Underground Ghost Tour

This tour accesses closed London Underground stations and explores medieval burial chambers hidden beneath the modern city streets. You'll visit Aldwych, a decommissioned Tube station used during World War II, and descend into areas where thousands of plague victims and medieval Londoners were buried centuries ago. The tour combines London's underground infrastructure history with archaeological sites below street level. Expect confined spaces, cool temperatures year-round, and a genuinely unusual perspective on the city's layers of history. Best for urban explorers and subway enthusiasts. This is a moderate activity lasting 2 hours. Group size: max 12. You meet at Aldwych Underground Station (closed). Key highlights: Access to Aldwych Underground Station, closed to the public since 1994, Descent 74 feet below London street level into preserved Victorian Tube architecture, Exploration of medieval burial chambers with thousands of interred remains.

Price: £22

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: max 12

Minimum age: 10+

Best for: urban explorers and subway enthusiasts

Best time: Year-round tours available. Underground temperature stays constant at 50°F/10°C, so weather doesn't affect comfort underground (but dress warmly). Off-peak weekday mornings offer smaller groups and less crowding.

Meeting point: Aldwych Underground Station (closed)

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

10:00am or 2:00pm (varies) Meeting at Aldwych Station entrance - Group assembles outside the closed station, guide explains safety rules and the itinerary for the underground exploration.

First 10 minutes Descent into Aldwych Station platforms - Guide leads you down 74 feet below street level to the platforms of a station closed since 1994, formerly used as a shelter during World War II bombing.

10-35 minutes Explore Aldwych Station interior and tunnels - Walk through platform areas, past the booking hall, and along tunnel sections that haven't changed significantly since closure. Guide explains the station's history and WWII shelter use.

35-50 minutes Walk through connecting underground passages - Navigate to nearby areas, including original Victorian engineering and structural features. Temperature drops noticeably in deeper sections.

50-85 minutes Medieval burial chamber exploration - Access burial vaults beneath street level where thousands were interred during the Great Plague and medieval periods. Guide explains archaeological findings and burial practices.

85-120 minutes Return walk and concluding stories - Head back through tunnels and up to street level, guide discusses the layers of history and answers questions about what you've seen.

The whole experience takes 2 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Aldwych Underground Station (closed).

• Access to Aldwych Underground Station, closed to the public since 1994
• Descent 74 feet below London street level into preserved Victorian Tube architecture
• Exploration of medieval burial chambers with thousands of interred remains
• WWII history as a bomb shelter used during the Blitz
• Small group sizes (maximum 12) for genuine experience without crowds
• Accessibility: Tour involves descending stairs, walking through confined underground spaces, and navigating uneven surfaces. Not wheelchair accessible. Requires moderate fitness level and comfort in enclosed spaces. Claustrophobic individuals should reconsider. Minimum age 10+ due to confined space exposure.

What is included: Guided access to Aldwych Station and closed underground areas, Access to medieval burial chambers, 2-hour exploration with historian guide.

Not included: Food or water (bring your own), Hard hat or specialized equipment (provided by tour operator), Souvenir purchases or museum items. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Warm clothing (layers recommended - underground stays 50°F/10°C year-round), Comfortable, sturdy shoes with good grip, Water bottle, Torch or headlamp (may be provided), Claustrophobia medication if needed. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Year-round tours available. Underground temperature stays constant at 50°F/10°C, so weather doesn't affect comfort underground (but dress warmly). Off-peak weekday mornings offer smaller groups and less crowding..

Tip: Wear warm clothes - underground is cold

Tip: Limited group sizes

Accessibility: Tour involves descending stairs, walking through confined underground spaces, and navigating uneven surfaces. Not wheelchair accessible. Requires moderate fitness level and comfort in enclosed spaces. Claustrophobic individuals should reconsider. Minimum age 10+ due to confined space exposure..

Operator: London Underground Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• British Museum (5 min walk)
• Covent Garden Market (10 min walk)

This activity is run by London Underground Tours.

Cancellation policy: Check operator website for current policy.

Accessibility: Tour involves descending stairs, walking through confined underground spaces, and navigating uneven surfaces. Not wheelchair accessible. Requires moderate fitness level and comfort in enclosed spaces. Claustrophobic individuals should reconsider. Minimum age 10+ due to confined space exposure..

Best time to go: Year-round tours available. Underground temperature stays constant at 50°F/10°C, so weather doesn't affect comfort underground (but dress warmly). Off-peak weekday mornings offer smaller groups and less crowding..

How cold is the London Underground during the ghost tour?

The underground maintains a constant temperature of approximately 50°F (10°C) year-round, regardless of surface weather. Layered clothing is essential - wear thermal layers, a warm jumper, and a jacket. The cold is significant after 30 minutes underground, so dressing warmly is not optional. Many participants wear more clothes than expected.

Is the Underground ghost tour suitable for people with claustrophobia?

This tour is not recommended for people with claustrophobia. You'll spend 2 hours in confined underground spaces including narrow tunnels and enclosed burial chambers. While passages are navigable, they feel tight and enclosed. Group size is limited to 12 people maximum, but confined spaces are inherent to the experience.

Why is Aldwych Station closed and how long has it been closed?

Aldwych Station closed in 1994 due to low passenger numbers and maintenance costs. The station operated since 1906 and served as a bomb shelter during WWII. It remains largely preserved underground, unchanged since closure, which makes it uniquely accessible for heritage tours. No plans exist to reopen it as an operational station.