6 reasons to visit London Transport Museum

Discover London's transportation legacy at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden.

Image: London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

The London Transport Museum houses an extensive collection of over 500,000 items spanning two centuries of London's transportation history. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and view iconic artefacts such as the original tube map and vintage coaches. The museum provides an opportunity to uncover the profound connection between modern London's evolution and its transportation system across three floors, showcasing vehicles ranging from horse-drawn omnibuses to the futuristic Elizabeth line. Featuring double-decker buses, tube simulators, and more, this experience is fantastic fun for all age groups. Here are six reasons to consider visiting the London Transport Museum.

The vehicles 

Image: London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

One of the London Transport Museum's main attractions is the chance to witness their extensive collection of vehicles which showcase the progress in London's mobility landscape – from horse-drawn buses to cutting-edge electric locomotives. As you explore the museum's expansive collection of over 80 vehicles, there is the opportunity to step back in time and climb aboard a late 1800s 'garden seat' horse bus, gaze at the resplendent gold RT type motor bus from 1954, and delve into the iconic RM type Routemaster bus.

Image: London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

The museum's exhibits also provide a glimpse into the past with the pioneering Shillibeer Omnibus of 1829 and the historic Metropolitan Railway Steam Locomotive No. 23 from 1864. While wandering through the museum, keep a watchful eye out for the different buses, trams and trains which you can climb on board!

The art and design 

Image: London Transport signage. London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

Image: London Transport signage. London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

Within the museum is the London by Design Gallery, which stands as a tribute to the iconic transport design legacy of London. This area takes visitors on a journey through pivotal moments in transport design history, including the revered 'golden age,' whose design philosophy continues to cast its influence over modern projects. The gallery presents a collection of original artworks, signs, models, photographs, engineering drawings, and uniforms, offering a comprehensive showcase of London's rich transport design heritage.

Image: Transport for London roundel sign. London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

Image: London Design Gallery at London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

Notable highlights include the earliest known drawing of the Underground's bullseye symbol by Edward Johnston in 1925, Henry Beck's pioneering Pocket Underground Map featuring diamonds for interchange stations, and the iconic Transport for London roundel, now a globally recognised symbol. Characterised by abstraction, typography, and form, this symbol remains a potent representation of London's transit system and culture, adapting to change while retaining its distinct shape and significance. Look out for animated projections on the floor, which cleverly showcase the museum's extended collection, presented in a fantastic way—a great visual for both kids and adults alike.

Future Engineers Gallery

Image: Future Engineers Gallery. Image: London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

The Future Engineers Gallery within the museum is a brilliant addition, offering an array of interactive exhibits catering to both children and adults. Designed to ignite a passion for STEM subjects, this innovative gallery showcases the creativity, societal impact, and wide-ranging career prospects within engineering. Curious visitors are invited to choose their engineering journey as dreamers, planners, or problem solvers, and participate in activities such as 'driving' a modern Elizabeth line train, gracing the cover of The Engineer magazine, experimenting with cutting-edge ticket technology, tackling hands-on repair challenges, envisioning a more eco-friendly cityscape, and investigating the remains of a long-lost spiral escalator.

The Future Engineers Gallery serves as an immersive platform to explore the world of engineering, and it's a space where children might even find the spark to become future engineers themselves!

All Aboard

Image: All Aboard at London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

All Aboard is the dedicated play zone at the London Transport Museum, specially designed for families with children aged 0 to 7 years. This fantastic indoor play area offers two main sections for toddlers to enjoy: kids can engage in driving a real London bus, take part in pretend repairs of mini Tube trains with various tools, don uniforms to play the role of a mechanic, and explore a 'Lost Property' office. Children can also enjoy imaginative play by 'sailing' the Thames Nipper, serving passengers at the Nipper café, flying the Emirates Air Line cable car, making announcements as drivers, and assisting customers at the mini information desk. There are 'noisy seats' on some vehicles, making funny sounds when sat upon, and a busking spot for future musicians.

