London: Hidden Baker Street Tube Station Tour

If you’re curious about London’s lesser-known underground corners, the Hidden Baker Street Tube Station Tour offers an intriguing peek behind the scenes of one of the world’s oldest underground stations. Spanning 160+ years of history, this tour provides access to areas most travelers never get to see—think old platforms, secret corridors, and even the station’s historic staff rifle range. It’s a rare chance to explore not just the history of the London Underground, but also the operational heart that kept it running through the ages.

What we love about this experience is how it combines history, architecture, and storytelling into a compact 85-minute adventure. The guides are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, making the stories about the infrastructure and staff come alive. One minor consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking—including navigating uneven ground, stairs, and low-lit areas—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and not claustrophobic. This tour suits history buffs, transport enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a unique, authentic glimpse into London’s underground workings beyond the usual platform view.

Key Points

• Exclusive access to areas of Baker Street Station not seen by the public for over 75 years
• Expert guides who share engaging stories and historical insights
• Focus on history: from Victorian steam travel to the operational HQ of the London Underground
• Walking-intensive tour with uneven surfaces and stairs
• Great value for those interested in transport, history, and behind-the-scenes London
• Limited accessibility: not suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia

An In-Depth Look at the Baker Street Underground Experience

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This isn’t your typical Tube sightseeing. The London Transport Museum has curated an experience that transports you into the hidden parts of one of London’s most iconic stations. While Baker Street is famous as Sherlock Holmes’ address, its underground spaces have a secretive side that few visitors ever see. That’s what makes this tour exceptional—it offers access to original platforms, old lift shafts, and corridors that have been closed off for decades.

The tour’s highlight is visiting the hidden areas last seen by the general public in 1945. These spaces include corridors and lift shafts that, for most travelers, are just forgotten relics. Walking through these areas feels like stepping into a living museum, with the added thrill of imagining the station’s past operational days.

The Historic Significance of Baker Street Station

Opened in 1863 as part of the Metropolitan Railway, Baker Street was a pioneer in deep-level underground travel. It marked the beginning of what would become a vast and vital transport network for London. The station was revolutionary—carrying passengers beneath congested streets—laying the foundation for metros worldwide.

Today, the station functions as a key node in the network, but the tour reveals its origins. Guides explain how the station served both passengers and staff, offering insights into the day-to-day life of those who worked there. One reviewer noted, “The knowledge of our guides was excellent and the safety was paramount,” highlighting the professionalism of the staff who keep the underground running smoothly even today.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

The experience kicks off outside Baker Street station, right in front of the Sherlock Holmes statue—a fun nod to its fame—where you’ll meet your guide. The guides are typically enthusiastic and well-informed, often sharing stories from the museum’s extensive archive.

Over the 85-minute walk, you’ll explore hidden corridors, old lift shafts, and original platforms no longer in use. Some spaces last saw public access over 75 years ago, giving you a rare snapshot of the station’s former glory. Highlights include an old staff rifle range and operational areas that reveal how the station functioned behind the scenes.

The guides also share stories of early Victorian travel and how passengers in 1863 reacted to underground trains, along with anecdotes from staff who worked there. For example, one guide shared, “We learned what the very first passengers thought of underground travel,” making history tangible.

The Guide and Visitor Experience

We found the guides to be particularly knowledgeable and engaging. One reviewer praised, “The young women guides were informative and enthusiastic,” which enhanced the experience greatly. Their storytelling makes the history accessible without overwhelming, and they’re happy to answer questions along the way.

However, do note that the tour involves a fair amount of walking, including navigating uneven floors, stairs, and sometimes low-light areas. There are no elevators, so it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. Most participants found the walk manageable, but a heads-up is advisable.

Price and Value

At $60.61 per person, the tour offers pretty good value, considering the exclusive access and the depth of storytelling. You’re paying for a behind-the-scenes glimpse that most travelers never see, including original platforms and forgotten corridors. For transport aficionados or history buffs, this tour is a gem.

Practical Details

The meeting point is outside Baker Street station, in front of the Sherlock Holmes statue, making it easy to find. The tour lasts approximately 85 minutes, so plan for comfortable shoes and water. The tour is conducted in English, and you should reserve your spot in advance, as availability can vary.

As the tour involves walking in low-light, uneven spaces with stairs, it’s best suited for those who are comfortable with these conditions. Children aged 10-15 are permitted, but under-10s and individuals with mobility or claustrophobia issues are advised to consider other options.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, transport buffs, and curious travelers eager to get a rare, authentic glimpse behind the scenes of London’s iconic underground system. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy stories about London’s Victorian past and infrastructure.

If you’re after a typical Tube ride or a quick visit to a station, this isn’t for you. But if you’re interested in the story behind the tunnels and enjoy uncovering hidden parts of London, this is a tour you’ll find rewarding.

Final Thoughts

The London: Hidden Baker Street Tube Station Tour offers a genuinely unique perspective on London’s underground railway. It combines historical storytelling, exclusive access, and a chance to explore forgotten spaces—all within a manageable 85-minute timeframe. The guides’ expertise and passion really shine through, adding depth and personality to the experience.

The tour’s main strength lies in access to areas most travelers never see and the engaging narratives that bring the station’s history to life. While the walking can be a bit demanding, most visitors find it well worth the effort, especially given the exclusive nature of this behind-the-scenes tour.

This experience provides great value for those interested in London’s transport history and a chance to see a different side of the city’s famed underground. It’s a memorable mix of architecture, history, and storytelling that will appeal most to curious, active travelers who want more than just the usual sightseeing.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 10-15 are permitted, but under-10s are not. The walking and uneven terrain may not be suitable for younger kids or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, water, and a passport or ID card are recommended. The tour involves walking in dark, uneven areas, so be prepared.

Are there any accessibility issues?
Yes. There are no elevators, and the tour involves stairs and walking in narrow, low-lit spaces, making it unsuitable for those with mobility impairments or claustrophobia.

How long is the tour?
The guided experience lasts approximately 85 minutes, with a walking route that includes several historic and hidden areas.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside Baker Street Underground Station, in front of the Sherlock Holmes statue, and ends back at the same point.

Is there a need to book in advance?
Yes, as spots can fill up, especially during peak times. You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel planning.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour different from other London underground tours?
This is the only tour offering access to hidden, unused areas of Baker Street Station that haven’t been seen by the public in over 75 years.

Is the tour bilingual or conducted in other languages?
No, it’s conducted in English only, with live guides sharing their knowledge throughout the tour.

In all, if you’re keen on uncovering the secret life of London’s underground and don’t mind a fair bit of walking, this tour delivers a memorable and authentic experience that you won’t find elsewhere.