South Harrow Tube Station - Only Unconnect

More Unconnected stations! This time we're out on the west of the Tube Map to the surprising delight that is South Harrow station.
A disused/abandoned building, an old piece of elevated track and fake animals ... all at South Harrow!
The excellent LURS article on South Harrow Gas Works is here : www.lurs.org.uk/articles13_ht...

[@JagoHazzard]

Oh no, I've been calling it South Har Row all this time.

[@matpk]

Why Honor Oak Park is Honor Oak Park not Honour Oak Park ❓❓

[@MrPaulFCockburn]

And there was me assuming it was “So Uth Har Row Sta Tion”

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

It’s all in the kerning!👍😀

[@davidbull7210]

House Sparrow station

[@alanclarke4646]

​@@matpkapparently, early maps spelled it incorrectly, and it stuck.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Nothing makes me more giddy and giggly than seeing Geoff exploring a car park and doing ‘ground’ reporting.

[@ener19]

i know i had to go back and rewatch the first line. ""Yes south harrow does have a car park calm down car-park fans, its all here." a true professional

[@thomashrubecky1663]

NO!!! You've just GOT to do Russell Square on the Piccadilly Line!!!

[@marthaanderson2656]

one of my favorite stations (sentimental) I look forward to finding out abut little mysteries there. Check out the Fortitude Bakehouse behind the building

[@DrWhoFanUK]

The ghost of Russell Sq obviously, and the wonderful ‘To the Trains’ sign.

[@fumthings]

i think this is the first time Geoff "suggested" that it is only one OU per line. but obviously some lines have heaps of OU and that would be quite along series.

[@Hammondfreak]

Thank you for doing South Harrow, my local station when I lived here between 1953 and 1963, when we moved to Norfolk. I remember my Mum shopping "under the arches" in the market. The trains were old and noisy, 1925 stock, and we were amazed when the silver 1960 stock arrived. The buses were RT class on the 114, 140, 158, with the 187 and 209 terminating in the bus station. My love of the Tube started here and I get back to visit London whenever I can, parking at Cockfosters, to get my Tube fix!!! Cheers Geoff.

[@RogersRamblings]

South Harrow used to be a train crew depot with a Station Manager's office, trainman's messroom and the usual facilities. On those occasions when a District driver took a wrong turning at Hanger Lane Junction, the trainmen at South Harrow would ensure he received a warm welcome.

[@andyt2510]

For the Northern Line it has to be Mornington Crescent!

[@Nayson]

And of course that needs to be the final video in the series.

[@stevedarcy2009]

My old station, I grew up in South Harrow in the early 70s and not been back in years! I remember the market, the second hand book stall near the entrance.

[@ItsIvorix]

Glad to see you uploading often again!

[@geofftech2]

wokring onb big secret project at the moment, so been busy! all will make sense soon

[@Bonegilla1987]

@@geofftech2 Damnit Geoff.. I told you not to accept a job with MI-5!

[@ItsIvorix]

@@Bonegilla1987😂

[@SanTM]

Just to add, get on the 258 bus that takes you to Watford Junction. The bus goes up Harrow on the Hill and if you sit on the upstairs right, or upstairs left if going to South Harrow and look right (if going Watford) or left (if going to South Harrow) you get a glorious view of London from the top of the hill. You can see everything on a clear day between the old spired Church and Harrow School buildings. The school are a bit dickish about not letting anyone onto the viewpoint grounds though but it's a nice area to explore regardless

[@quintuscrinis8032]

If you go up the road to St Mary's church amd through the graveyard, there is a great view from just in front of the Byron grave. Or you can go down into the field besides West Street and sit at the top of there for some great views over West London

[@quintuscrinis8032]

Alternatively stay on the 258 to Hqrrow Welad forest and walk to the car park, or take the H12 to it's other end, near the bottom of Stanmore Country Park, and if you go through there to the fields at the top, you can also get some great views across the city (including Wembly arches).

