Holborn: The Secret Platforms

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Sunday 30 March 10:00

From £55.00

Listed by Spice London

Overview

Uncover the secrets of this bustling interchange hides much more than meets the eye. 

Originally opened in 1906 as a complex of four platforms to serve the Piccadilly line, Holborn played a pivotal role in transforming the surrounding area from a place of ill repute into a prime business district for London.

This guided tour gives you exclusive access to the third of the station that hides from the public eye, revealing disused platforms, secret corridors and fascinating stories on London and Londoners from the 20th and 21st century.

What to expect on this tour

Exclusive access behind the scenes

Step through concealed doors into expansive areas that haven’t been seen by the public in nearly 30 years. Uncover the two disused platforms of the Aldwych branch, marvel at the Aldwych crossover, and see the tracks that lead to the now-closed Aldwych Tube station.

Relive the twists and turns of the 20th century

Discover how the disused spaces of the station have been put to surprising uses over the years, from scientific laboratories to wartime shelters for London Transport staff and even a model rail club.

Leslie Green Architecture

Spot remnants of the original Leslie Green design features including vintage tiles, signs, and early 20th-century signalling cabin.

Explore a Filming Location

See where notable music videos and films were filmed, including Aqua’s Turn Back Time and Superman.

First-hand testimonials

Hear personal stories from those who worked at Holborn, including accounts from staff members during the Blitz as well as from those who were there on the very last day of the Aldwych shuttle service.

*As well as your tour, the ticket price includes:

  • Half price one-day entry to London Transport Museum (within a month of your tour date). No need to pre-book, just come to the Museum during our opening hours with proof of your tour ticket.
  • 10% discount on all full-priced products at our shop (online and in store), within one month of your event date.

These offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Holborn The Secret Platform 3

Includes

  • Ticket to the walking tour which will last for 85 minutes and will involve walking for most of this time. Seating will not be available.
  • Booking fee
  • Spice Host

Extras

  • Any food & drink
Holborn The Secret Platform 1
London Transport map
Holborn The Secret Platform 2
Heritage Train London Transport Museum 3

Location & Itinerary

Meeting Point


Availability & Pricing

TypePrice
Member£55.00Sold Out
Guest£59.95Sold Out

Not enough spaces left for you? Join the waitlist

Meet by Holborn station, on the corner of Gate Street & Kingsway, London, WC2B 6AA

Host & Everything Else

Visitors must wear flat sturdy shoes. Guests wearing open toe sandals or shoes, or high-heels, will be refused entry due to health and safety restrictions. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended as there are uneven underfoot conditions throughout the tour.

Please also bring with you photo ID and your email confirmation to be permitted entry.

There are no cloakroom facilities or public toilets available on the tour. Please do not bring large or heavy bags.

There is no step-free access on the tour. Access is by walking and staircase only. It is advisable therefore that you should have an adequate level of fitness to undertake this tour. You may be refused entry if you appear to not meet this requirement. 

The tour will include access to confined areas which may be unsuitable for people with claustrophobia. There will be areas which have low lighting and may be dusty. 

Due to the nature of the tours, we are unable to accommodate visitors with wheelchairs. 

For security reasons all ticket holders need to bring physical photo ID to be permitted entry. We accept passports, national ID cards, and driving licences. 

Hugh Youngman

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