It’s been an entire decade since the London Transport Museum launched its very first Hidden London tour. Over the past ten years, these fascinating tours have allowed an abundance of locomotive-lovers to get up close and personal with some of the most secretive spots on the transport network. And next month, to commemorate the Hidden London tours reaching double digits, the museum is giving some very lucky Londoners the chance to journey into an area of the London Underground that’s very rarely been seen by the general public before.
That’s right, folks. On June 12, for one day only, the ultimate Hidden London tours are taking place. Some fortunate folk will be able to hop aboard a 1996-stock Jubilee Line trainand venture into the overrun tunnel at Charing Cross Station. A tunnel that is usually only accessible to operational staff.
Charing Cross: Into the Overrun
When the Jubilee Line was initially constructed, its terminus was at Charing Cross. The line was originally set to be extended through the City of London – and in preparation, tunnels were built in the direction of Aldwych. Unfortunately, all didn’t go to plan, and when the Jubilee Line was extended, it headed south of the River Thames instead – meaning that the tunnel beneath The Strand was left unused. Well, not completely. Being lengthy enough to fit two full-length trains at once, the tunnel has since been used to store empty trains. But its rarely been used or seen by the general public. Until now, that is…
The Charing Cross: Into the Overrun tour will see passengers taken down to a disused platform at Charing Cross that’s been closed since 1999 (it sounds more sinister than it is, I promise). They’ll hear from four members of London Transport Museum staff before hopping aboard the Jubilee Line train, and journeying into an ultra secretive section of the London Underground.
Passengers will have the chance to learn more about the transport network’s rich historytest their existing knowledge, snap some once-in-a-life time photos, and have a jolly old time. As I’m sure you can imagine, tickets for the tour don’t come particularly cheap. Standard tickets will set you back £99and the premium tickets cost £125 (but include access to the driver’s cabin – ooh la la).
Find out more and book your ticket here.
