Visiting London’s Old Tube Stations

The London Underground is constantly evolving. As there are changes in London’s urban design, there are new Tube stations added. There are also Tube stations abandoned.

Many Railway and Tube stations were not able to adapt and expand to the city’s contemporary urban requirements. Those stations were no longer used and new nearby stations replaced them.

There are now proposals to convert abandoned Tube tunnels into nightclubs, art galleries, and cycleways. Below are some abandoned Tube stations that are worth a visit, and they’re all free. All you need is time to admire these stations’ old majesty so book your stay at any hotels near Wembley Arena.

Shoreditch Tube Station

Located on the East London Line, the Shoreditch station was disused in 2005, leaving the Hackney borough without a Tube station. Fortunately, the Shoreditch High Street Station, which is located 100 meters from the old site was built, forming part of the London Overground. The East London Line’s viaduct is now The Village Underground, a music venue.

Tower of London Tube Station 

In 1884, the station was closed, just two years after it first opened. The Tower of London station was replaced by the Mark Lane station. However, the new station was closed in 1967, due to little expansion space and rising passenger numbers. The Mark Lane station, which has since been named Tower Hill, moved back to the original Tower of London station site.

You can also read: Football Lover’s Guide to London

British Museum Tube Station

The British Museum used to have its own Tube station, which opened in 1900. However, the Holborn station was expanded, leaving the British Museum station obsolete. The building, however, was used as a military command post and office until 1989.

Aldwych Tube Station

Opened in 1907, the Aldwych station is set a short walk away from Somerset House. However, passenger numbers were low. In 1994, it was closed down eventually as the lifts became too uneconomical and expensive to fix.

There’s still life in the old station, though, as it is used for filming movie scenes that require a Tube entrance. The station has featured in music videos like All Saints ‘Honest.’ The station was also used as a filming site for ‘Patriot Games.’

Down Street Tube Station

Must take a visit Down Street Tube station during your stay at any hotels near Wembley Stadium which operated from 1907 to 1932. It also suffered from poor passenger traffic, and it was made redundant as it was near the Dover Street (later Green Park) and Hyde Park Corner stations.

However, the Down Street station is noteworthy as it was used in the war effort as the Railway Executive Committee’s headquarters. It was also the headquarters for Winston Churchill’s war cabinet.

Conclusion

These old, unused sites have been extensively documented online by history enthusiasts. If you want to take a day exploring London’s old Railway and Tube stations, check out the Londonist, Derelict London, and Underground-History.co.uk websites.