Image: All Aboard at London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

The play zone caters to infants as well, with the 'Baby DLR' area featuring interactive elements and building blocks. This engaging area, a favorite for young visitors, provides opportunities for imaginative play and exploration. To make the most of this play zone, especially during the busy summer holidays, it's recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and ensure an enjoyable experience for your little ones.

London’s transport at war 

Image: London’s transport at war. London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

Amid both the First and Second World Wars, London's transport system and its workforce played a crucial role in maintaining the city's functionality and contributing to the broader war efforts. The newly refurbished London’s transport at war gallery offers a unique window into these narratives through posters, photographs, and artefacts from the Museum's collection. From repurposing London buses for transporting troops and materials to the front lines during World War I, to Underground stations providing shelter during World War II air raids, the historical significance of London's transport during wartime is both inspiring and harrowing.

Image: London’s transport at war. London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

For a deeper exploration of the impact London's transport had during wartime, you can delve into the 'Stories' section, where these stories are further illuminated. This section provides an opportunity to learn about the pivotal role that London's transport played in history and the enduring impact it had on the city and its people.

Hidden London Tours

Image: London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

Another great opportunity to explore the past is through the museum's Hidden London Tours, a journey into the 160-year-old history of the London Underground. These immersive tours take place at stations like Piccadilly Circus, Shepherd's Bush, Moorgate, Charing Cross, and Clapham South, providing a unique opportunity to uncover the stations' deep-level shelters and their intriguing stories.

London Transport Museum shop

Image: The London Transport Museum shop. London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

The London Transport Museum shop is a treasure trove of memorabilia, featuring an array of intriguing items. From a delightful collection of vintage model trains and buses to mugs, personalised t-shirts, and even creations crafted from the iconic London Underground upholstery – the choices are limitless. It serves as an ideal destination to discover something special for yourself and to unearth unique gifts for your loved ones.

Museum Lates

Image: London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

Experience the London Transport Museum after dark at their Museum Lates. These exclusive after-hours events, held on select Friday evenings, unlock the story of London in a whole new light. It's an opportunity to discover the museum's treasures, enjoy drinks at the bar, and engage in entertaining activities while gaining insights from expert speakers.

Image: London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

Each event revolves around a unique theme, drawing from the museum's collections and temporary exhibitions. The next event, London’s Calling!, scheduled for October 2023, is tailor-made for students and newcomers to the city. It will feature fun games, a music-accompanied scavenger hunt, and the chance to win prizes by dressing up as your favourite Tube station. Connect with the city and new friends through a friendship-speed-dating session and hands-on experiences with STEM Ambassadors, shedding light on exciting engineering careers. Co-crafted with University of West London students, this event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore, connect, and make memories. Click here for more updates on upcoming Museum Late events.

Date: Friday 6 October 2023. Time: 6.45pm - 10pm.

Visiting London Transport Museum

Canteen 

The Canteen at the London Transport Museum draws inspiration from historic 1940s and 1950s canteens for London Transport workers. Managed by Benugo, this stylish venue offers an all-day British menu with a nod to London's transport history. The décor features iconic transport design elements like vintage posters, reclaimed signs, and original seats. Open to the public and museum visitors, Canteen serves breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea, drinks, and a children's menu with Locomotive-shaped pasta.

Image: Canteen is accredited by Benugo and Kids in Museum’s new Family Café Standard accreditation scheme. London Transport Museum. July 2023. © MTotoe.

It's worth noting that Benugo and Kids in Museums have launched the Family Café Standard accreditation scheme to make museum cafés in the UK more family-friendly and inclusive. The Canteen is accredited with this scheme. Click here to learn more about it.

Location: London Transport Museum at Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden, WC2E 7BB. Price: The cost is £24 per ticket, granting you unlimited daytime access to all galleries and exhibitions for a duration of 12 months. Concession rates are applicable, and off-peak annual passes are also on offer. Kids go free, but you’ll also need to book free entry tickets during checkout. Book now.