Exploring the House of Vans for the VC London takeover

Written By Chris Shirley MA FRGS

A VC London takeover of the House of Vans was an electrifying collision of two empowering worlds: the rebel spirit of VC London and the creative energy of the House of Vans. Set in the atmospheric tunnels beneath Waterloo Station, the event celebrated freedom, creativity, and inclusivity, blending motorbikes, skateboarding, art, and music into a truly unforgettable experience.

© Images by Hiatus.Design

If you’ve not heard of it, the House of Vans in Central London is an iconic cultural hub located beneath the city's bustling streets, nestled within the atmospheric tunnels of Waterloo Station.

Opened in 2014, it occupies a sprawling 30,000-square-foot space and serves as a dynamic venue celebrating creativity, community, and skate culture. Its creation is rooted in Vans' ethos of supporting artistic expression and grassroots movements.

The venue is divided into five main tunnels, each offering a unique experience. At its heart lies a fully operational skate park, featuring a street course, mini ramp, and bowl, catering to skaters of all skill levels. This makes the House of Vans a haven for London’s skateboarding community, where beginners and pros alike can ride for free.

Beyond skating, the venue is a hotspot for art, music, and film, with dedicated spaces for exhibitions, workshops, and performances. The art gallery frequently showcases works by emerging and established artists, aligning with Vans' dedication to fostering creativity. Meanwhile, the cinema tunnel hosts screenings of independent films, documentaries, and cult classics, often themed around skate culture or youth movements.

 

About VC London

VC London is a women’s motorcycle collective based in the UK, founded to create a supportive and inclusive community for female riders. Established by a group of passionate motorcyclists, VC London seeks to break down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated culture and inspire women to embrace the freedom, independence, and adventure of riding.

At its core, VC London is about building connections among women who share a love of motorcycles and adventure. The collective hosts regular meetups, ride-outs, and events that cater to riders of all skill levels, from seasoned bikers to those just starting their two-wheeled journey. The atmosphere is always welcoming, with an emphasis on encouragement and camaraderie.

You might also like:

Exploring the UK
Exploring the House of Vans for the VC London takeover
Exploring the House of Vans for the VC London takeover

Set in the atmospheric tunnels beneath Waterloo Station, the VC London takeover of the House of Vans was an electrifying collision of two empowering worlds: the rebel spirit of VC London and the creative energy of the House of Vans.

Read More →
Finding Tommy near Durham
Finding Tommy near Durham

Created by artist Ray Lonsdale, the Tommy Statue, officially titled "1101," is a striking war memorial located in Seaham, County Durham, England.

Read More →
Exploring the incredible Dover Castle
Exploring the incredible Dover Castle

Often referred to as the "Key to England”, Dover Castle, located in Kent, England, is one of the most iconic and historically significant castles in the UK.

Read More →
Experiencing the grandeur of an empty Windsor Castle in winter
Experiencing the grandeur of an empty Windsor Castle in winter

Windsor Castle, located in Berkshire, England, is the world's oldest and largest inhabited castle, serving as a royal residence for over 1,000 years and remaining an official home of the British monarch.

Read More →
Seeing the remarkable Royal Observatory Greenwich in Central London
Seeing the remarkable Royal Observatory Greenwich in Central London

The Royal Observatory Greenwich, located in London, England, is a historic site of immense scientific significance.

Read More →
Locating Shackleton’s boat, the James Caird, at Dulwich College
Locating Shackleton’s boat, the James Caird, at Dulwich College

The James Caird, a 23-foot lifeboat, is one of the most significant artifacts from Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary 1914–1917 Endurance Expedition to Antarctica.

Read More →
Finding the Robert Burns (aka 'The Bard') statue in central London
Finding the Robert Burns (aka 'The Bard') statue in central London

Robert Burns, born on January 25, 1759, in Alloway, Scotland, is celebrated as one of Scotland's greatest poets and lyricists, and his significant cultural influence is commemorated with a statue on Victoria Embankment Gardens.

Read More →
Exploring the stunning Barbican Conservatory (like a movie set!)
Exploring the stunning Barbican Conservatory (like a movie set!)

The Barbican Conservatory in London is a hidden oasis nestled within the brutalist architecture of the Barbican Centre, one of the city's most renowned cultural landmarks.

Read More →
Marking the 100-year anniversary of Mallory and Irvine’s disappearance on the 1924 Everest expedition at the Royal Geographical Society (RGS)
Marking the 100-year anniversary of Mallory and Irvine’s disappearance on the 1924 Everest expedition at the Royal Geographical Society (RGS)

With a few days in London, I decided to make a trip the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) to catch a special exhibition showcasing photographs from the ill-fated Everest expedition of 1924 where George Mallory and Andrew "Sandy" Irvine sadly disappeared.

Whilst having a huge interest in mountaineering and Everest, I didn’t know much about the early Everest expeditions not least the 1924 one.

Read More →
Seeing the Longest Johns live in Bristol
Seeing the Longest Johns live in Bristol

If you’ve not heard of them, ‘The Longest Johns’ are a vocal group from Bristol, that came together through a shared passion for folk music, sea shanties, and maritime rock. Comprising Andy Yates, Dave Robinson, Jonathan “JD” Darley, and Robbie Sattin, the quartet began their musical journey by performing traditional songs and their own original compositions.

Read More →
Seeing the Bolt’s Law standing engine, near Rookhope, in Weardale
Seeing the Bolt’s Law standing engine, near Rookhope, in Weardale

The information plaque mounted nearby highlights that it was made in 1846 by the Weardale Iron Company and was part of the Bolt's Law Railway Incline, the highest standard-gauge railway in the UK at the time, designed to transport iron ore and limestone from Rookhope to Tow Law Ironworks.

