London: Moorgate Hidden Tube Station Tour

London: Moorgate Hidden Tube Station Tour – A Deep Dive into History and Hidden Spaces

The London: Moorgate Hidden Tube Station Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s underground past. Priced at $60.61 per person and lasting 80 minutes, this guided experience takes visitors into one of London’s oldest Underground stations, opened in 1865. The tour provides exclusive access to disused tunnels and corridors, some hidden from the public for decades, making it perfect for history buffs, transport enthusiasts, and those curious about London’s underground evolution.

This tour is led by expert guides from the London Transport Museum, known for their rich knowledge and engaging storytelling. While the tour involves a good deal of walking and requires stepping through uneven areas, it offers a unique opportunity to see original Victorian features, vintage posters, and a rare remaining Greathead tunnelling shield from 1904. It suits visitors who are comfortable with physical activity and eager to explore underground spaces not normally open to the public.

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Key Points

• Exclusive access to parts of Moorgate station closed to the public for decades
• Walk through disused tunnels, corridors, and abandoned tracks
• See original Victorian glass tiles and vintage posters from 1900
• Discover Moorgate’s history as a railway terminus and freight hub
• Explore the only remaining Greathead tunnelling shield from 1904
• Tour duration is 80 minutes, with opportunities for photo-taking and storytelling

The Historic Origins of Moorgate Station

Moorgate station first opened in 1865 as Moorgate Street and was part of London’s earliest Underground network. It played a crucial role as a terminus for multiple railways, including the Metropolitan Railway and the Great Northern and City Railway. The station’s significance grows as it was the starting point for the world’s first deep tube, the City and South London Railway, which opened in 1890.

This tour helps visitors understand how Moorgate became a hub of innovation, linking the city above with underground rail lines that revolutionized urban transit. The original passageways and platforms reveal Victorian-style glass tiles and vintage posters, remnants of the station’s former glory, now preserved within hidden corners of the underground.

Exploring Moorgate’s Disused Tunnels and Corridors

During the tour, visitors walk through disused corridors, including original passenger passages lined with Victorian glass tiles from 1900. These corridors have remained untouched for decades, offering a rare look at how London’s underground infrastructure was built and expanded.

A significant highlight is Moorgate’s ‘Catacombs’ section, located beneath the Barbican Estate. Here, guests walk alongside abandoned railway tracks of the City Widened Line, learning about redevelopment projects that transformed the area in the 20th century. Much of these spaces have been reused or boarded up, but the tour reveals stories of their past life as vital parts of London’s rail network.

The Greathead Tunnelling Shield and Vintage Posters

One of the standout features during the tour is viewing the only remaining Greathead tunnelling shield on the network, dating back to 1904. This piece of engineering history offers insight into the early methods of tunnel construction that shaped London’s underground.

Plus, the tour showcases vintage posters still in place within the original tunnels, giving a glimpse into London’s advertising scene from the early 20th century. These posters add a layer of nostalgia and charm to the underground journey, making it feel like stepping back in time.

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The Hidden Role of Moorgate as a Freight Terminal

Beyond passenger services, Moorgate station served as a freight terminal for many decades. The tour shares stories of how the station handled cargo, with long-abandoned areas now repurposed to fit modern needs. This aspect highlights the station’s multi-layered history—once bustling with freight, now a quiet underground relic.

The 1920s modernizations transformed parts of Moorgate, blending old infrastructure with new designs. Visitors get a sense of how the station adapted over time to London’s expanding demands, with some tunnels and corridors now serving as time capsules of Victorian and early 20th-century railway life.

Meeting Point and Logistics for the Tour

The tour begins outside the ‘News Update’ newsagent inside Moorgate station, at the bottom of exit 3. This convenient central location makes it easy for visitors to find the starting point.

The activity lasts 80 minutes and ends back at the same meeting point. Please note that the tour involves walking up and down stairs, with no elevators, and covers uneven ground and low lighting. Guests should wear sturdy footwear and comfortable clothing. The tour is not suitable for children under 10, those with claustrophobia, or individuals with mobility impairments.

What’s Included in the Tour

The guided experience covers original disused areas, passages, and tunnels that have been out of public view for decades. The guides’ expertise and storytelling are highly praised, making complex engineering and historical details accessible and engaging.

These 80 minutes provide a well-paced exploration of Moorgate’s underground secrets, with ample opportunity to observe vintage features and ask questions. There’s no included transportation to or from Moorgate station, so plan accordingly.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Visitors should bring passport or ID card for identification if needed. Since the tour involves walking through dark, uneven terrain, good sturdy footwear is essential. The tour is not step-free, and large bags or luggage are not permitted in the underground areas.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and book now and pay later for flexibility. It’s advisable to check availability beforehand, as starting times vary.

Understanding the Tour’s Value

For $60.61, visitors gain exclusive access to parts of Moorgate station rarely seen by the public, along with expert commentary on its history. The tour offers a unique blend of engineering marvels and time-travel through vintage posters, making it a worthwhile experience for those interested in London’s transport history.

While the tour involves walking through tight, dimly lit spaces, it provides an informative and visually engaging journey into London’s underground development. The small group size ensures a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides.

The Sum Up: A Must-Experience for History and Transport Enthusiasts

The Moorgate Hidden Tube Station Tour delivers a fascinating look into London’s early underground engineering and history. It’s especially appealing for those who appreciate original Victorian features, engineering relics, and underground secrets.

This tour is a rare opportunity to explore disused tunnels, abandoned corridors, and view historic equipment like the Greathead tunnelling shield. It suits visitors who are comfortable walking and eager to see London’s underground evolution firsthand.

While not suited for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia, it remains a highly praised experience thanks to expert guides and the authenticity of the spaces. Those with a curiosity about railway history or urban infrastructure will find it both educational and exciting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Moorgate Hidden Tube Station Tour?
The tour lasts 80 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside the ‘News Update’ newsagent inside Moorgate station, at exit 3, and ends at the same spot.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Guests should wear sturdy footwear and comfortable clothing suitable for walking in uneven, low-lit areas.

Are there any accessibility issues?
The tour involves stairs and walking on uneven ground; it is not suitable for mobility impairments or those with claustrophobia.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $60.61 per person.

What is included in the tour?
Access to disused tunnels, corridors, and original features, with guided commentary from expert guides.

Is transportation included?
No, the tour does not include travel to or from Moorgate station.

What is a highlight of the tour?
Viewing the only remaining Greathead tunnelling shield from 1904 and seeing vintage posters still in place.

This Moorgate Hidden Tube Station Tour offers a unique, detailed look into London’s underground past, perfect for those eager to explore the city’s engineering heritage beyond the usual stations.

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