Hidden London Hangouts
Each week, join Chris Nix, Siddy Holloway and Laura Hilton-Brown from the Museum’s Hidden London team and host Alex Grundon as they explore the secret and mysterious spaces of London’s transport system. In series 1, the team focus on the different sites in the Hidden London tour programme, sharing historical titbits that are revealed on the tours as well as the behind the scenes processes they go through to make the tours such as success. In series 2 and 3, the team turn their hands to a huge number of various transport topics such as moquette, tiling, Johnston type face, posters and much, much more!
Seasons
1. Aldwych
Air Date: 2020-04-04
Join our brand new Hidden London Hangouts to discover the secrets of the Underground with the Museum's Assistant Director Chris Nix, Laura Hilton Brown and Siddy Holloway from the Hidden London team and self confessed Tube geek Alex Grundon. In the first episode, the team focus on the history of Aldwych station.
2. Charing Cross
Air Date: 2020-04-11
In this episode our expert team takes you behind the scenes at Charing Cross station. Explore the station’s history and find out how it came to be used as a filming location for popular TV shows and blockbuster films, among other things.
3. Clapham South deep-level shelter
Air Date: 2020-04-18
In this episode our expert team takes you behind the scenes at Clapham South deep-level shelter. Hear about some of the extraordinary stories of those who sheltered here from the Second World War onwards, including Caribbean migrants arriving on the Empire Windrush.
4. Down Street
Air Date: 2020-04-25
In episode 4, Alex Grundon and the Hidden London team explore the secret world of Down Street station and how it became covertly transformed into the Railway Executive Committee's bomb-proof headquarters during WW2.
5. 55 Broadway
Air Date: 2020-05-02
The team go up instead of down in this episode, and explore London's first skyscraper, 55 Broadway. As London Underground’s iconic headquarters, this building was considered radical and offensive when unveiled in 1929, but in now classified as a Grade I listed marvel of art deco London.
6. Euston
Air Date: 2020-05-09
The London Transport Museum's Hidden London team turn their attention to Euston station in episode 6. From its humble beginnings on the corner of Melton and Drummond Streets, to its brand-new future as the London terminus for HS2, Euston station has an intriguing history and future to reveal. This week, the team are joined by David Bownes who casts his expert eye on the brilliant poster advertising and design that visitors can enjoy during a Hidden London tour.
7. Moquette
Air Date: 2020-05-16
A slight change of direction for this episode, as the team focus on the marvellous world of moquette! You’ll get the chance to hear from designers from two high-profile design studios, Wallace Sewell and Camira Fabrics, as they discuss how these iconic designs are created and manufactured.
8. Highgate
Air Date: 2020-05-23
Ready to head into the wilderness? In this episode of Hidden London Hangouts, the team venture to Highgate station in north London. Planned to be a bustling interchange as part of the Northern Heights project, parts of this station now lie deserted in a secluded vale.
9. Piccadilly Circus
Air Date: 2020-05-30
It's time to venture into the Heart of London as the Hidden London team talk about Piccadilly Circus, one of the finest examples of subterranean architecture on the Underground with a station history dating back to 1906 which now serves over 40 million passengers a year.
10. Moorgate
Air Date: 2020-06-06
In episode 10, the Hidden London Hangouts team are venturing into Moorgate station, one of London's first Underground stations. The station originally opened in 1865 as Moorgate Street, but due to various re-designs and upgrade work over the years, this has left a maze of disused tunnels and track for the team to explore.
11. Season End
Air Date: 2020-06-13
This episode is the last in series one of our Hidden London Hangouts! In this episode, Chris, Laura, Siddy and Alex recount their favourite moments over the past 10 weeks, from reaching the top of 55 Broadway, London's first skyscraper to venturing into the maze of tunnels at Moorgate. There are a huge number of secret stories the team are excited to revisit.
1. King William Street
Air Date: 2020-09-05
Your favourite Hidden London experts are back for a second season of Hangouts. This week they focused on King William Street, which has the honour of being the first disused Tube station in London. And for the first time, thanks to easing of restrictions, the team could go out on location!
2. A Night on the Tiles
Air Date: 2020-09-12
This week the team give you a eye witness guide to the tiles adorning Tube stations across London. They also pay a visit to our Museum Depot, a transport treasure trove in Acton Town.
3. Routemaster
Air Date: 2020-09-19
The Routemaster is arguably the most recognisable London icon. This week, Alex, Chris, Laura and Siddy explore the history of the world famous and much loved big red bus, in this special episode of Hidden London Hangouts.
4. Brompton Road
Air Date: 2020-09-26
In this episode the team give you a sneak peek into Bromtpon Road, one of the disused stations you can explore in our popular Hidden London virtual tours
5. Johnston
Air Date: 2020-10-03
London’s timeless lettering – the Johnston typeface – was created over a century ago for London Underground by Edward Johnston and since its introduction it has come to represent not just transport but the idea of London itself. Find out all about this iconic typeface in this episode of Hidden London Hangouts.
6. Hyde Park Corner
Air Date: 2020-10-10
All aboard as the Hidden London Hangouts team head to Hyde Park Corner station. The original Leslie Green designed station opened in December 1906, and you can in fact still see the ox blood coloured tiles today. The building's use changed when escalators replaced the lifts in May 1932 and it is now one of the few stations which has no associated buildings above ground.
7. Also Known As
Air Date: 2020-10-17
What's in a (Tube station) name? In this episode of Hidden London Hangouts, Chris Nix quizzes Alex, Laura and Siddy on the stories and secrets behind the names of Underground stations.
8. Aldwych: a deeper dig
Air Date: 2020-10-24
Think you know everything about Aldwych station? Think again! The team dig deeper into the history of the disused station formerly known as Strand.
9. Ghost stations
Air Date: 2020-10-31
Things get spooky in this Halloween special where the team explore haunted Underground stations.
10. Trafalgar Square
Air Date: 2020-11-07
Let the team transport you to the really hidden part of Charing Cross station...Trafalgar Square.
11. Kingsway's tram tunnel
Air Date: 2020-11-14
Dive into another episode of Hangouts with your favourite team of experts as they venture down the tram tunnel at Kingsway. Get a glimpse behind the scenes of one of the three sites we explore in our newest Hidden London virtual tour, Holborn (Kingsway).
12. Island Tubes
Air Date: 2020-11-21
The whole team is back this week for a special episode about the much-loved 1938 Stock trains still running on the Isle of Wight - but not for much longer...
13. Moquette: a second sitting
Air Date: 2020-11-28
We just can't get enough of moquette, and we know our fans love it too, so the team is bringing you another episode all about the iconic transport fabric, with a special guest from Camira Fabrics!
14. The secret life of posters
Air Date: 2020-12-05
The team look at some of the most iconic posters in our collection and give you a sneak peek into our art and posters store at the Museum Depot, where we hold the majority of our world-class collection of transport posters and original artworks.
15. Holborn
Air Date: 2020-12-12
The team is feeling festive in this episode of Hangouts, all about the lesser-known disused platforms at Holborn station with lots of pictures, archival photos and exclusive footage.
16. A Night at the Museum
Air Date: 2020-12-19
The team take a look behind the ropes at normally inaccessible vehicles on display at the Museum. The Hangouts foursome are joined by special guests who help to uncover fascinating stories about our heritage vehicles and the people who travelled on them.
17. Christmas
Air Date: 2020-12-26
The team take a look at how London Transport celebrated Christmas during wartime and in peace. We also find out what was under their Christmas trees this year!
18. The Great Exhibition
Air Date: 2021-01-02
In the final episode of Season 2, the team are on location in their spiritual home: the award-winning Hidden London exhibition in the Global Gallery at London Transport Museum. The team share their favourite parts of the exhibition and give a sneaky preview of what lies ahead in Season 3 of the Hidden London Hangouts.
1. Piccadilly Circus: a deeper dig
Air Date: 2021-01-09
The Hangouts team return for a brand new season and revisit a fan favourite of Season 1 - Piccadilly Circus. Join the team as they take Alex on location for his first chance to take a deeper look behind the scenes in the Heart of London.
2. Lords
Air Date: 2021-01-16
The team share the history of Lords station, formerly known as St John's Wood Road, part of the Metropolitan Railway. Siddy and Chris also take you on location at our Acton Depot for a peek into the Sign Mezzanine.
3. Signs
Air Date: 2021-01-23
Your favourite foursome are back on location at the Acton Depot to tell you all about the iconic London Underground's signs.
4. Oxford Circus
Air Date: 2021-01-30
The team explore one of London's busiest stations, Oxford Circus. This station is familiar to anyone who has ever visited London but hides a secret history of two stations that became one.
5. London to New York Special
Air Date: 2021-02-06
In this very special episode, the Hangouts foursome (virtually) travelled to New York to meet the team at the New York Transit Museum. Join them to explore the history of New York's transit network, as well as its parallels and differences with London's transport.
6. Underground Art
Air Date: 2021-02-13
The team explore the secrets of the Museum Depot's fabulous art store. They share their favourite art and discover that gorgeous artwork is just the first step of making a classic transport poster.
7. Metroland
Air Date: 2021-02-20
Escape to the country with the team in this episode exploring the suburban area known as Metro-land.
8. Marlborough Road
Air Date: 2021-02-27
The team reveal elusive disused station of the Metropolitan line that has been hiding in plain sight for 82 years.
9. Holloway Road
Air Date: 2021-03-06
The team uncover the secrets of Holloway Road station.
10. Tottenham Court Road
Air Date: 2021-03-13
Did you know that Tottenham Court Road station used to be called Oxford Street station? Find out all about the history of this central London station.
11. Mail Rail
Air Date: 2021-03-20
In this episode, the Hangouts foursome are joined by special guest Chris Taft, Head of Collection at the Postal Museum. Find out all about the Mail Rail.
12. Whitechapel
Air Date: 2021-03-27
Ever heard of St Mary's station? Later known as Whitechapel Road, this short-lived station was located between Whitechapel and Aldgate East on the District and Metropolitan lines. Find out its little known but fascinating history.
13. York Road
Air Date: 2021-04-03
The awesome foursome celebrate the Hangouts' first birthday with a special episode packed with exclusive on-site footage and stunning photographs from the Museum's collection. Find out all the secrets of York Road and join in the celebrations!
14. Anniversary
Air Date: 2021-04-18
The team look back at their favourite moments from the three seasons of Hidden London Hangouts, to celebrate the series' first birthday.
15. Marylebone
Air Date: 2021-04-24
Follow the team on location to discover the secrets of Marylebone station.
16. Edgware Road
Air Date: 2021-05-01
Go behind the scenes at Edgware Road station with the team and special guest Signal Instructor Charley Monroe who showed us around the signalling cabin 'adopted' by the Museum when it went out of service in 2019.
17. Tube Maps
Air Date: 2021-05-08
The team explore the history of Underground maps from the early days of the Metropolitan Railway to the revolutionary diagrammatic map by Harry Beck. They also give you a sneak peek of our Museum Depot in Acton where most of the iconic maps in our collection are stored.
18. Notting Hill Gate
Air Date: 2021-05-15
The Hangouts foursome are back out on the system to explore a very old station that has been rebuilt many times in its life. The team reveal the secrets of hidden passageways not open to the public, including posters that have survived there from the 1950s.
19. Museum Reopening
Air Date: 2021-05-22
This week the team explore London Transport Museum as it reopens to the public, meet Hangout fans in person and talk to TfL Commissioner Andy Byford to find out where he would like to visit behind the scenes with the team.
20. Kennington station and Kennington Loop
Air Date: 2021-05-29
Join the team as they explore the hidden, disused and secret gems of Kennington station and ride the Kennington loop.
21. Leicester Square
Air Date: 2021-06-05
The team explore the hidden and disused spaces of Leicester Square station, and discover original tiles and ingeniously reused lift shafts.
