First opened in 1863, the London Underground was the world’s first underground passenger railway. The best way to dive into the history and stories of this iconic network is on a guided tour.
The London Underground – or ‘tube’ as locals call it – is more than a way to get from A to B, it’s a landmark in its own right. Home to some of the world’s deepest, quirkiest and most beautiful stations, it’s a minefield of remarkable stories and facts. A guided tour gives visitors the chance to explore some of the most important stops on the network while learning all about the history of the lines. From abandoned railway stations to Blitz hideouts, there are plenty of eyebrow-raising anecdotes to enjoy too. We’ve selected three of the best London underground tours to help you make the most of your time in London.
Secrets of the London Underground Walking Tour
Visitors are invited to explore some of the city’s oldest stations (Photo: Get Your Guide)
This two-hour tour offers a fascinating introduction to London’s iconic tube network. Starting in Baker Street, the world’s first underground railway station, the tour wizzes across zone 1 and zone 2, stopping at some of the city’s most famous underground stations. Experienced local guides share the history of the beloved ‘tube’ and its evolution, with insights into how the trains moved from steam power to electricity, the story of the famous roundel and the tales of a station that lies above the remains of more than 1000 bodies. Tour prices include an experienced tour guide, but travel passes (oyster cards) should be purchased separately. From £23 per person.
Two hour Underground Tube Tour
The London Underground’s iconic roundel (Photo: Get Your Guide)
For train and engineering enthusiasts, this two-hour tour is ideal. Also starting at Baker Street Station, this small-group tour focuses on the construction and history of the underground. An experienced guide with more than two decades of in-depth knowledge shares entertaining anecdotes along the way, with fascinating stories about London’s little-known ‘abandoned’ stations. Highlights include a quick peek at an abandoned tube station and a trip to one of the oldest platforms on the system. Tour prices include an experienced tour guide, but travel passes (oyster cards) should be purchased separately. From £46 per person.
Private Underground and Tube Tour
The changing-face of London’s oldest statins (Photo: Get Your Guide)
If you prefer to have your guides all to yourself, this private tour is an excellent option. The tour begins at Paddington Station and then winds across the city stopping at some of the city’s most famous, beautiful and peculiar stations. An expert guide will share stories and anecdotes about the history of the railway, touching on who used to own each railway and the demise of steam-run engines. You’ll also get to hear all about some of the city’s most famous abandoned stations. Tour prices include an experienced tour guide, but travel passes (oyster cards) should be purchased separately. From £92 per person.
By Allie d’Almo