149, 153, 35, 42, 78, and 8 buses, and the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan underground lines stop at the tube station. There’s a taxi rank outside, and the station is also within walking distance of many landmarks like the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- What are Liverpool Street Station’s opening hours?
- The station’s opening hours are as follows: Monday: 03:10 – 01:03, Tuesday – Thursday: 04:00 – 01:03, Friday – Saturday: 03:10 – 01:03, and Sunday: 03:40 – 01:03
- Are there free toilets at Liverpool Street Station?
- Yes, all the toilets in the station are free to use.
- Are there left luggage lockers at Liverpool Street Station?
- Yes, left luggage lockers are run by the Excess Baggage Company. However, the price is quite high (up to £15 per bag per day) so we would recommend using another option left luggage service, like Nannybag for example.
- Does Liverpool Street Station have parking?
- There’s no parking at the station. The best nearby options are Broad St car park and NCP London Finsbury Square.
Feel free to hit the comment section if you have any questions about luggage storage at Liverpool Street train station and how to travel there.