London Transport Museum
London Transport Museum on Covent Garden Piazza tells the story of how the city moves, with real buses, trams and Tube carriages you can climb aboard. Children go free and adult tickets are valid for 12 months, so it's easy to come back. Allow at least two hours.
Photos
Scott McCall
What's in the collection
The halls are filled with vehicles from every era, including the world's first underground steam train and an 1890s 'padded cell' carriage. The Design for Travel gallery covers the posters and artwork the network is famous for, along with Harry Beck's original Tube map design, a piece of graphic design history in its own right. The galleries trace how trams, buses and the Underground shaped the way London grew.
For families
This is one of the best museums in central London for children. Kids can step on board real buses and trains and try a Tube driving simulator, and every route through the museum is pushchair-friendly. Temporary exhibitions, such as the current Art Deco poster show, are included with entry.
Making the most of it
Because tickets last a year, you don't need to see it all at once: do the vehicles one day and the design galleries on another. The shop and the Canteen café, which overlooks the piazza, are free to enter without a ticket. Covent Garden station is a couple of minutes away, and Leicester Square, Holborn and Charing Cross are within ten minutes' walk.
Highlights
- Climb aboard historic buses, trams and Tube trains
- World's first underground steam train
- Harry Beck's original Tube map design
- Children go free
- Tickets valid for 12 months
Good to know
- Children enter free; check the exact age limit when booking.
- Adult tickets are valid for 12 months from purchase.
- Step-free access, lift, accessible toilet; assistance dogs welcome.
- Shop and café are free to enter.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: visitlondon.com