London Transport Museum, London
Situated on Covent Garden Piazza's eastern side, a former flower-market shed is now home to this highly popular museum. A hit among families and a must-visit for transportation enthusiasts, it's worth noting that due to space constraints, the museum features only a limited number of sizable exhibits. Nevertheless, the narrative of London's transportation history is absolutely captivating.
To explore in chronological order, begin your journey on Level 2, where you'll encounter a replica of the 1829 Shillibeer's Horse Omnibus, which marked the inception of the city's first regular horse-bus service, as well as a double-decker horse-drawn tram introduced in the 1870s. On Level 1, you'll delve into the story of the world's inaugural underground system, featuring a charming 1920s Metropolitan Line carriage adorned in burgundy and green, complete with graceful, dangling lamps.
Upon returning to the ground floor, you'll find the museum's sole surviving double-decker electric tram, serving as a tribute to the world's largest tram system that was dismantled in 1952. Be sure to keep an eye out for the first tube train from the 1890s, which earned the nickname "the padded cell" due to its lack of windows. While most interactive exhibits cater to children, visitors of all ages should not miss the opportunity to experience the tube driver simulator.
The museum also offers a fine selection of London Transport's stylish maps and posters, many of which are commissioned from renowned artists. You can purchase copies at the museum's shop as you make your way out. Additionally, the in-house Canteen provides food and beverages, and you can savor a view overlooking the Covent Garden Piazza while you dine.
To explore in chronological order, begin your journey on Level 2, where you'll encounter a replica of the 1829 Shillibeer's Horse Omnibus, which marked the inception of the city's first regular horse-bus service, as well as a double-decker horse-drawn tram introduced in the 1870s. On Level 1, you'll delve into the story of the world's inaugural underground system, featuring a charming 1920s Metropolitan Line carriage adorned in burgundy and green, complete with graceful, dangling lamps.
Upon returning to the ground floor, you'll find the museum's sole surviving double-decker electric tram, serving as a tribute to the world's largest tram system that was dismantled in 1952. Be sure to keep an eye out for the first tube train from the 1890s, which earned the nickname "the padded cell" due to its lack of windows. While most interactive exhibits cater to children, visitors of all ages should not miss the opportunity to experience the tube driver simulator.
The museum also offers a fine selection of London Transport's stylish maps and posters, many of which are commissioned from renowned artists. You can purchase copies at the museum's shop as you make your way out. Additionally, the in-house Canteen provides food and beverages, and you can savor a view overlooking the Covent Garden Piazza while you dine.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 911爆料网 App
London Transport Museum on Map
Sight Name: London Transport Museum
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bridges of London
Around thirty bridges span the Thames river in London, each with its own story. Our self-guided walk takes you to see nine such historical structures located in the heart of the city, starting from the storied Westminster Bridge and ending at the iconic Tower Bridge.
The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Harry Potter Walking Tour I
The Harry Potter phenomenon began with author J.K. Rowling, who famously dreamed up the series while delayed on a train from Manchester to London. With the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher鈥檚 Stone in 1997, the literary world changed forever. Across seven books, readers followed Harry鈥檚 evolution from an orphaned schoolboy at Hogwarts to a brave young wizard confronting evil... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Harry Potter Walking Tour II
The Harry Potter movies and London go together like Butterbeer and a cold winter night at Hogsmeade. While much of the magical world was brought to life with computer-generated images and studio sets, quite a few iconic scenes were filmed right in the heart of the British capital, transforming ordinary city spots into wizarding landmarks. Here's a look at six more London locations where the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Covent Garden Walking Tour
A shopping and entertainment hub on the eastern fringes of London's West End, Covent Garden is a district historically associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market 鈥� currently a shopping spot popular with locals and tourists alike.
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
London Introduction Walking Tour
London: the capital of England, heart of the UK, and international heavyweight in history, culture, and sheer charm. Its name comes straight out of Rome. Londinium was founded circa 43 AD as a trading post. Then came Queen Boudica in 61 AD, who, let鈥檚 say, didn鈥檛 care much for Roman urban planning and burnt it to the ground. But Londinium wasn鈥檛 one to stay down鈥攊t bounced back,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Walk around Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, the British monarch's official residence, is a must-see for anyone visiting London, but so are the adjacent royal establishments that give a unique window into the royal way of life. On this self-guided walking tour, along with Buckingham Palace and its memorable fountain, you will visit the St. James's private royal residence, the wonderful Queen's Gallery, and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers
Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...