London: Hidden Tube Tour of Holborn's Secret Platforms
ID: GYG773886-1242990
Category:
Country: United Kingdom
Duration:
01:25 hours
Description
Join expert tour guides to uncover the secrets of Holborn station, a busy tube station interchange at the heart of London with much more to explore than first meets the eye.
London Transport Museum, the world's leading museum of urban transport, invites you to take this exclusive Hidden London guided tour. Originally opened in 1906 as a complex of four platforms to serve the Piccadilly line, this station had a pivotal role in turning the surrounding area from a land of ill repute into a prime business district for London.
Step behind concealed doors with one of our expert tour guides and into the expansive disused areas that lay behind, some not seen by the public in nearly 30 years. Enjoy an unexpected view of the Piccadilly line and explore the two closed platforms of the former Aldwych branch line, complete with vintage posters, original Leslie Green Edwardian design, and an original early 20th century signalling cabin.
Along the way you’ll relive the twists and turns of the 20th century as you hear how these spaces came to be used in surprising ways over the years, including as scientific laboratories, providing shelter for London Transport staff in wartime, and even housing a model rail club.
You’ll learn how staff members may have felt working there during the height of the Blitz, how the big modernization project of the 1930s led to the closure of nearby British Museum station, and how the station is still playing a key role in the future of the London Underground today as part of a massive upgrading project of the signaling system.
Highlights
- Step behind the scenes of this busy station located in the centre of London
- Hear about the little-used Aldwych branch and see platforms closed for 30 years
- Learn about the modernization program of the 1930s
- Hear first-hand accounts of those that worked in and used the station and Aldwych branch
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Strictly for visitors over 10 years old - under 10s will not be permitted
There is a maximum of four children (aged 10-15 yrs) allowed per adult
The tour involves a lot of walking, including walking in areas with uneven ground, low lighting, and stairs. There are no elevators
The meeting point for this tour is on the corner of Gate Street and Kingsway, WC2B 6AA.
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When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