[@azh6737]

I was born and raised in South harrow it was a fantastic place to be as a kid growing up in the 90s. My Dad would always take me to the park a few roads away from the station and buy me a bottle of lucazade from 7 11 afterwards. Brilliant times, great nostalgia. I've moved out the area now as it's a shadow of what it used to be.

[@mikephilpott6051]

I think that Ruislip Manor has benches half way up the stairs as well! Love your videos, btw!

[@87shots]

yes it does!

[@rosiefay7283]

3:30 "Halfway down the stairs is a stair where I sit..."

[@atavachronwemberley1744]

I take my main annual fortnight’s holiday on those benches! 😊

[@jh-ec7si]

So South Harrow has benches halfway down the stairs and Ruislip Manor has them halfway up

[@ce1834]

Definitely a Charles Holden gem of a station, looks great!

[@The.train.guy.]

It is really nice to listen about the story of a tube station from such a nice person. Thanks Geoff best 5 mins today😊

[@TomBradfordUK]

The old station building is a notorious PNR point for our drivers, The station starting signal often has a couple minutes of waiting time before it clears so usually works out quite well. The toilets themselves aren’t very pleasant from what I’ve heard!

[@Robslondon]

Great video Geoff. South Harrow holds a very special place in my heart. I grew up a short walk from the station; opposite the old gas works. And I went to Roxeth school! Used to use the photo booths in the ticket hall too; got a few black and white photos of me as a youngster taken there 😄

[@trickydicky165]

my old station. so nice too see again. the covers over the bridge must be new. lived in sth harrow from 1956 to 1977 great days.

[@arthurreeder8451]

Out of interest, my father used the station all the time. On the old part there was originally a footpath from the playing fields down the side of the Rayners Lane bound platform and an underpass to gain access to the London bound side. There was also an odd door in the London bound wall of the 'new' station that led down some steps to a war time shelter. Lastly, prior to the station move, the area at the bottom of South Hill Avenue next to the station was occupied by South Harrow bus garage SH.

[@tradeplatetravels]

As well as being an engaging presenter, check out how much thought Geoff puts into his camera angles and editing. I really admire his videos.

[@SouthlondonAl]

The 'Not In Use' signage is actually the new stopping marker for the 24 stock. They are being installed on the Rayners Lane branch ahead of testing this summer.

[@SirCluck]

This is my station I come here everyday. I started jumping in happiness when you did this. That waiting room has been closed since September but I don’t no what happened before that.

[@fumthings]

one word, urination.

[@SirCluck]

@@fumthings I mean your not wrong

[@WithCars909]

I like south harrow station as it has that abandoned stub of track near it, that I find somewhat fascinating, even took a couple pics with it

[@Noob97YT]

I wondered what was the abandoned stub of track all my life

[@WithCars909]

@@Noob97YT I learnt it from when Geoff was on Londonist

[@davidhamm7909]

I used to live in South Harrow in the sixties when I was a child. I’ve been back a few times since but not for a few years. I’ve got good memories of living there. South Harrow market used to have London Underground signage (white on blue) at the entrance.

[@user-mt8do7cl1i]

Born and raised in South Harrow until I was 11, the bench halfway down the stairs was always my favourite part of the station! Glad someone else appreciates it now too 😂

[@tubetrainboy]

If you’re back in the area ever, please come and visit the lovely little roxbourne park miniature railway! 😊

[@prc789]

There's also the never used road bridge between Rayners Lane and The Roxbourne Bridge, not been back there since 1996...

[@MSavageEsq]

Haha, fond memories of the Sunday trains in the late 70s/early 80s there.

[@barttheanorak]

i love that 'viaduct' you mention. Magnificent to cross on a sunny day. Only done it a couple of times. One thing that keeps me awake at night is the daftness of having a line that both begins and ends in North London having dipped down through the centre. They should transfer it back to the District Line and the Piccadilly could go to Ealing Broadway instead (thus improving its connectivity with National Rail).

