A creepy underground station that has been left to rot for more than 30 years once played a vital part in protecting Brits from air ride strikes during both World Wars
Beneath the bustling streets of central London lies a ‘ghost’ station that remains eerily frozen in time. Thousands of Brits walk over this underground hub every single day, completely unaware of the abandoned station below them which has been described as a ‘deserted time capsule’ in the heart of the city.
Aldwych (also known as Strand) opened up back in 1907, and was once a terminus of the Piccadilly line, serving trains to and from Holborn station. Consisting of two platforms, interconnecting tunnels, and a ticket hall, this disused station played a key role during both World Wars, providing shelters for Londoners desperate to escape air raids.
It was also used to protect some of the nation’s most valuable artworks from being destroyed by bombs, including sections of the Elgin Marbles and paintings from the National Gallery.
READ MORE: Abandoned UK island with only one road running through it loved by the Beckhams
However, the station was never used by passengers as much as intended, resulting in it permanently closing to the public in 1994. Now, it remains a creepy omen of what once was, and has been used as a filming venue for several iconic films and TV shows, including Sherlock, Luther: The Fallen Sun, Mr Selfridge, 28 Weeks Later, and Netflix’s Bodies.
Distinguished by its famous red-tiled façade, Brits can now go on a tour of the station and spot the decades-old posters that still stick to the walls. The original 1907 lifts and vintage tiles have been left abandoned for decades, which makes for a perfect Instagram snap.
“Step back in time and immerse yourself in the beautifully preserved Leslie Green architecture that defined the Edwardian era,” states London Transport Museum, a charity dedicated to conserving and sharing London’s transport and design heritage.
“Retrace the steps of passengers from over a century ago in the turn-of-the-century ticket hall, step into the original 1907 lifts, and admire vintage tiles and signs dotted throughout the station. Discover how the station’s role extended beyond providing safety, with stories of the entertainment and community spirit that kept morale high beneath the city streets.”
Tickets to enter Aldwych are priced at £45 for adults and £42 for concessions and children. The tour is open to guests aged 10 and over, and those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
The guided tour lasts for around 75 minutes and does not offer step-free access. There are 160 steps connecting the entrance at street level to the platforms below, meaning wheelchair users cannot be accommodated. “This tour also takes guests to confined areas and spaces with low lighting and that may be dusty, which may make it unsuitable for people with claustrophobia,” London Transport Museum added.
You can find out more about the tour here.
Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured