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Walk: Half Day Tour – No: 13844
On this fantastic Small Group Experience, you’ll join an Evan Evans Expert Guide to explore 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. Explore how the network was built and the variety of roles it has filled in its long history, and hear some interesting and fun facts along the way.
The London Underground, or the ‘Tube’ as it is more commonly known, is more than just a transport network- it is an icon of London and the lifeblood of the city; every year, more than 1.3 billion passengers journeys are made across its 270 stations.
Beginning with the construction of the Thames Tunnel in 1843, the world’s first tunnel built underneath a river and dubbed ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’, the 175-year history of the London Underground is an eventful one full of world-firsts, stories and urban legends.
The Experience begins at the historic Baker Street Station, one of the original stops on the Metropolitan Railway, the world’s first underground railway. During the course of the Experience, your Expert Guide will bring the fascinating history of the London Underground to life as they tell the story of the ‘Tube’s’ evolution, including:
• How trains moved from steam-powered to electrified rails
• How the very first tunnels were dug and built by hand before advancements in technology were made
• The evolving nature of the underground over the years, from the world’s most popular tourist attraction to cargo network and public transport system
• Why more than 40 stations have been left abandoned
• The story of the famous ’roundel’ underground symbol
With such a long and varied history, there’s also something for fans of trivia and fun facts, including:
• Which station lies above the remains of 1000 bodies
• How it was re-purposed and used as a refuge over 170,000 people during the Blitz of WWII, as well as an aircraft factory and storage for the treasures of the British Museum
• The variety of animals spotted on the system, including a species that can only be found on the underground
• Who was the first Monarch to ride the ‘Tube’
• Which stations are reputed to be haunted by the ghosts of a murdered actor, a Pharaoh’s daughter and even a nun
Your Experience will conclude at Westminster Underground Station, serviced by the Jubilee, Circle and District Lines.
Additional Information
Travel card is not included with this tour. This tour has elements where you will require to use London Underground. Please ensure you have a valid travelcard before joining the tour.
Schedule:
Every Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday
Tour Starts: 13.00 hrs from Sherlock Holmes Statue, outside to Baker Street Underground Station. Please arrive by 12.45 hrs.
Tour Finishes: approx 15.30hrs at Westminster Underground Station.
*Part of this tour involves using the London Underground so it is recommended clients have a suitable travelcard*
