Hidden Tube Tour – Piccadilly Circus: The Heart of London

When you think of London’s iconic landmarks, Piccadilly Circus probably comes to mind—bright billboards, bustling crowds, and a sense of vibrant city life. But beneath this lively square lies a lesser-known world, a series of secret tunnels and historic spaces that most visitors never get to see. For about $60 and just over an hour, the Hidden Tube Tour offers a rare peek into the underground of one of London’s most famous stations, led by expert guides from the London Transport Museum.

This tour is a careful balance of fascinating stories and authentic architecture. We love how it pulls back the curtain on disused tunnels that have been closed since 1929, revealing original Edwardian features that have stood the test of time. Another highlight is hearing about the station’s role during wartime, when it served as a shelter for Londoners seeking refuge from bombings.

A possible consideration? The tour involves walking, and some areas have low lighting, uneven ground, and stairs, so it’s not suited for everyone—especially those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. But if you’re comfortable with a bit of walking and love hidden history, this experience offers a genuine and engaging adventure for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

If you enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path locations and want a behind-the-scenes look at London’s underground infrastructure, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s especially popular among those who appreciate detailed storytelling and authentic, rarely-seen spaces.

Key Points

• Underground Access: Explore disused tunnels and hidden areas of Piccadilly Circus station, closed to the public for nearly a century.
• Historical Stories: Hear about wartime sheltering and secret storage of priceless artefacts, bringing history vividly to life.
• Authentic Design: Discover original Edwardian features that showcase early 20th-century underground architecture.
• Expert Guides: Led by knowledgeable guides from the London Transport Museum, ensuring engaging, accurate storytelling.
• Limited Accessibility: Involves walking and stairs, not suitable for those with claustrophobia or mobility challenges.
• Cost and Duration: At $60.61 per person for 75 minutes, it offers a unique, intimate look into London’s underground world.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Hidden Tube Tour

What Makes This Tour Special?

Most travelers who visit Piccadilly Circus are drawn to the surface: the neon signs, the busy streets, and the iconic statue. But beneath this, there’s a network of tunnels and spaces that tell their own stories. This tour expertly guides you behind secret doors into parts of the station long closed off from regular passengers. It’s a rare chance to see disused passenger tunnels that haven’t been open since 1929.

What sets this experience apart is the combination of history, architecture, and stories of wartime resilience. The guides, drawn from the London Transport Museum’s team of experts, weave fascinating narratives of Londoners sheltering during air raids and the station’s role in the city’s underground infrastructure.

The Itinerary: What Will You See?

The tour begins at the bottom of Exit 4 of Piccadilly Circus station, a corner familiar to many — next to the Criterion Restaurant on Shaftesbury Avenue and Coventry Street. From here, you’ll step behind secret doors into passageways and lift shafts that have been untouched by the public for nearly a century.

One of the highlights includes seeing original Edwardian design features, such as decorative tiling, vintage signage, and platform architecture that showcases the engineering of the early 20th century. These details offer a tangible link to the station’s past and are a visual delight for architecture lovers.

Another significant aspect is uncovering the station’s wartime history. During WWII, many stations, including Piccadilly Circus, served as air-raid shelters. Guides share stories of Londoners seeking refuge from bombs, and you might find remnants or references to those times in the tunnels.

The tour also delves into top-secret storage, where priceless artefacts and equipment were hidden from enemy eyes. Such stories add a sense of intrigue and demonstrate the station’s strategic importance during turbulent times.

The Experience: What to Expect

Expect a walk of about 75 minutes, covering areas of uneven ground, low lighting, and some stairs — no elevators here. The tour requires sturdy footwear and a willingness to walk through tight or dimly lit spaces.

The group sizes tend to be small, which provides a more personalized experience. Since the guide is in English, it’s best if you’re comfortable with listening to detailed narrations while navigating narrow corridors.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authenticity and Value

Many reviews praise the expertise and enthusiasm of the guides. For instance, one reviewer noted that their guide was “very informative and enthusiastic,” which made the experience both educational and fun. Another called it “an incredible experience,” highlighting the engaging storytelling about the station’s history.

At a price of around $60 for a 75-minute tour, the value is quite high considering the access to hidden spaces and the depth of stories shared. It’s a niche experience, but for those interested in London’s underground infrastructure, history of wartime sheltering, or vintage architecture, it’s well worth the price.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This tour appeals most to history enthusiasts, architecture fans, and curious travelers who want an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at London’s underground. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with walking and don’t mind a little physical activity in dim or uneven spaces.

It’s also perfect for those who enjoy storytelling, as guides share lively anecdotes that bring the station’s past to life. However, it’s not suited for young children under 10, or anyone with claustrophobia or mobility issues.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For a modest fee, this Hidden Tube Tour of Piccadilly Circus offers a rare glimpse into the London Underground’s secret past. It’s a great choice for travelers who want more than just surface-level sightseeing — those eager to uncover stories of wartime sheltering and see authentic Edwardian features.

The experience is educational, engaging, and full of surprises. The knowledgeable guides make history accessible and fun without overloading you with facts—just enough to keep you captivated. If you’re a lover of hidden histories or vintage architecture, this tour will leave you with a new appreciation for London’s underground infrastructure.

For anyone curious about London’s lesser-known stories, or simply looking for a memorable, off-the-beaten-path adventure, this tour hits the mark.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best suited for children aged 10 and above, as the tour involves walking, stairs, and some narrow spaces. It’s not ideal for very young children or those with claustrophobia.

How long does the tour take?
The guided tour lasts about 75 minutes, covering underground tunnels, disused areas, and architectural features.

Does the tour include access to all parts of the station?
It provides access to disused tunnels and secret areas that are normally closed to the public, but not the entire station.

Is there an opportunity to see original Edwardian features?
Yes, the guides point out original design elements from the early 20th century, including tiling and station architecture.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring your passport or ID card and wear sturdy shoes. Remember, no food, drinks, or luggage are allowed on the tour.

This Hidden Tube Tour is a fantastic way to see the unseen side of London, blending history, architecture, and storytelling. If you’re intrigued by the underground world and enjoy learning about wartime resilience, it’s a memorable addition to your London itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: