Hidden London - Aldwych Station
Step into London’s hidden past with exclusive tours of Aldwych Station, a disused Tube shelter rich in history and wartime stories.
Aldwych Station, once known as Strand Station, is a disused London Underground station located beneath the Strand. Opened in 1907 and closed to passengers in 1994, it served as a Piccadilly line branch terminus with a rich history including wartime shelter use and art storage. Today, it offers exclusive guided tours revealing its unique architecture, wartime stories, and role in London’s transport heritage.
A brief summary to Hidden London - Aldwych Station
- London, WC2R 2ND, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-6:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
- Thursday 10 am-7 pm
- Friday 10 am-7 pm
- Saturday 10 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Book Hidden London tours in advance as access to Aldwych Station is limited and popular.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking through tunnels and platforms.
- Visit the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden to complement your Aldwych experience with broader transport history.
- Check tour availability and opening times, as Aldwych Station is only accessible through special guided tours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Underground
Take the Piccadilly line to Holborn Station, then join the Hidden London tour departing from the London Transport Museum. The journey typically takes 20–30 minutes from central London stations, with frequent service; tickets cost £2.50–£5.00 depending on travel zones.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Covent Garden Piazza, including routes 1, 9, 11, and 15. Bus travel times vary between 20 and 40 minutes from central London. Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for fares around £1.75 per journey.
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Walking
If you are in central London, walking to the London Transport Museum and Aldwych Station area is feasible within 15–30 minutes depending on your start point. The terrain is flat and suitable for most visitors.
Hidden London - Aldwych Station location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Hidden London - Aldwych Station
Origins and Early Challenges
Aldwych Station opened on 30 November 1907 as Strand Station, designed by Leslie Green with his signature red-tiled façade. It was built as the southern terminus of a short Piccadilly line branch from Holborn, originally part of the Great Northern and Strand Railway. The station’s location beneath the Strand and its short platforms—only 250 feet long—limited its usage. Passenger numbers were low from the start, with only about 450 daily users at its peak. This led to early service reductions, including the closure of one platform in 1917 and the end of Sunday services.Wartime Significance and Shelter Role
During both World Wars, Aldwych Station played a vital role beyond transport. In World War I, it was used to store around 300 paintings from the National Gallery to protect them from bombing. In World War II, the station was closed to passengers in September 1940 and converted into a large air-raid shelter capable of accommodating up to 1,500 people. The tunnels were equipped with first aid facilities, offices, and a canteen, and the station even hosted concerts to boost morale. It also sheltered priceless artworks such as the Elgin Marbles and Sutton Hoo treasures, safeguarding London’s cultural heritage during the Blitz.Architecture and Unique Features
The station’s design reflects early 20th-century London Underground architecture, with distinctive Leslie Green red-glazed terracotta tiling and original 1907 lifts, which remained in use until closure. The platforms and tunnels retain much of their original character, including vintage telephone booths and advertising posters. The station’s isolated branch status meant it never modernized fully, preserving a time-capsule atmosphere that fascinates visitors today.Closure and Legacy
Aldwych Station closed permanently to the public in 1994 due to low passenger numbers and the high cost of lift replacements. Since then, it has been used as a film and television set, capitalizing on its atmospheric and historic ambiance. The station is now part of the London Transport Museum’s Hidden London tours, offering rare access to this ghost station and insights into its layered history.Visitor Experience and Tours
Visitors on the Hidden London tours can explore the station’s platforms, tunnels, and original facilities, learning about its operational history and wartime stories. The tours reveal the station’s role in London’s transport evolution and its cultural significance. The experience is immersive, with guides sharing anecdotes about the station’s use as a shelter and its place in London’s underground network.Context within London’s Transport Heritage
Aldwych Station complements the broader narrative presented by the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, which celebrates over 200 years of London’s transport history. While the museum showcases vehicles, posters, and design innovations, Aldwych offers a tangible connection to the city’s underground past, bridging history, architecture, and wartime resilience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Old Watch House
0.0 km
A quaint early 18th-century parish watch house on London’s Strand, offering a rare glimpse into pre-Metropolitan Police community policing.
Bomber Harris Memorial
0.1 km
A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.
St Clement Danes Church
0.2 km
Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.
King's Reach commemoration memorial
0.3 km
Historic riverside memorial honoring King George V’s Silver Jubilee and the naming of London’s Thames stretch as 'King’s Reach'.
Strand
0.3 km
Historic London thoroughfare linking Westminster and the City, famed for grand hotels, cultural landmarks, and hidden historical treasures.
Prince Henry's Room
0.4 km
Discover a rare Jacobean timber-framed treasure on Fleet Street, rich with history, ornate plasterwork, and tales from London's past.
Waterloo Bridge
0.4 km
Waterloo Bridge, London’s elegant Thames crossing, famed for its wartime women builders and breathtaking panoramic city views.
Richard D’Oyly Carte Monument
0.4 km
A sculptural homage to Richard D’Oyly Carte’s theatrical and hospitality legacy, nestled in the serene Victoria Embankment Gardens.
Bow St
0.5 km
Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
Henry Fawcett Monument
0.5 km
A serene Victorian fountain memorializing Henry Fawcett’s pioneering spirit in social reform and women’s suffrage, nestled in tranquil Embankment Gardens.
Plaque: David Garrick
0.5 km
Honoring David Garrick, the 18th-century actor and theatre innovator, with a commemorative plaque in London’s historic theatre district.
Hare Pl
0.5 km
Discover Hare Place in Temple, London—a serene historic enclave steeped in centuries of legal tradition and architectural charm.
Cleopatra's Needle
0.5 km
An ancient Egyptian obelisk on London's Thames Embankment, bridging millennia of history and mystery in the heart of the city.
Major-General Lord Cheylesmore Monument
0.5 km
A serene stone tribute in Victoria Embankment Gardens honoring Major-General Lord Cheylesmore’s military and civic legacy.
John Adam St & Adam St
0.5 km
Explore John Adam Street & Adam Street, heart of the Adam brothers’ neoclassical Adelphi development, blending Georgian elegance with modern London vibrancy.
Unmissable attractions to see
National Trust - Strand Lane "Roman Bath"
0.0 km
Discover London’s hidden Tudor-era cold bath beneath the Strand, where myth and history intertwine in a unique urban relic.
King's College Chapel
0.1 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty and rich history of King's College Chapel, a must-visit Gothic masterpiece in the heart of London.
King's College London
0.1 km
Historic riverside campus blending classical architecture with modern academia in central London’s vibrant cultural heart.
St Mary le Strand Church
0.1 km
Discover the exquisite Baroque beauty and rich heritage of St Mary le Strand Church, a tranquil sanctuary and landmark in the heart of London’s Strand.
The Courtauld Gallery
0.1 km
Discover world-class art masterpieces from the Middle Ages to Impressionism in the historic Somerset House setting.
Somerset House
0.1 km
Historic neoclassical landmark and vibrant cultural hub on the Thames, blending art, performance, dining, and innovation in central London.
Temple Station
0.2 km
Step into history at Temple Station, a Victorian-era gateway to London’s medieval Knights Templar district and legal heritage.
Aldwych Theatre
0.2 km
Experience timeless elegance and captivating performances at London’s historic Aldwych Theatre, a West End treasure with Art Deco charm.
Two Temple Place
0.2 km
Discover Two Temple Place, a neo-Gothic Victorian mansion blending literary grandeur and architectural mastery on London’s iconic Victoria Embankment.
Mamma Mia!
0.2 km
Experience the joyous ABBA musical Mamma Mia! at London’s Novello Theatre, a timeless West End celebration of love and laughter.
Novello Theatre
0.2 km
A classic West End theatre on Aldwych, home to Mamma Mia! and a refined Edwardian auditorium with excellent sightlines and intimate charm.
Royal Courts of Justice
0.2 km
Explore the Royal Courts of Justice, a stunning Gothic architectural masterpiece in London, showcasing the city's rich legal history and vibrant culture.
Victoria Embankment
0.3 km
Explore Victoria Embankment, a historic riverside promenade in London featuring iconic views, tranquil gardens, and rich Victorian heritage.
Duchess Theatre
0.3 km
Discover the intimate charm and rich history of the Duchess Theatre, a West End treasure since 1929 with iconic productions and timeless elegance.
Peacock Theatre
0.3 km
A dynamic West End venue dedicated to contemporary dance and innovative performances in a historic yet modern setting.
Essential places to dine
Ikoyi Restaurant
0.1 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
0.3 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Sarastro
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Balthazar
0.4 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.5 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Chez Antoinette
0.5 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Margot
0.5 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Rules
0.5 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Inamo Covent Garden
0.5 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Wahaca Southbank
0.6 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.6 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
0.6 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Palm Court Brasserie
0.6 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.6 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Bustronome London
0.6 km
Dine in luxury aboard a panoramic double-decker bus while touring London’s iconic landmarks with gourmet cuisine and fine wines.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Store X
0.1 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Twinings - The Strand
0.2 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.4 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.5 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
0.5 km
Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
Sugar And Style
0.6 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
London Silver Vaults
0.6 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
0.6 km
Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Floral Street
0.6 km
Contemporary floral fragrances crafted with purpose, sustainability, and joy in the heart of London.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
0.6 km
Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Rokit Covent Garden
0.6 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
not just a shop
0.6 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
j-me original design ltd
0.7 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
0.7 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
0.7 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
0.3 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Plume Wine Bar
0.3 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
Beaufort Bar
0.4 km
Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
Be At One - Russell Street
0.4 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
American Bar
0.4 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
0.4 km
Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Crusting Pipe
0.5 km
Covent Garden wine bar pouring Davy’s finest ports amid live music, British classics and cosy nooks—perfect for pre-theatre indulgence or market rendezvous.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
0.5 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
The Understudy
0.5 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
Upstairs At Rules
0.5 km
Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
Mrs Riot
0.6 km
Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
0.6 km
Step into a Victorian explorer’s world with inventive cocktails, immersive storytelling, and a mechanical mixologist in Covent Garden’s unique speakeasy.
All Bar One Covent Garden
0.6 km
Stylish Covent Garden wine bar serving shareable plates, extensive wines, and cocktails in a lively West End setting—ideal for pre-theatre drinks or group gatherings.
Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
0.6 km
Dive into Blame Gloria’s neon-lit retro cocktail haven in Covent Garden, where legendary rock vibes and wild themed brunches electrify your night.
Southbank Centre, Members Bar
0.7 km
Elevated wine bar with Thames panoramas and cultured calm atop Royal Festival Hall—perfect for drinks amid London's arts heartbeat.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Proud Late
0.3 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.6 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
0.7 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Heaven
0.7 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
The Roxy
0.8 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.8 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Ivy Club
0.9 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.9 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
1.0 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
The Penthouse London
1.1 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Cirque Du Soul
1.1 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
1.1 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Club49Soho
1.1 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
La Capannina Club
1.1 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Historic
- Tranquil
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