[@andymartin6457]

Thanks so much for this video, it brought back so many memories as I grew up near by. My nearest station was actually Rayners Lane, and I went to Roxbourne School, but we often visited South Harrow Market so it is great to know it is still there. I also remember drivers disappearing into the old station building and coming out with a mug of hot tea!

[@Hanzilla75]

What a beatiful and eccentric station. Thanks for covering this place with a video Geoff. I could imagine that the old spur could house an old carriage and make a unique Air BnB or meeting place.

[@HenrysAdventures]

I always enjoy visiting South Harrow Station for the reasons you mention in this video. The first time I got out there was when there were still some 1983 Stock trains in the sidings and I went to the bridge to get a closer look at them.

[@peteking8063]

Measuring widths of staircases. That’s the sort of attention to detail we love in Geoff’s videos!

[@richcolour]

Thanks for the memory lane Geoff, used this station daily as a schoolboy, 1981 to '85. Shout out to any Old Gaytonians watching!

[@oceanlnr9414]

Im sorry but Old Gaytonians? British is not a real place

[@atavachronwemberley1744]

@@oceanlnr9414 Gayton Road School, Harrow

[@sam_ua]

never been to London (maybe someday in the future), never was interested in London Tube, but at the same time never could have thought that this kind of content can be so thoroughly and professionally made, that I actually didn´t skip a single second and just want to learn more. thank you, Geoff!

[@watson956]

My grandparents (mum's parents) lived on Arundel Dr., just below the overlay lettering at 0:39 for 'Roxeth'. My family live in Ontario, Canada (and I still do), and we visited them in 1969. We got to ride the Piccadilly into London - my first time on any kind of train.

[@CornishGardenTeam]

another fab video from the orginal and best London transport film-maker.

[@King_K_Rool_]

Borough station has a random bench part of the way down the staircase to the platforms. Worked there for years and never saw a single person use it!

[@simonhorn1745]

Still enjoying the 347 bus video...its timeless. As always though another great presentation

[@jamessmith6402]

Thanks Geoff excellent video as per usual 👍

[@AllTheUnderground]

Geoff, remember when you did all Overground/DLR/tram stops in fastest time? You should do the same for the Elizabeth Line now that its open!

[@jameshastings8224]

I was a policeman in Harrow in the 80s and one of my few injuries on duty was climbing over a fence at the station and falling over the other side! Led to a 4 hour wait at Northwick Park hospital for treatment!!

[@theodavis4083]

Thanks for this Geoff. I used to Live in and around London in several different places, bit it occurs to me now that South Harrow was the only 'Only Unconnect' underground station nearest to me. It's made me feel a bit nostalgic. In fact I could go back..... if only.

[@MrGreatplum]

Great video, Geoff. I don’t think I’d even heard of this station so it’s good to get an in depth dive of it!

[@smokerjim]

My youth provided a few years of happy memories around South Harrow and the station, especially after I met the woman I'm married to...

[@LUtrainwizard]

2:44 Superloopy!

[@macstyle2012]

A great series of short videos. How about doing a playlist visiting every station inside the M25, with the history and facts about the area. I know it would be hundreds, but would be good to see them all.

[@zzzaphod8507]

Yes, could even go for All the tube Stations

[@colinhall9512]

Great, thank you, and very interesting. Been away from 'arra for 30 years now but my soul is still there.

[@martinridgway7455]

So close: Metropolitan Line West Harrow, the only unconnected station on the Uxbridge branch.

[@quintuscrinis8032]

West Harrow is quite a way from South Harrow in practice. Not much there though although interesting enough. The whole branch is marked with the ticks though because the Picadilly beyond Rayners Lane is badly served.

[@Extreme_Rice]

Yeah, West Harrow was my local station for many years. There’s not a lot around there but it must be one of very few Tube stations not in sight of a bus stop. Also has the unusual feature of completely separate entrances for the two directions.

[@MikolajCzyta]

Thank you Geoff for this impeccable video. Thanks to that, and the previous videos, I have learnt so much about these stations and when I get older, I will go and visit these places that you have mentioned. Keep going on making these videos, and you will not only make me learn things from your videos, but other people.🙂

[@ThatEmoKid2024]

My friend goes through that station everyday. Haha. Also, Ruislip Manor has a bench in the middle of the stairs, it's actually more like a cubby hole with a wooden seat in it, which I find really cool.

[@LKBRICKS1993]

Excellent video Geoff loving this series.

[@engineerjim2018]

When I first started working for a living I in 1966 this was the station I travelled from. In those days the passimeter was still in use. Apart from that it hasn’t realy changed.very much.

[@guillaumemaurice3503]

Thank you for sharing the video Geoff that was very interesting.

[@alanrobertson7217]

Lived in Rayners Lane and we often visited the market at South Harrow. Can also remember going to the gas works to collect some fuel during the big freeze.

[@brockett]

Nice Video. Having been a Piccadilly Line Motorman 1968 to 77 I drove through, but never got out for a look around most stations. However I think it is shameful the way the stations fabric is left to rot. The opening tittle window frame ... deplorable !

[@Helveticats]

Love this video Geoff-making me think about exploring the Pic Line at the weekend!

[@RichardWells1]

Great series Geoff!

[@samuellorde3080]

Awesome Video Geoff! I've been quite a big fan of you since 2014 after I watched your video about the Secrets of the Victoria Line and for the last decade, you have never failed to teach me more about the Tube and British Rail. Greetings from Vienna, Austria.😊

[@alloallie]

An Only Unconnect video on my birthday. How lovely !

[@paulos36]

Got so many memories of this station growing up. Actually get a bit sentimental.

[@officialmcdeath]

Halfway up the stairs is the place where I sit \m/

[@trevorveail]

Many of the Piccadilly line are not connected to other lines. In the 1970's I lived a few moments walk From Boston Manor tube station. From the road bridge you got a great view of Northfields carriage sheds. Early morning standing on the Western end of the London bound platform you got great views of Jumbo jets flying side by side in to Heathrow Airport. I even saw a London Transport steam locomotive in steam on the line behind the airport bound platform.

[@michellecollins-betz736]

Have you done a video of Rayners Lane? That Station has a great history to how to was named. This is my local Station. If you go into the history about Rayners Lane it's interesting.

[@quintuscrinis8032]

Is there still the Sunday pop-up cafe in Roxbourne Park Pavillion?

[@clarkfamily50383paul]

'Pnuemonia Junction'

[@ZackMurray12]

Nice video as always, Geoff!

[@EngineerLewis]

Another great entertaining video from Geoff - our on site TFL expert! Thanks so much.😁

[@teecefamilykent]

Brilliant video sir.

[@philipbrailey]

Excellent video. Very interesting.

[@kevinbargery2261]

Nice to see my old local station been up and down those stairs a few times! Sad to see the waiting rooms closed but doesn't surprise me! Used to be PC Rattle I think back in the day how about some beat bobbies now and not the plastic PCSO's who can't do anything!

[@shebsaturner9737]

My area where I live and use the station all the time. Great vid 👌

[@jameshatfield1194]

South Harrow Market used to have a fishmongers in it.Whiched used to serve live eels back in the 1950's this was my local tube station Northolt Park was my nearest mainline station which was great fun on cup finals at Wembly

[@Ahad-bj1cz]

Oh no I can’t believe I missed you 😭. Part of my daily commute.

[@smallkat99]

I used to live close by here so this was lovely and nostalgic!

[@JK-db2wj]

These are much better with you in them, thanks for taking the feedback “on board”

[@julianaylor4351]

South Harrow is an interesting place too, unusual shops, etc. The former Woolworths, also unfortunately now a former Wilkos, has a tiny courtyard, almost up against the tube line. Both shops used it for storing plants. I used to use a second hand record shop in the area, that is now gone, but I always loved that covered market. It reminded me of the long gone covered market, in Wembley, that was down a road, next to the Wembley Central lines. Half way down the stairs seats, does Christopher Robin use them? 😁

[@mikeb3018]

Keep these coming Geoff!

