Explore the depot and uncover the hidden spaces below London's streets
We’re diving deep for all things Underground this autumn.
For our final Depot opening in 2021, we’re exploring the stories of dark and hidden spaces that lie beneath London’s streets. From a jam-packed programme of mini talks, heritage vehicle displays and fun activities for families, don’t miss out and book your tickets now!
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What's on
Please note: specific talks, activities and demonstrations are only running on certain days.
Secrets of the London Underground talk
Join Secrets of the London Underground and Hidden London Hangouts expert, Siddy Holloway, as she talks about her love of disused Tube stations and reveals some of the behind-the-scenes secrets that went into the making of the Yesterday TV series. With broadcast clips of subterranean secret tunnels and stations from the Yesterday channel series and a Q&A this will be a real treat for fans.
Siddy will be hosting two talks on Friday afternoon at 14:30 and 15:30, and spaces will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Mini talks
Take a seat in our lecture theatre for one of our bite-size, half hour lectures given by our knowledgeable volunteer team. Including topics such as art and poster history, station architecture and heritage vehicles, there will be a huge amount to sink your teeth into.
Talks will be taking place at 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30 and 15:30 and seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. These talks are best suited for adults but older children with a keen interest in transport are welcome to attend.
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Talks schedule
Thursday 23 September
- 11:30: An Introduction to London Transport Design Icons, with Eric Stanley
- 12:30: Charles Holden - The Underground’s Master Architect, with David Burnell
- 13:30: London’s Tramway History 1901 – 1952, with Richard Moules
- 14:30: Charles Clark - The Underground’s Forgotten Architect, with David Burnell
- 15:30: The Underground Map before 1908, with John Dodd
Friday 24 September
- 11:30: The Evolution of the Q Stock, with Steve Green
- 12:30: An Introduction to London Transport Design Icons, with Andie Harper
- 13:30: Stockwell Bus Garage Architecture, with Peter Robinson
Saturday 25 September
- 11:30: The Development of the Underground Logo and Roundel, with Nick Gill
- 12:30: London Underground Posters – Before the 1930’s, with John Dodd
- 13:30: London Underground Posters – From the 1930’s, with John Dodd
- 14:30: The Development of the Underground Logo and Roundel, with Nick Gill
- 15:30: An Introduction to London Transport Design Icons, with Keren Tuv & Keith Penfold
Sunday 26 September
- 11:30: The Old “Ones” of the LTM Heritage Bus Fleet and those who care for them, with Grahame Bath
- 12:30: Early Underground Publicity Posters, with John Campbell
- 13:30: An Introduction to London Transport Design Icons, with Dave Olney
- 14:30: Early Underground Publicity Posters, with John Campbell
- 15:30: Hidden London: Behind the Scenes, with Dave Olney
TIER e-scooter demonstrations and rides
TIER, Europe’s leading shared micro-mobility provider, is participating in TfL’s e-scooter trial and have launched their seamless and fully climate-neutral services in London, and will be joining us at the Depot this September with an interactive display of their latest e-scooters that are now available to rent and ride legally on London’s streets.
Drop in and talk to the team, who will be on hand to explain how they operate and how e-scooters are helping to change mobility for good and reshape our cities’ landscapes. Test rides will be available for visitors aged 18 and over, with a full or provisional driving license.
TIER will be at the Depot all day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Discover the vehicles
Delve deeper into our transport treasure trove and stop to have a chat with our friendly volunteers who will be on hand to tell you more.
Our Q Stock restoration team will be on site on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to talk about their expert work.
Make sure to also head outside and see the 89Q tower wagon (1936) and 351X Fordson tractor (1937). Both of these rare vehicles are not often on public display so are not to be missed.
Hands-on demonstration
On Thursday, watch a demonstration with restored London Underground signalling frames.
Coffee & shopping
Relax out the back of the Depot with a Mini Bean Coffee and take time to pick up a stylish gift, or souvenir, at the London Transport Museum shop in the Depot. There is also a pop up shop and marquee outside, where there will be original signs, moquette Tube fabric scraps, tread plates and a multitude of other authentic items for sale from Transport for London’s network – all at bargain prices!
The Friends Shop will also be back in business over the course of the four days, selling a wide range of second hand books, transport models, maps and other ephemera.
For Families
Make and take activities
Get crafty in a make and take ‘Textured Tiles’ activity on Saturday and Sunday only. Create your own mosaic-style tiles using collage and recycled materials inspired by the unique tile designs of London underground stations. Best for children between 3 and 12 years.
Miniature Railway
Hop aboard the London Transport Miniature Railway, open on all days. Tickets are £1 per person or £5 per carriage, or you can purchase a ‘miniature Oyster’ for £9, valid for 10 rides.
Please note that tickets for the Miniature Railway are not included in the event ticket price; they are sold separately on the day of the visit via contactless payment.
Storytelling
Get involved with singing, dancing, play and an interactive story about the Depot’s unique Milk van! ‘Down at the Depot’ storytelling for under 5s will be taking place on Thursday and Friday only.
Accessibility
Due to essential repair works, please note the lift to the first floor sign mezzanine is currently out of order. Find out more about accessibility at the Depot.
You may also like
Depot Open Days: London by Design
Join us for three days celebrating the history of London Transport design, and explore our collections store with its treasure trove of over 320,000 objects.
Cab It!
Get into the driver’s seat! Guided by our specialist volunteers, experience an Underground train from the driver’s cab and explore a variety of static vehicles built between 1930 and 1983 – including the Museum’s 1938 Tube stock.
Design icons tours
Discover the stories – and the people – behind some of London’s most enduring designs. From the iconic roundel and font to Harry Beck’s pioneering Underground map.
Location
Acton Depot
118-120 Museum Way, Gunnersbury Ln
Acton
London
W3 9BQ
United Kingdom