Turnpike Lane

Turnpike Lane is a Piccadilly line station in north London that serves both as a commuter stop and as a major bus interchange for the surrounding Haringey area. The station sits at the southern edge of the Wood Green and Turnpike Lane shopping district - a busy and well-used commercial area that serves the surrounding north London suburbs with a mix of high-street retail, food and local services.

The main attraction accessible from Turnpike Lane is Alexandra Palace, which is reached by bus in about 15 minutes. Alexandra Palace - "Ally Pally" to north Londoners - is a Victorian entertainment venue that dominates the ridge above Wood Green and Muswell Hill, visible from many parts of north London. The original building opened in 1873 as a "people's palace" for popular entertainment and the BBC began the world's first public television broadcasts from the transmitter mast here in 1936. The current programming includes concerts, boxing, exhibitions, ice skating and the famous weekly flea market. The surrounding park covers 196 acres with views south over London on clear days.

Green Lanes - the long road running through this part of Haringey - passes near the station and is lined with Turkish restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets, extending the food scene described at the Manor House stop to the south.

Station Overview

Turnpike Lane opened in 1932 as part of the Piccadilly line Cockfosters extension. It sits in Zone 3 and serves the Piccadilly line only. The station is not step-free. It is a significant bus interchange with connections to Alexandra Palace, Wood Green and surrounding suburbs.

Lines and Connectivity

The Piccadilly line (dark blue) connects south to Wood Green (one stop), Manor House, Finsbury Park and King's Cross (approximately 17 minutes). Northbound trains run to Wood Green, Bounds Green, Arnos Grove and toward Cockfosters.

Facilities

Turnpike Lane has a shop and an information point. Wood Green High Road, nearby, provides extensive food and retail options.

Accessibility

Turnpike Lane is not step-free. Wood Green (one stop north) has step-free access on the Piccadilly line and is the nearest accessible station.

Travel Tips

• For Alexandra Palace, take the bus from outside the station - several routes reach the palace in about 15 minutes
• Alexandra Palace park is free to enter at all times; the ice rink and event programmes have separate charges
• Wood Green High Road (also accessible from Wood Green station, one stop north) has extensive shopping and food options
• For step-free access, use Wood Green (one stop north) rather than Turnpike Lane

Nearby Attractions

Alexandra Palace and Park - 15 minutes by bus. Victorian entertainment venue and 196-acre park on the Haringey ridge. Ice rink, concerts, weekly market and panoramic London views. Park free; events vary.

Wood Green High Road - 10 minutes walk or one stop on Piccadilly. Busy north London high street with extensive shopping and food.

Chestnuts Park - 10 minutes walk. Local park with sports facilities and community events.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

The Piccadilly line runs from approximately 05:00 to midnight. Turnpike Lane is busy during rush hours and when Alexandra Palace events are running. Check Alexandra Palace's events calendar before visiting - the building operates year-round but specific events require tickets.