London: Hidden Tube Tour of Holborn’s Secret Platforms

Imagine walking through a bustling, modern London underground station and stumbling into passages and platforms that have been closed for decades. For £60.61 per person, you can do just that on this 85-minute guided tour of Holborn Station, led by expert guides who love sharing the station’s lesser-known stories and secrets.

This isn’t your typical underground ride. Instead, it’s a behind-the-scenes journey through disused platforms, vintage signage, and wartime shelters. What we love most about this experience is the chance to see original Leslie Green architecture, and hear firsthand accounts of staff who worked there during the Blitz. The tour is ideal for anyone who’s curious about London’s transport history, secret spaces, or vintage engineering.

One potential drawback? The tour involves a fair amount of walking in dim, uneven spaces with stairs and no elevators. If you’re not comfortable with that, this might not be the best fit. But for those who enjoy exploring hidden corners of the city with knowledgeable guides, this tour offers genuine value and authentic stories.

This experience suits history buffs, transport enthusiasts, and curious travelers looking for a unique London adventure. If you appreciate detailed storytelling and a chance to step into the past, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Exclusive access to hidden and disused parts of Holborn station
• Learn about the Aldwych branch and its 30-year closure
• Discover vintage station design, posters, and original signalling equipment
• Hear personal stories from station workers and wartime shelters
• Ideal for those interested in London’s transport history and architecture
• A physically active tour requiring walking, stairs, and low lighting

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Hidden Tube Tour

Holborn Station is a busy interchange in central London, but most travelers only see the surface entrances and platforms. This tour takes you beyond that surface, into the secret spaces that have long been closed to the public. For about 85 minutes, you’ll follow in the footsteps of station staff, engineers, and wartime evacuees, uncovering stories and secrets that bring the underground to life.

The Tour Itinerary begins at a meeting point on the corner of Gate Street and Kingsway. From there, an expert guide (who’s often praised for their knowledge and storytelling skills) will lead you behind a series of concealed doors into disused platforms and tunnels. One highlight is the Aldwych branch, a line that has been out of service for nearly 30 years, yet still holds an eerie charm with vintage posters, Leslie Green’s Edwardian design, and original signage.

What makes this tour special? First, the vintage design of the station — Leslie Green’s distinctive red-tiled facades and original Edwardian features — has survived largely intact. Second, the stories shared by guides about wartime use and scientific laboratories give substance to the concrete and steel. It’s a vivid reminder that these spaces weren’t just transportation hubs but also played roles in London’s resilience during wartime.

Expect a walk through narrow tunnels, platforms with uneven ground, and low lighting, so comfortable shoes are a must. The tour avoids elevators, and there’s a fair amount of standing and walking, so it’s best suited for able-bodied travelers.

Authentic stories and personal anecdotes bring the experience alive. For instance, guides share first-hand accounts of staff working through the Blitz, and how the station’s spaces were repurposed for shelter and scientific work. One reviewer mentioned, “knowledgeable guides,” which adds to the sense that you’re in capable hands, learning from true enthusiasts.

The historical details about the 1930s modernization are fascinating. During that period, significant upgrades were made, including new signalling systems and station refurbishments. The tour explains how these changes impacted the station’s layout and operations, and why some parts, like the British Museum station, were closed.

The tour concludes back at the meeting point, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for London’s underground infrastructure and its layered history.

Why It’s Worth the Price

At just over $60, this tour is a solid investment in authentic, behind-the-scenes London. It’s not a typical sightseeing experience; instead, you get rare access to hidden spaces and stories that no guidebook can offer. The value lies in the expert guidance, the chance to see vintage design and architecture, and the opportunity to connect with London’s transport story on a personal level.

Guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, which enhances the experience. Since the tour is limited in size (small groups), you’ll have a chance to ask questions and really get a personalized feel for the station’s history.

For those wondering about accessibility, keep in mind that there are stairs and uneven ground, and no elevators are available. If mobility is an issue, this might not be suitable, but for most able-bodied travelers, it’s a manageable and rewarding adventure.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is perfect for history lovers, architecture fans, and London enthusiasts who want to see a different side of the city’s underground. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy stories of wartime resilience, vintage design, or secret spaces. Families with children aged 10 or older can participate, but the physical demands mean it’s better suited for active travelers.

If you’ve already done the typical London Tube tour, this one offers a unique twist—exploring disused platforms and hidden corridors—making it a memorable addition to your London itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 10-15 can join, but keep in mind the physical nature of the tour, with stairs and uneven ground.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 85 minutes, with starting times subject to availability.

Are there any restrictions on mobility?
Yes, since there are stairs and no elevators, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or claustrophobia.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential, and a passport or ID card for identification. Water is also recommended.

Is the tour private or small group?
It’s a guided tour with a small group size, which allows for personalized attention and questions.

What are the meeting and ending points?
The tour starts and ends at the same spot on the corner of Gate Street and Kingsway, WC2B 6AA.

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Final Thoughts

This Hidden Tube Tour of Holborn’s secret platforms offers a rare glimpse into London’s underground history — a mix of vintage architecture, wartime stories, and abandoned tunnels. It’s a must-do for transport enthusiasts or anyone eager to explore London beyond the usual sights.

The knowledgeable guides turn what might seem like just old tunnels into a lively storybook of London’s resilience, innovation, and secret spaces. While it requires some physical effort, the authenticity and depth of the experience are well worth it for those who want a meaningful connection to the city’s layered past.

If you’re looking for an experience that combines history, architecture, and storytelling, this tour will not disappoint. It’s a rare opportunity to walk where few have gone and learn about London’s underground secrets firsthand.

Explore London’s hidden depths and uncover stories that most travelers never see. This tour is a fascinating, genuine journey into the city’s underground soul.

You can check availability for your dates here: