London Transport Museum has launched a brand new behind the scenes tour of Baker Street, one of the world’s first underground railway stations, as part of its celebrations to mark the 160th anniversary of the Tube.
When it first opened 160 years ago in 1863, the Metropolitan line was a pioneering solution to the congestion causing chaos on London’s busy streets. Baker Street is one of the seven original stations to open to the public along the line. Today, the busy station is home to 5 underground lines and 10 platforms, the most on the Underground network. But hidden just out of sight from commuters and concealed behind locked doors lie reminders of the forward-thinkers who built the world’s first underground railway.
On this brand new Hidden London tour, London Transport Museum’s expert guides will unlock the door to its fascinating past.
Ticket holders will be taken on an historical journey to hear what the very first Victorian passengers thought of underground travel and how the Underground grew and expanded over the next 16 decades. They will also learn how Baker Street has served not only passengers over the years, but also London Underground staff.
Guests will have the chance to explore closed-off parts of the station, including original platforms, disused lift shafts and corridors that lay hidden in plain sight – some of which last accessed by the public over 75 years ago in 1945. They’ll also step behind the scenes to learn about the station’s history as the Operational Headquarters for London Underground – including details of staff recreational facilities such as a canteen and rifle range – and to hear first-hand accounts from those who worked there over the years.
London Transport Museum will be running its exclusive Hidden London tours at Baker Street between 6 September and 29 December 2023. Guided tours will take place on Wednesday to Sunday each week. Tickets cost £44 and can be purchased on the Museum’s website. Concessions are available.
All Hidden London tours are written by historical experts from London Transport Museum and based on content drawn from the Museum’s extensive archive and collection. The tours were named ’Best Hidden Gem in the World’ at the Tiqets’ Remarkable Venue Awards 2022 by public vote.
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