Secrets of the London Underground Small Group Walking Tour

London , United Kingdom

Secrets of the London Underground Small Group Walking Tour

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About this experience

On this fantastic walking tour you'll join our expert guide for a tour of the world's oldest underground system. Learn all about the history of the 'Tube' as you travel through history from one of London's earliest, original stations to its newest and most futuristic. Hear how the networks was built and the variety of roles it has filled in its long history. Fans of trivia and fun facts will also hear some interesting facts along the way.

Available options

Secrets of the London Underground Small Group Walking Tour

What's included

Visit one of the underground's original stations, opened in 1863

Hear about the haunted and disused stations that are left abandoned on the network

Learn about the variety of roles the underground has played

Hear how the underground system was built during the Victorian era before advances in technology

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The tour begins at the historic Baker Street Station, one of the original stops on the Metropolitan Railway, the world's first underground railway.

Stop 2

Oxford Circus Station - Construction began in 1962 on the initial Walthamstow to Victoria section, where cross-platform interchange were to be provided at Oxford Circus. The Victoria line platforms opened on 7 March 1969. The station opened as part of a second extension from Warren Street to Victoria.

Stop 3

Green Park, Down Street Station - It was opened in 1907 by the Great Northern, Piccadilly and Brompton Railway. It was latterly served by the Piccadilly line and was situated between Dover Street (now named Green Park) and Hyde Park Corner stations. ... Its lack of patronage coupled with its proximity to other stations resulted in its closure in 1932.

Stop 4

Picadilly Circus Station - Jump to History - History. The station was opened on 10 March 1906 by the Baker Street and Waterloo Railway (now the Bakerloo line) with the platforms of the Great Northern, Piccadilly and Brompton Railway (now the Piccadilly line) being opened on 15 December 1906.

Embankment Station - History of Embankment Embankment runs from the City of Westminster right up to the City of London along the north bank of the River Thames, and was originally developed in the 19th Century to reclaim marshy land from the river banks.

Stop 6

Westminster Tube Station - Image result for history of Westminster Tube Station

The station was opened as Westminster Bridge on 24 December 1868 by the steam-operated District Railway (DR) (now the District line) when the railway opened the first section of its line from South Kensington. ... Access to the station was via a passageway from Bridge Street and a pedestrian subway under the road.

What's not included

Travel cards are not provided. Please purchase a day travel card (Zones 1 – 2)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.0

20 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Contactless cards/Oyster Cards/Travel Cards (valid for Zone 1) are required and are not included

Please note this is a walking tour that includes many steps so is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility

Days of operation : Apr-March Tues, Thurs, Sun except 24-26 December and 1st January

Meeting point

Tour Starts 1.00 pm, Baker Street Station, Marylebone Road, London, UK (Please meet the guide by the Sherlock Holmes statue outside Baker Street station)
Directions: Underground: Bakerloo, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines

Important notes

Starts: 1:00 pm (meeting at 12:50 pm), Baker Street Station, Marylebone Road, London, UK (Please meet the guide by the Sherlock Holmes statue outside Baker Street station)
Finishes: 3:30 pm (approx.) at Westminster Underground Station
Please note: Guests will need an Oyster Card/Travelcard valid for Zone 1 to participate in the tour (not included)
Please note this is a walking tour that includes many steps so is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility

About London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.

Historical 2-3 hours £28 (adult ticket)

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.

Historical 1-2 hours £27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)

The British Museum

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)

The London Eye

A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.

Entertainment 30 minutes £27-£33 (adult ticket)

Westminster Abbey

A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.

Religious 1-2 hours £27 (adult ticket)

Tower Bridge

An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Architecture 1-2 hours £11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.

Snack Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Kayaking on the Thames Cycling tours Afternoon tea Spas and wellness centers Punting on the River Cam Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center

By train

London Waterloo, London King's Cross

By bus

Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon

Getting around

Public transport

The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Westminster Camden Town Soho Notting Hill Shoreditch Greenwich

Day trips

Windsor Castle

34 km from London • Half day to full day

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.

Stonehenge

130 km from London • Full day

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Brighton

80 km from London • Full day

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Festivals

Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August London Film Festival • October New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31

Pro tips

Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets