London: Hidden Baker Street Tube Station Tour

Discover the Secrets of Baker Street Station for $60.61

The London: Hidden Baker Street Tube Station Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the world’s oldest underground stations, opened in 1863. For $60.61 per person, this 85-minute guided experience takes visitors beyond the usual platform and ticket hall, into hidden corridors, old lift shafts, and even a staff rifle range. The tour is perfect for those interested in London’s transport history or seeking an unusual perspective on the capital’s underground network.

What sets this tour apart is its exclusive access to areas that haven’t been open to the public for over 75 years. Led by expert guides from the London Transport Museum, the journey is both educational and engaging. While the tour involves a good amount of walking and navigating uneven ground and stairs, it offers a unique opportunity for history enthusiasts to see original platforms, corridors, and maintenance shafts seldom seen.

Potential visitors should note that children under 10, people with mobility issues, or those with claustrophobia may find the tour challenging. Still, for adventure seekers and history buffs, this experience delivers a rare behind-the-scenes look at Baker Street Station’s storied past.

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Key Points

• Exclusive access to areas unused by the public for over 75 years
• Led by knowledgeable guides from the London Transport Museum
• Includes original platforms, old lift shafts, and staff-only corridors
• Duration of 85 minutes, with checkable start times
• Cost is $60.61 per person, with full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance
• Not suitable for children under 10, those with mobility issues, or claustrophobia

The Unique Location: Baker Street Station’s Hidden Spaces

This tour begins outside Baker Street Underground Station, directly in front of the famous Sherlock Holmes statue. It focuses on areas not normally accessible to daily commuters, such as abandoned platforms and vintage lift shafts. The station’s history is deeply intertwined with London’s transportation innovations, serving as the operational headquarters of the London Underground for decades.

Visitors learn how Baker Street was a pioneering station in Victorian times, marking the launch of steam-powered underground travel. The station’s early days, when passengers first traveled beneath London’s busy streets, are explained with clarity. The tour also covers how the station evolved, expanding over 16 decades, and how it contributed to the growth of metro systems worldwide.

Throughout the exploration, guides share stories from their extensive archive, including first-hand accounts of staff members’ experiences working there. This makes the tour both informative and personal, as visitors gain insights into the station’s role during different eras.

Exploring Baker Street’s Hidden Corridors and Platforms

The tour reveals original platforms that have been out of use for decades, giving a sense of how underground travel started. You’ll also see old lift shafts, some of which last saw public use as far back as 1945. These relics offer a tangible link to London’s transport history, with some areas last accessed by the public over three-quarters of a century ago.

Among the hidden spots visited, the staff rifle range stands out as a surprising feature. This space was once used for training staff, giving a glimpse into the workings of the Underground’s operational headquarters. Visitors find it fascinating how these secret areas reveal a different side of the station’s story, away from the usual rush of daily commuters.

Insights into London Underground’s Past and Present

The guides explain how Baker Street Station served not only passengers but also as a center of operations for the entire network. Stories from early passengers in 1863 highlight their initial reactions to underground travel, which was a revolutionary idea at the time.

As the Underground expanded, Baker Street’s role grew, and the station became a hub for maintenance, staff operations, and storage. The tour uncovers the station’s dual purpose—serving daily travelers and supporting the infrastructure behind the scenes.

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Logistics and Meeting Details

The tour starts outside Baker Street Underground Station, specifically in front of the Sherlock Holmes statue. This iconic meeting point makes it easy for visitors to find their guide. The activity concludes back at the same spot, making it convenient for those exploring London further.

As the tour involves a significant amount of walking over uneven ground and stairs, participants should wear comfortable shoes. It’s also advisable to bring water and a passport or ID card for identification purposes. Large luggage or open-toed shoes are not permitted, ensuring safety in the restricted spaces.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits adults and older teens who are interested in urban transport history, as well as those curious about behind-the-scenes locations. It is not recommended for children under 10, or anyone with mobility impairments or claustrophobia due to the nature of the spaces involved.

Guides are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making the tour both educational and lively. Visitors can expect stories and facts directly from the museum’s archives, adding authenticity and depth to the journey.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

Because the tour involves walking in areas with uneven ground, low lighting, and stairs, it is best suited for those in good physical shape. No elevators or lifts are available, so accessibility is limited for those with mobility issues. The maximum of four children aged 10-15 per adult ensures the group remains manageable and safe.

Comparing This Tour to Other London Hidden Tours

While many London attractions focus on famous landmarks, this experience emphasizes hidden, rarely seen parts of the city’s underground infrastructure. It is the only tour that grants access to these specific underground areas of Baker Street Station, making it a distinctive addition to any London itinerary.

Other tours, such as hidden tunnels or old platforms, may offer similar themes, but this one’s focus on original, unused spaces and the station’s operational history as headquarters makes it particularly unique.

Cost and Booking Flexibility

Priced at $60.61 per person, the tour represents a good value for access to exclusive historical sites. Booking includes a guided walking experience with a live English-speaking guide. Visitors can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for travel planning.

For those who need to cancel, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, ensuring peace of mind when scheduling around other commitments.

Final Thoughts on the Baker Street Hidden Tube Tour

This tour offers a rare glimpse into London’s underground history, especially for those interested in the evolution of urban transit. The expert guides from the London Transport Museum bring enthusiasm and depth to the experience, making the exploration engaging and educational.

While the physicality of the tour and the limited accessibility might pose challenges for some, adventure seekers and history enthusiasts will find the visit highly rewarding. The cost reflects the exclusivity of access to hidden spaces that reveal a different side of London’s transport legacy.

In short, this experience is a unique chance to see Baker Street Station’s secret corners—a worthwhile addition for those curious about London’s underground or looking for an unusual historical tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for children under 10 due to the physical nature of the spaces and safety considerations.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and carry passport or ID for identification.

Are there any accessibility restrictions?
Yes, the tour involves walking in areas with uneven ground, low lighting, and stairs, with no elevators available, limiting access for those with mobility issues.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Booking can be made without upfront payment, offering flexibility.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 85 minutes, with start times that can be checked in advance.

What makes this tour unique?
It is the only experience offering access to Baker Street Station’s hidden, unused areas, including original platforms and staff corridors.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby