Behind the scenes tour of London’s hidden platforms

A brand-new behind-the-scenes tour at one of London’s tube stations will take visitors through concealed doorways and down secret pathways.

Originally opened in 1906 as a complex of four platforms to serve the Piccadilly line, Holborn station has a lot more to explore than first meets the eye.

On this new tour, hosted by London Transport Museum, ticket holders will be able to explore the expansive disused areas that lay hidden, some not seen by the public in nearly 30 years.

Led by an expert tour guide, visitors will explore closed-off areas including the two closed platforms of the former Aldwych branch. They will also enjoy an unexpected view of the Piccadilly line, complete with vintage posters, original Leslie Green Edwardian design, and an original early 20th century signaling cabin.

Written using content drawn from London Transport Museum’s extensive archive and collection, the tour will reveal the twists and turns of the 20th century as visitors hear how the station’s disused 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.

London Transport Museum will be running its exclusive Hidden London tours at Holborn from July 31, 2024.

Guided tours will take place on Wednesday to Sunday each week.

Pictured top: Disused areas of the underground tube system (Picture: London Transport Museum)