Hidden London Exhibition – London Transport Museum

The London Transport Museum offers visitors a captivating look at the history of the city’s transport system — from buses and trams to the world-famous Underground. This season, the museum invites you to step back in time with its fascinating Hidden London Exhibition, uncovering the secrets that lie beneath the city’s bustling streets.

The London Underground, which millions rely on daily, was once a revolutionary innovation. More than a century ago, it became the world’s first underground railway, inspiring metro systems around the globe. Now, the London Transport Museum brings that incredible history to life through immersive displays and interactive exhibits.

Discover the Hidden World Beneath London

The Hidden London Exhibition takes visitors on a journey through memorabilia, archive photographs, documents, and vintage posters, revealing what it was like to travel on the early Underground system. Learn about abandoned tunnels and forgotten stations that remain sealed off beneath the capital.

Highlights include:

• Aldwych Station – a disused platform that’s now a popular filming location for movies and TV shows.
• Down Street Station – converted into a secret military bunker during World War II, complete with its own telephone exchange.
• King William Street Station – one of the earliest stations to open, yet it closed after just a few months of operation.

Go Behind the Scenes of the Underground

The London Transport Museum also offers special Hidden London tours, giving visitors exclusive access to areas of the Tube network that are usually closed to the public. Explore hidden platforms, secret passageways, and forgotten tunnels at stations like Euston, Piccadilly, and Aldwych.

These guided tours must be booked in advance, as they are extremely popular. Some experiences even include film screenings showcasing scenes shot within the Underground itself.

The Secrets of Clapham South

For something truly unique, head to Clapham South, one of the most intriguing sites featured in the Hidden London series. During World War II, its deep tunnels served as air-raid shelters, providing safety for thousands of Londoners. Later, they offered temporary accommodation to Caribbean migrants arriving on the Empire Windrush, and budget lodging for visitors attending the 1951 Festival of Britain.

Today, the tunnels have been creatively repurposed — they’re now used to grow lettuce and herbs for London’s restaurants, a modern twist on a historic space.

Stay Nearby and Explore More

If you’re planning a visit to the London Transport Museum, stay at the Park Grand Kensington Hotel, ideally located for easy access to Covent Garden, the museum, and London’s other top attractions. After exploring the Hidden London Exhibition, unwind in comfort and plan your next adventure through the city’s remarkable history.

Final Thoughts

The London Transport Museum doesn’t just tell the story of London’s transport — it brings it to life. With the Hidden London Exhibition, visitors can experience the mystery and charm of the Underground’s hidden world, from secret wartime bunkers to long-forgotten stations. It’s an unmissable journey for anyone curious about the stories that lie beneath the streets of London.