SideTracked - Belsize Park
SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breathtaking view. It's a distraction for the weary traveler, but anyone else can go and find it too. More Information can be found at the SideTracked Website.
Belsize Park Tube Station
Belsize Park is a London Underground station in Belsize Park, north-west London. It is on the Edgware branch of the Northern Line, between Hampstead and Chalk Farm stations, and is in fare Zone 2. It stands at the northern end of Haverstock Hill. In July 2011 it became a Grade II listed building.
The Royal Free Hospital is located a short distance to the north of the station.
The station was opened on 22 June 1907 by the Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway as an intermediate station on its line from Charing Cross to Golders Green. It is served by three lifts which descend 33.2 metres (109 ft) to the platforms. The platforms can also be reached by stairs (219 steps).
The station was designed by Leslie Green in ‘modern style’ and has its familiar facade of ox-blood faience with five round arched windows. It remained largely untouched until the late 1980s when the lifts were replaced and a new ticketing system installed.
Curious fact #1
It is the only London Underground station with the letter ‘z’ in its name.
Curious fact #2
It was previously the site of the Trewint Industrial Home for girls.
Curious fact #3
Belsize Park is one of eight London Underground stations which have deep-level air-raid shelters underneath them. The shelter was constructed in World War II to provide safe accommodation for service personnel. Entrances to the shelter are at the junction of Haverstock Hill and Downside Crescent and off Haverstock Hill.
Curious fact #4
The staircase at Belsize Park tube station is the scene of the eponymous homicide in Mavis Doriel Hay’s 1934 murder mystery novel Murder Underground.
Curious fact #5
The station appears in the Coldplay pop video for the song "Paradise".
About the Cache
You’ll be looking for a magnetic cache.
BYOP, the cache has only a log strip for you to sign your find, but no pen/pencil.
About Hampstead_Twins
We are Hampstead locals and have recently discovered geocaching activity. As we are delighted with the place where we live and with the stories we find in every corner of this locality, we decided to share some curious facts about our neighbourhood and encourage geocaching activity in the region. We hope you enjoy.
If you found any errors, had any ideas for improvement while doing the route or even just want to talk with us and encourage more caches like this one, feel free to send us a message. We will respond to everyone as soon as possible. Let’s get in touch.
What’s Next?
Did you like what you saw here? If you haven't already, how about keep enjoying your time in Belsize Park and try to find another cache? Look for ‘Kayleigh’ cache and have fun!