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Thanks for the bin bag shot!

[@davidbuick8401]

I did sort of connect here once. On my first tube journey back from school I mistakenly took a train bound for Rayners Layne instead of Hounslow West and only realised my mistake at this station. So I got out, crossed the tracks and headed back...

[@dylanburns9381]

Used to go to sixth form up the road from here. Shoutout to Tennessee Fried Chicken shop near the station

[@paulikxp]

The South Harrow shopping mall used to be home of a marvellous bus (and railway?) model shop that was run by a former conductress! It was very sad to see it go about 10 years ago or even earlier.

[@abdul201388]

WOOO!! I was waiting for you to do South Harrow. My local station. 😁😁

[@jamesabbott5242]

Awesome Video Geoff

[@neilbain8736]

I've only just got around to catching up with Only Unconnect. What a handy little project. It really could be useful for bouts of Mornington Crescent and avoiding or getting your opponent into transverse nidd.

[@SiVlog1989]

For many years, one of the last 1983 tube stock trains from the Jubilee Line sat heavily graffitied in the furthest most siding of the carriage sidings at South Harrow

[@mildlydispleased3221]

I think I speak for all of us when I say after this series we would like to see End of The Line for the Overground, Trams, DLR and Purpletrain

[@andrewsavill8205]

You've got to do Dollis Hill on the Jubilee line.

[@Ravingamer1981]

can't believe I'll be in the area in 5 days time. i will have a look at South Harrow when I'm there

[@MrDanmjack]

I used to live near there in West Harrow. I didn’t know there was an indoor station either

[@ianker7143]

I grew up in Northolt - and used to buy records (most of which I still have) from the second-hand record store in South Harrow Markets, which was on my way home from school 😁

[@gibkcoc1]

Sellanby was next to Louis fish and chips that used to do records. Only remember the cobbler in the market to be honest. Matthew Fortunes dad. Great memories

[@doretimothy]

Hello Geoff, I take it you've put the Overground going to London Bridge for the day in your diary!

[@peteking8063]

?

[@Nooticus]

Beautiful station, sadly not in the best state or situation. Great video.

[@InvictaViewUK]

Well done, a mine of interesting information as usual. *The subtitle of my latest read is Only Connect, Howards End by E.M. Forster. 👍💯🇬🇧😉

[@DeathInTheSnow]

I personally want to know what's going on with Brimsdown, Enfield Lock, Tottenham Hale, and where these extra lines are going for the extra platforms. I'm also wondering about what happened to the tracks that lead to the small arms factory and whether they'd serve as a link to the Island Village.

[@HuggyBob62]

Love the truncated spur. I wonder why they didn't shorten it to stop it needing supports.

[@BenMPMercer]

Haydons Road on the Thameslink sutton loop is a good unconnected station, and is rather least used due to it's proximity to Wimbledon

[@ricktownend9144]

Unconnected to other tube lines ... but it is connected to the Superloop express buses! (the SL9 stops just outside). Thanks for a nice video BTW

[@jeremybuck1818]

In fact a Superloop bus went by in one of Geoff's shots..

[@davidioanhedges]

So Uth Har Row Sta Tion ... is lovely

[@artursdobrecovs]

That "NOT IN USE" sign at 04:19 is actually the future stopping board for the 24TS, so will be in use sooner or later 👀

[@Sim0nTrains]

Calm down car park fans, love that, great video Geoff

[@geirmyrvagnes8718]

Half-way UP the stairs. You are too fit! 😅

[@mmrrtlr4208]

Thanks

[@heckmacbuff]

There's always a vain hope that the old station will one day be restored.

[@asldkjaslkdj]

There's a bench half way down the staircase at Ruislip Manor, go there regularly for record collecting

[@Madonsteamrailways]

The staircase is very similar to that at Golders Green!!