The world’s first underground railway opened 10 January 1863, the London Underground. Of course, then it was known as the Metropolitan Railway and it ran from Bishop’s Road (now Paddington) to Farringdon Street (now just Farringdon).
It was an incredible achievement and since then has revolutionised transport, not just for London but for cities around the world as well.
How to Celebrate 155 years of the London Underground.
To celebrate the 155th anniversary of the London Underground we’ve thought of some fun and interesting things for you to do in the capital. From ghost stations to treasure hunts, from historic collections to record-breaking challenges, these are 5 things you can do to mark the London Tube’s birthday.
Visit the London Transport Museum
If you want to learn about all 155 years of London Underground history, then you need to pay a visit to the London Transport Museum. It’s the perfect place for history fans and transport enthusiasts. Exhibits show what life was like in the 1800s and you can even see old Tube trains.
For people who prefer to see art and design in their museums, how about seeing their collection of London Underground posters? Some are over 100 years old! Or maybe you could browse some of London’s old Tube maps and see how strange they used to be before Harry Beck came along.
Go on a Treasure Hunt
This Virgin Experience Day sounds like a lot of fun and you have to check it out. Basically, two people take on the role of detectives then spend two hours on the London Underground exploring and solving clues.
There’s even a secret agent who is there just to “throw a spanner in the works”. So you’ll need to be on your toes. But if you’re both good enough there’s a chance to win London Underground themed goodies.
Find Harry Beck’s Blue Plaque
In 2013 Harry Beck was finally given a dedication in the form of a blue plaque. It’s reveal coincided with the 80th anniversary of his first map and the 150th anniversary of the London Underground.
So it seems fitting then, that for the 155th anniversary of the London Underground to pay a visit to the plaque. You will find it on Wesley Road in Leyton, East London. The plaque was displayed here because it was Harry Beck’s birthplace.
Spy on a Ghost Station
Any tour that starts at the Sherlock Holmes Statue has got to be good. Insider London run a London Underground and Tube tour. The tour goes into a lot of detail about the history of the Underground, covering everything from the workers on the steam trains to the designs for the Underground roundel.
On the tour, you’ll stop at London’s first Underground station and catch a glimpse of a 50-year-old ghost station.
If you’re really keen to get up close and actually tour a disused station, there are tours run by the London Transport Museum. Get an exclusive look at parts of the Underground normally out of bounds to the public. Sign up for their newsletter to get information on the next set of tour dates.
Take the Tube Challenge
Forget the London Marathon or RideLondon, this is the most difficult challenge you can participate in when in London. The Tube challenge is where brave men and women attempt to visit every single London Underground station in less than 24 hours.
Our friend Geoff Marshall broke the world record in 2013 along with Anthony Smith. Their time was 16 hours, 20 minutes and 27 seconds.
But, he has since been beaten by Steve Wilson in 2015 who set the new record at 15 hours, 45minutes and 38 seconds.
So how quickly can you do it?
We hope you enjoyed our list of things to do but if you’re looking for more ideas, visit our London Travel guide. It covers everything you need to know about the city with tips on how to get around and fun things to see and do.
Blue Plaque Image Credit: Beck Plaque by Kevan on Flickr.
Reference: http://content.tfl.gov.uk/key-dates-in-the-history-of-london-transport.pdf
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