Kingsway tram tunnel: linking up London
About the tour
69 years ago, a unique element of London’s transport system closed, having served Londoners for 46 years.
The Kingsway Tram Subway was probably the most important stretch of tram track in London, linking together the extensive tram networks of north and south London.
It was built by the London County Council and opened in 1906, as part of an ambitious renewal programme for the Holborn and Aldwych areas.
It had relatively short active life, closing in 1952, but despite this, the Subway underwent several major upgrades during its time. Surprisingly, more than half of the subway still exists to this day - complete with original features.
Our newest tour will take you down to explore the remaining tunnel and the former tram station, while you discover its life and times and how it served London.
Key information
Times: 10:55, 12:30, 14:55, 16:30 each day
Duration: 60 minutes (approx)
Location: Kingsway Tram Tunnel
Tickets: £49 / £45
The tour was wonderful and I loved every second of it. Thank you so much.
This may have been my favourite of all the Hidden London tours. Guides and content were excellent.
Tour information
*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. Booking fee of £1.50 per transaction applies.
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Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point for this tour is at the gate to Kingsway Tram Tunnel - at the crossroads of Theobalds Road (A40) and Southampton Row (A4200).
Please take extra care when crossing roads as this area can be very busy. A nearby postcode to help you find the entrance is WC1B 4AP.
To plan your journey to the meeting point, we recommend using TfL’s Journey Planner or downloading the TfL Go app.
A member of the Hidden London team will meet you on arrival.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the time on your ticket.
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What should I wear?
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.
Do not bring large or heavy bags as there are no cloakroom facilities.
Please also bring with you photo ID and your email confirmation to be permitted entry.
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Are children allowed?
Children under 14 are not permitted on the tour.
All under 18s are eligible for concession tickets.
14 to 16-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult.
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How long will the tour last?
Your tour will last for 60 minutes and involves walking for most of this time.
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Are there toilets or cloakrooms on the tour?
There are no cloakroom facilities or public toilets available on the tour. Please do not bring large or heavy bags.
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What is the tour like?
Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. There are uneven and wet underfoot conditions throughout the tour.
The tour involves walking for up to 75 minutes, so it is advisable 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.
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About your tickets
Once you’ve booked your tickets, you will receive confirmation and e-tickets to the email address you provided at checkout. This may take up to 24 hours - please check your junk mail folder after this time, and if you have still not received confirmation, contact the Museum booking office via our Contact form.
You will be sent an event reminder email up to a week before your event with all the information you need to arrive on time and enjoy the tour. Please contact London Transport Museum if your contact details change after you purchase your ticket(s).
Tickets are non-transferrable. Please bring your email confirmation and ticket as well as photographic ID to be permitted entry.
Terms and conditions
Please ensure you have read the Hidden London terms & conditions before booking your ticket.
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Location
Kingsway Tram Tunnel
16-36 Southampton Row
London
WC1B 4AP
United Kingdom