Over the past 18 months or so one of the most popular series of articles we have run on British Trams Online has been “Still Standing” where we have taken a look at some of those first generation tramway structures which are still in situ. One feature of this series was the Kingsway Tram Tunnel in central London where we took a look at what can still be seen from the outside but now the London Transport Museum are offering tours of the tunnel for the first time as part of their Hidden London series of events.
The Kingsway Tram Tunnel opened on 24th February 1906 and ran under Kingsway and Aldwych to connect the London County Council North London and South London tramway systems. Originally only able to accommodate single deckers it was rebuilt in 1929/30 for double deckers with a reopening on 14th January 1931. It remained in operation until 6th April 1952 when the last tram routes to traverse it were closed for the last time.
While the southern section of the tunnel under Aldwych was converted to become the Strand underpass for cars on 21st January 1964 the northern section of Kingsway has remained unused save for the odd filming contract and has also been used for an art exhibition.
But starting from Thursday 12th August and until the end of September you can now explore the tunnel and former tram station to see this fascinating part of bygone London.
Tickets for these Hidden London tours are bound to be very popular – the story of the tours has already been picked up by several national newspapers – and will go on sale to the public from Friday 9th July.
They will cost £45 for adults with tours lasting approximately 60 minutes. Your ticket also gives half price one day entry to the London Transport Museum within a month of your tour date and a 10% discount on all Hidden London inspired products at the London Transport Museum shop, again within a month of the tour.
Tours will be taking place every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1100, 1230, 1515 and 1645 from Thursday 12th August until Sunday 26th September 2021.
Full details plus how to book are available at https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/hidden-london/kingsway-tram-tunnel-linking-london.
- Our original “Still Standing” article can be found at http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/news/?p=37017.
A small point, but it was always ‘Kingsway Subway’, not ‘Kingsway Tunnel’. No actual tunnelling was involved in its construction. Trams bore the information: via Kingsway Subway.
Damn! Sold out. Goodness knows how long ago, probably 30 years, I happened to be walking along Southampton Row and noticed that the gates at the top of the ramp were open. I ventured down the ramp, the lights were on so I continued along the subway as far as Holborn station. All totally unaltered. I did not see anyone. If only I’d had a camera with me.