London is a veritable rabbit warren of tunnels, many of which remain secret and unknown to the general public. The city is home to one of the most extensive systems of tunnels in the world - these include abandoned Tube tunnels, sewer tunnels, delivery tunnels, military, and top-secret escape tunnels, bunkers, and much more.

Many of these tunnels remain closed to the public, the topic of speculation, or long forgotten, but some of them are open to the public. On London tunnel tours, one can get a glimpse of the hidden world beneath the streets of London.

The Postal Museum - Tour Postal Rail Tunnels

The Postal Museum in London offers tours of 100-year-old Mail Rail tunnels hidden from the view of the world. These tunnel tours are exclusive underground walks that allow one to discover one of London’s best-kept secrets. It may be strange to think how in times gone by it was so important to get the post quickly from point to point in the city so that banks and other institutions could effectively communicate with each other. These were the days before email or fax. On the Mail Rail tunnel tours, visitors will see the tracks, tunnels, and platforms of the system that once shuttled around the city's mail. The tours are complete with expert guides who tell the surprising stores about these disused tunnels. One will learn who built, operated, and maintained the underground railway over the course of 100 years.
These tunnels were first built in the early 1900s and it wasn't until 2003 that they were finally closed. On these tours, visitors must wear a high-visibility jacket and a hard hat. The walks are in the afternoon and run at 3.00 pm, 3.30 pm, 6.00 pm, and 6.30 pm. If one would like to visit the tunnels, then plan ahead as they are only open a few days a year. The tours are held on 22 and 29 March; 12, 19, and 26 April; 3 and 24 May; 7, 21, and 28 June; 5 April and 31 May. Bookings are required for the tours.
  • Built: Early 1900s
  • Closed: 2003
  • Times: 3.00 pm, 3.30 pm, 6.00 pm, and 6.30 pm
  • Dates: 22 and 29 March; 12, 19, and 26 April; 3 and 24 May; 7, 21, and 28 June,
  • Other Dates: (Only at 6.00 pm and 6.30 pm) 5 April and 31 May
  • Cost: £55 per person ($70)
  • Age Limit: For Aged 12 and Up Only
Related: There's A Massive Underground Tunnel System Right In Florida, And This Is What It Looks Like

Explore Abandoned Tube Stations In London

London is also famous for its massive and old Tube network. It also has many abandoned Tube lines as well as Tube stations. For the most part, these are off-limits to the public, but it is possible to tour some of them. Down Street Station is an example of a station that found a very different use. It was transformed into an underground facility complete with phone lines and hosted a meeting of the War Cabinet. The official site "Transport for London" states

"There are 272 functioning stations across our network, but at least 40 Overground and Underground stations still in existence are no longer used for travel."

  • Brompton Road Station: Sold To The War Office In 1938 and Is Still Owned By The Ministry of Defense Today
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The abandoned Tube Station that people can explore with a guided tour is Euston Station. Euston Station guided tour explores this century-old station and its interesting history. This was once a humble station on the corner of Melton and Drummond Streets and is destined to be the terminus for the new High Speed 2 line.
But there is much more to this station than meets the eye. One will discover a labyrinth of dark and dusty passageways. These were once used by the public and there is even a gallery of preserved vintage advertising posters that have been concealed for over 50 years.
  • Duration: Approx: 75 Minutes
  • When: 10.00 am, 12.05 pm, 2.55 pm, 5.00 pm Daily
  • Tickets: £41.50 ($56)
Related: An Entire 'Escape' Tunnel System Still Exists Under Berlin, With Decades Of History Behind Its Creation

Evan Evans Tours

Another option for tunnel tours in London is Evan Evans Tours. They offer small group walking tours to discover the secrets that belie the world's first metro.

One will see the exterior of disused stations (like Down Street that Churchill used during the London Blitz). One will get a glimpse into the city's ‘ghost’ platforms shut off from the world.

  • Meeting Point: Baker Street Station, Marylebone Road, London (By the Sherlock Holmes Statue)

The first development of the famed London Underground happened in 1843 with the building of the Thames Tunnel. It was a feat of engineering and dubbed the 'The Eighth Wonder of the World'. That means the London Underground boasts 175 years of history.

The expert guide will bring the fascinating history of the London Underground to life as they tell the story of the 'Tube's' evolution.

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