If you've read my blog for any time at all,
you know that I have a Love/Hate relationship with the Tube.
(This particular rant is Exhibit A for Reasons Not to Blog while PMSing.
Don't even get me started on how hot the Tube has been lately.)
But, the London Underground is a fascinating thing and the primary way to get around London.
It has been an integral part of London for 150 years now and
you can't really avoid it. (Well, unless you're a Spice Girl.)
I've been trying really hard to embrace the Tube,
so when Insider London invited Matt and I to join them on one of their tours
we eagerly signed up for the London Underground and Tube Tour.
We started above ground. We met our guide,
Michelle at Paddington Station at 11am on a Friday morning.
Our tour group was just the right size. There were eight of us so we could
all keep up and easily duck out of the the way to listen to Michelle.
After a basic introduction, we headed underground for two hour tour and talk about
the London Tube.
Michelle is American although she has been in London for many years now.
She is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about history.
She guided us easily from station to station, letting us know what was coming next.
Even on the busy route, she knew the best places to stop for a discussion
so that we never felt stressed or crowded.
Michelle was very engaging. There was a young boy on our tour that was fascinated
with the Tube. She was very sweet and patient with him,
without ever talking down to him. He stayed right by her side.
She was also full of fascinating information.
There is just so much history and interesting facts about the Underground
over the past 150 years. The information fills up books.
But we learned some great facts and certainly enough to peak our interest further.
She also pointed out the little things that we just overlook as we hurry through the stations each day. For instance, have you noticed this Tube map made of Legos at Piccadilly Circus Station? There are five of them at various stations to celebrate the 150 year anniversary. Or have you ever stopped to look at the 1920's World Time Today clock at the same station? And do you know how to decipher the tile work at the various stations?
It's not just decorative. It's there to guide you.
We had a great tour with Michelle
and found out that she also does some of the other historical tours with Insider London.
Insider London offers many different tours such as the London Street & Graffiti Art,
Modern Architecture, The History of Drinking & Pubs (fun!) and
Quirky London to name just a few.
Planning your Insider London Underground Walking Tour
First off we have to talk about price. At £20 per person this tour is not cheap. (Their various tours range from £18 up to £40.) You can find good walking tours in London for less or even free. But...
1. I believe they're the only one offering Underground Tube Tours (please correct me if I'm wrong).
2. And according to their website "All bookings come with a money-back guarantee: if you don’t love it, email us after the tour and we’ll refund the amount of your choice."
So, if you want a great tour with a reputable company and are willing to pay that amount, then I can definitely recommend them.
‘Join-in’ tours are on Mondays at 11am and 2pm, and Fridays at 11am. (Private tours can be arranged on the time and day of your choice.) The 'Join In' tours require a minimum of 2 people per booking.
All tours must be booked in advance.
All attendees need to provide their own Oyster card or Travelcard (Zones 1 & 2).
We did not visit any disused stations.
Insider London was friendly, professional and very informative.
I hope we can join them again soon for another tour.
Do you know any interesting facts about the London Underground?
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*We received complimentary tours from Insider London. All photos and opinions are 100% my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
*We received complimentary tours from Insider London. All photos and opinions are 100% my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
You can find this review and many others in my
London Attraction Guide.
You can find this review and many others in my
London Attraction Guide.