Read More →
Exploring the stunning Crag Lough
Exploring the stunning Crag Lough

Crag Lough is a picturesque lake nestled within the Northumberland National Park in Northumberland, England. It's renowned for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by rugged crags and lush greenery, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hikers, climbers, and birdwatchers.

Read More →
A stroll around the stunning Cawfields Quarry
A stroll around the stunning Cawfields Quarry

On my way to find the Haughton Green bothy, I stumbled upon the stunning Cawfields Quarry, a former limestone quarry within the Northumberland National Park.

In addition to its calming atmosphere Cawfields Quarry has historical significance.

The site contains remnants of Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD to fortify their northern frontier in Britain. Hadrian's Wall runs along the northern edge of the quarry, and visitors can explore the remains of the wall and the nearby milecastle.

Read More →
Seeing the Sycamore gap tree remnants
Seeing the Sycamore gap tree remnants

Seeing the Sycamore gap tree remnants was a truly sad experience.

Read More →
Checking out ‘HR4K’ in Hereford
Checking out ‘HR4K’ in Hereford

HR4K is more than just a shop, gym, cafe, or hangout space; it's a vibrant lifestyle brand that brings together individuals who share common interests and values.

Founded by Ben Garwood, a former 22 SAS operator, HR4K serves as a community-focused hub where good people come together to connect, collaborate, and cultivate strong networks.

Read More →
National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire
National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is a poignant and tranquil space dedicated to honouring the memory of those who have served and sacrificed for their country. Located near the village of Alrewas, the arboretum spans 150 acres (about 85 football pitches for context) of beautifully landscaped grounds, offering a place for remembrance, reflection, and commemoration.

Read More →
Seeing the ‘Angel of the North’ up close
Seeing the ‘Angel of the North’ up close

If you’ve never heard if it before, the Angel of the North is a massive contemporary sculpture located in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England.

It was designed by the British sculptor Antony Gormley (Sir Antony Mark David Gormley OBE RA to use his full title!), it stands at an impressive height of 20 meters (66 feet) with a wingspan of 54 meters (177 feet). The sculpture was completed in 1998 and is situated on a hill overlooking the A1 and A167 roads, making it a prominent landmark visible to travellers passing through the area.

Read More →
Seeing Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
Seeing Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the most iconic literary landmarks in the world. It's the house where William Shakespeare, arguably the greatest playwright and poet in the English language, was born and spent his childhood. The house is located on Henley Street in Stratford-upon-Avon, a picturesque town in Warwickshire, England.

Read More →
Stepping aboard Royal Navy warship, HMS Belfast, in central London
Stepping aboard Royal Navy warship, HMS Belfast, in central London

In April 2024, I was lucky to be invited aboard the decommissioned Royal Navy warship, HMS Belfast to see and experience a ‘pusser’s grey’ for the first time since I left the Royal Marines.

I you’ve never been aboard, this is fascinating physical journey through history, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the legacy of this iconic warship. As you explore her nine decks (yep, nine!), each step echoes with the stories of courage and sacrifice of those who served aboard her.

Read More →
Experiencing the Duke of York pub in Devon, where ‘WarHorse’ came to be
Experiencing the Duke of York pub in Devon, where ‘WarHorse’ came to be

During a trip to explore Dartmoor, I got to visit the Duke of York pub located in the village of Iddesleigh in Devon, renowned its association with the acclaimed British author Michael Morpurgo, who often frequented the pub.

The Duke of York pub holds a special place in the history of "War Horse" as Morpurgo reportedly got the idea for the novel from a veteran he met in the pub who shared his experiences of World War I and the role of horses in the conflict.

Read More →
Hiking a lap of Fernworthy reservoir on Dartmoor
Hiking a lap of Fernworthy reservoir on Dartmoor

Fernworthy Reservoir in Dartmoor National Park near Chagford in Devon, is approximately 28 hectares (69 acres) and an incredible hike amidst the rugged beauty of one of England’s national parks.

Read More →
Seeing the stunning Durham castle
Seeing the stunning Durham castle

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle stands on top of a hill overlooking the River Wear and is next to Durham Cathedral, forming one of the most iconic views in the city.

Read More →
Traversing the Hedleyhope Fell Nature Reserve
Traversing the Hedleyhope Fell Nature Reserve

Hedleyhope Fell Nature Reserve, nestled in County Durham, England, is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) covering approximately 71 hectares, owing to its profound ecological significance.

Read More →
Exploring the impressive Brancepeth Castle in County Durham
Exploring the impressive Brancepeth Castle in County Durham

Brancepeth Castle is a historic castle located in County Durham, England. It stands near the village of Brancepeth, about 5 miles southwest of Durham City and has a rich history dating back to the 12th century.

Read More →
Seeing the Low Barns nature reserve in Country Durham
Seeing the Low Barns nature reserve in Country Durham

Low Barns Nature Reserve is nestled along the banks of the River Wear in County Durham and stands as a testament to the transformative power of nature and conservation.

Read More →
Chris Shirley MA FRGS

About the Author:

Chris is the founder of Hiatus.Design, a strategic branding, design and communications company that works with clients all over the world.

He is a former Royal Marines Commando officer, former risk advisor to the BBC and is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS).

Chris has travelled in over 60 countries, achieved his second Guinness World Record for an Atlantic Ocean rowing expedition, a Marathon des Sables finisher, and has worked with Hollywood actors, world–renowned musical artists and TV personalities.

https://www.hiatus.design
Next

Finding Tommy near Durham