Hidden Tube Walking Tour - Clapham South Subterranean Shelter
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Explore this vast and unique subterranean space beneath Clapham South station where thousands sheltered during the Second World War.
Expert guides will take you 30 metres under ground to the warren of tunnels where you can experience life as a wartime shelterer did over 80 years ago.
Available options
Hidden Tube Walking Tour - Clapham South Subterranean Shelter
What's included
75 minute guided tour of the Clapham South disused Second World War subterranean air raid shelter
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Step back in time and tour of one of the eight deep level shelters built in London during the Second World War. Opened in 1944, this secret underground maze was designed to protect over 8,000 people, featuring canteens, medical stations, and sleeping quarters all hidden beneath London’s streets. Discover this fascinating history with two expert guides, including one portraying a 1940s warden to share a first hand account of what it was like to work and shelter there during the war. Retrace the footsteps of wartime South Londoners spending their first night there, get a sense of what the space looked and felt like 80 years ago thanks to meticulously recreated spaces such as the warden’s booth and canteen.
What's not included
Transportation to and from the site - please make your own way to the tour
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
4.5
22 reviews
5★
18
4★
2
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not suitable for children under 10 years old
There is a maximum of four children (aged 10-15 yrs) allowed per adult
All guests must bring photo ID
Open-toed shoes are not allowed
Please do not bring luggage or large bags - there is no cloakroom
The tour involves a lot of walking, including areas of uneven ground and low lighting
Tours are not suitable for guests with claustrophobia
Tours are not step free and including walking up and down flights of stairs
There's no elevator
No food or drinks allowed on the tour
Meeting point
The meeting point for this tour is in front of the Marks & Spencer Food Hall on Balham HIII, SW12 9EA. This is about a 2 minute walk from Clapham South tube station - just turn to the right upon exiting.
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Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour time.
Important notes
Tours are not suitable for children under 10 years of age and there is a maximum of four children (aged 10-15 yrs) allowed per adult.
The meeting point is in front of the Marks & Spencer Food Hall on Balham Hill, SW12 9EA. This is about a 2 minute walk from Clapham South station - just turn to the right upon exiting.
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Please arrive 15 minutes before the time on your ticket, a member of the Hidden London team will meet you on arrival.
All guests must bring photo ID.
Open-toed shoes are not allowed.
No food or drinks (except bottled water) allowed on the tour.
Please do not bring luggage or large bags - there is no cloakroom.
Tours are not step free and include a lot of walking including up and down flights of stairs, there's no elevator. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
There are areas of uneven ground and low lighting.
Tours are not suitable for guests with claustrophobia.
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
From $25
per person
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