22. Swiss Cottage
Air Date: 2021-06-12
Follow the team behind the scenes at Swiss Cottage station.
23. Hampstead
Air Date: 2021-06-19
This week the team visit the deepest station on the London Underground and go behind the scenes to uncover surprising hidden features.
24. Arsenal
Air Date: 2021-06-26
The team explore Arsenal station, formerly known as Gillsepie Road, one of the London's shallowest Tube stations.
25. Knightsbridge Pt.1
Air Date: 2021-07-03
The team visit Knightbridge station for the first of two episodes exploring this evolving station and its beautiful original features. Part two will explore the changes being made to reuse the oldest part of the station to give step free access to the site.
26. Knightsbridge Pt.2
Air Date: 2021-07-10
The team return to Knightsbridge to see how the original station is being adapted to bring step-free access to the modern Tube and reveal the surprising place that one of the original station fittings ended up.
27. Green Park Mosaic Tunnel
Air Date: 2021-07-17
What's the story behind the mosaic tunnel at Green Park station? Join the Hangouts Fab Four to find out.
28. King's Cross light tunnel
Air Date: 2021-07-24
This is the final episode of Hidden London Hangouts Series 3! Join the team as they talk about the wonderful architecture of King's Cross light tunnel (affectionately known as the King's Cross rainbow tunnel) and how this kaleidoscope tunnel has a special place in many Londoner's hearts.
29. Swanage Summer Special
Air Date: 2021-07-31
This week the team are on holiday, but Chris and Alex invite you to join them by the sea to discover a train that served London and has now retired to Swanage Railway. They spend a privileged day aboard the newly restored Class 117 during test-runs before it enters service.
30. 007: 483 Your Eyes Only
Air Date: 2021-08-07
This week the team head off on a Summer Special mission to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway to see Class 483 unit 007 officially become part of the Steam Railway Museum's collection.
1. London To Swanage
Air Date: 2021-08-14
The Hangouts team head to the Swanage Railway in Dorset, for the opening show of Season 4. In a privileged trip behind the scenes they meet some of the amazing people who run the railway and reveal the meaning behind the bells at the start and end of the Hangouts episodes. With aerial drone footage courtesy of Railflicks.
2. Supermodels
Air Date: 2021-08-21
The team explore the Underground stations modelled in LEGO recently exhibited at London Transport Museum's Depot at Acton Town. LEGO modeller Ben Apps joins the team to reveal some tricks of the trade used to model the Tube with blocks, and Alex drives a Routemaster!
3. London Bridge
Air Date: 2021-08-28
In this epic episode the team go behind the scenes of the Northern line at London Bridge to explore the original tunnels of the City and South London Railway. Along the way they reveal how many of the tunnels have been reused in the modern station, discover a disused floodgate and find the tunnels of the world's first deep tube railway from 1890.
4. Imberbus 2021
Air Date: 2021-09-04
The team visit the village of Imber to discover the unlikely location for an incredible London bus service that happens once a year to raise funds for charity. Expect plenty of laughs as Chris and Alex persuade Siddy and Laura to go next year. With special guest Katariina Mauranen, Senior Vehicles Curator at London Transport Museum.
5. Embankment
Air Date: 2021-09-11
In this bumper episode the team explore a station with many names and faces built in the river Thames. Inside, they discover lost passageways, art, civil defence measures and a love story.
6. Northern line Extension: A first look
Air Date: 2021-09-18
The team gained access to the new Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms stations before they opened to the public on 20 September 2021, to give you a first look at the Northern line Extension, the first major London Underground extension of the 21st century.
7. Wood Lane
Air Date: 2021-09-25
Join the team in West London to visit a station that used to appear twice on the map only to disappear altogether and eventually come back!
8. London Bridge Pt. 2
Air Date: 2021-10-02
In this episode the Hangouts team return to London Bridge station to explore secrets of the Jubilee line hidden in plain sight. Admire the station's influential architecture and discover its cavernous construction tunnel.
9. Knightsbridge Tiles
Air Date: 2021-10-09
The team return to Knightsbridge station to see the original tiles being removed and to witness the attempt to remove two maker's tiles intact. These historic tiles will soon be available for sale in the Museum's online shop.
10. Island Line New 484 Trains
Air Date: 2021-10-30
The team travel to the Isle of Wight to see the latest trains to carry on the tradition of London Underground rolling stocking being upgraded to serve the Island line. Join us for privileged access, courtesy of South Western Trains, aboard the beautiful new class 484 trains (converted from D78 stock) ahead of them entering service.
11. Driving The Routemaster
Air Date: 2021-11-06
Hidden London Hangouts fan Annesley Abercorn invites the team to drive his Routemaster RM357. With special guest appearance by Leon Daniels OBE, Chair of London Bus Museum.
12. Tanks and Buses: Serving the Front Line
Air Date: 2021-11-13
The team visit The Tank Museum at Bovington to meet Curator David Willey and explore the surprising shared DNA between some early tanks and London buses.
13. Elizabeth line: Farringdon
Air Date: 2021-11-20
In this episode the team go behind the doors of Farringdon station for the first of a series of exclusive trips to the beautiful new Elizabeth line stations whilst they are being completed and tested.
14. Elizabeth line: Paddington
Air Date: 2021-11-27
The team explore the bright, beautiful new Elizabeth line station at Paddington. A station box design with stunning views and clever design features.
15. Elizabeth line: Tottenham Court Road
Air Date: 2021-12-04
The team head to the edge of Soho to explore the stunning new Elizabeth line station at Tottenham Court Road. Join them to discover the ways this station reflects the multiple identities of the surrounding area.
16. Christmas at London Transport Museum
Air Date: 2021-12-11
In this episode the team get into the festive mood with a look at Christmas at London Transport Museum and other European transport museums. Special guest Laura Mullins, the Museum's Head of Trading, shows off some of the beautiful things in our Shop this year, and Chris and Siddy give an update on King William Street and Bank after their recent visit. Plus a musical cameo from the fabulous The Puppini Sisters!
17. Island line cab view: Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin
Air Date: 2021-12-18
In this episode the team share all of the cab view footage shot from the front of 484002 for S4E10: Island line New 484 trains. Enjoy this special view of the journey from Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin.
18. Angel at Christmas
Air Date: 2021-12-25
In this episode the team give Alex the Christmas present he's always wanted - a visit to the disused areas of Angel station. Explore this time-capsule from the 1990s and discover what the team are getting for Christmas.
1. King's Cross St Pancras
Air Date: 2022-02-05
The Hangouts team return for a new series with a visit to one of the oldest stations on the Underground, to discover a wealth of disused and reused hidden spaces.
2. Elizabeth line: Canary Wharf
Air Date: 2022-02-12
The team go behind the gates of the new Elizabeth line station at Canary Wharf, only hours after the official handover, and explore the brand new station as TfL staff take over its running.
3. Bank Station Capacity Upgrade
Air Date: 2022-02-19
In this special episode, the team share footage of the Bank Capacity Upgrade Project and discuss the incredible work to modernise this complex station, set to reopen in mid-May 2022. The episode was recorded live on 30 January 2022 with some of our Patreon members, two weeks after the Northern line closure at Bank.
4. Taking the last Class 484 to the Island Line
Air Date: 2022-02-26
In this episode the team follow the journey of the last 484 unit to the Island Line on the Isle of Wight. 484005 is the last of the converted ex London Underground D78 trains to arrive in the island. Join the team in discovering the adventurous delivery process for these trains.
5. St Paul's
Air Date: 2022-03-05
In this episode the team explore a station on the Central line that has moved, changed its name and acted as a bunker during the Second World War. Behind the grime, they discover elegant designs, surviving tiles and beautiful posters in the Museum's collection.
6. Elizabeth Line Trial Operations
Air Date: 2022-03-19
In this special episode the Hangouts team take part in the Trial Operations of the Elizabeth line. They take a ride on the new trains, meet fans of the show, and transport historian and co-presenter of Secrets of the London Underground Tim Dunn. They also talk to Transport for London's Commissioner Andy Byford, Chief Operating Officer Andy Lord and Crossrail CEO MArk Wild about what this moment means to them. In the studio, they are joined by Emma Sewell to disocver the inspiration behind the unique Elizabeth line moquette.
7. Elizabeth line: Whitechapel
Air Date: 2022-03-26
In this episode, the team take you behind closed doors to see how this Victorian station, first opened in 1876, has been transformed to become an interchange for the new Elizabeth line. Take a close look at its breathtaking new design features, clever use of light and innovative ventilation systems.
8. Elizabeth line: Liverpool Street
Air Date: 2022-04-02
The team head to the Elizabeth line once again, this time to explore Liverpool Street, a station so expanded it now joins with a neighbouring station. They unpack the features that make this station unique and Alex finally gets to see the fabled totem forest!
9. Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Air Date: 2022-04-09
Join the team for a holiday trip to the seaside as they visit the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. Situated on the south coast and known as "Kent's Mainline in Miniature", this epic 15 inch gauge railway is well worth a visit. Chris and Laura explore the delights of the 131/2 mile miniature marvel and share their postcards with Siddy and Alex.
10. Shepherd's Bush
Air Date: 2022-04-16
In this episode the team explore behind the scenes of the original western terminus of the Central London Railway - Shepherd's Bush. Join Chris, Siddy and Alex as they discover a maze of spaces from the original Victorian passageways and lift shafts and find out what they are used for today.
11. Oval
Air Date: 2022-05-07
In this episode, the Hangouts team go in to bat at Oval, exploring behind the scenes of the original City and South London Railway station. They discover fabulous tilework and artwork with links to the nearby cricket ground.
12. Bank Project Update and King William Street
Air Date: 2022-05-14
The team return to Bank/ Monument station to see the new southbound Northern line platforms just days before they open to passengers. Chris, Siddy and Laura visit as guests of Programme Delivery Manager Iain Smith and access all areas - including the legendary King William Street disused station!
13. Elizabeth line: The ultimate premiere
Air Date: 2022-05-21
In this episode the team travel against the clock on a new Elizabeth line train with some of the design team Paul Marchant, Emma Sewell and Harriet Wallace. They are joined in the studio by special guest Mark Wild for a unique insight into the delivery of the new line.
14. Elizabeth line opening day special
Air Date: 2022-05-28
In this episode, the team are joined by Museum Director Sam Mullins to explore the Elizabeth line on its opening day (24 May 2022). Along the way they meet fans and talk to TfL Commissioner Andy Byford, Crossrail CEO Mark Wild, MD of London Underground Andy Lord and MD of MTR Nigel Holness. They visit Abbey Wood and Custom House and make a special purchase at Paddington.
15. South Kensington
Air Date: 2022-06-04
In this episode, the team are reunited at South Kensington station for a unique opportunity to explore the former lift shafts during the period of closure for escalator replacement works. They discover gardens, beautiful original tiles and forgotten posters and explore passageways once intended for a deep-level express District line.
16. Ruislip
Air Date: 2022-06-11
In this episode the team revisit Metroland to discover how a new station transformed a small village in Middlesex into a commuter and leisure destination. Chris and Alex explore a rare disused feature of the station - a lever frame signal cabin.
17. Charing Cross: Making the station tour
Air Date: 2022-06-25
The team revisit Charing Cross station to share some of the disused spaces that can be seen on our Hidden London tour. They reveal some of the things that make this popular tour possible and the work that needs to be done to safely take visitors behind the scenes.
18. Stockwell
Air Date: 2022-07-09
Chris and Siddy visit Stockwell to explore the hidden layers of a station that's changed many times since it was first built in 1890. Along the way the team discover original station passages, tiling, a lift shaft, ventilation chambers and even the disused entrance to a deep-level shelter.
19. City Road
Air Date: 2022-07-16
The team (minus Siddy) visit City Road, between Angel and Old Street, which had a very short life as a working station but has served the community in different ways throughout the years.
20. West Ashfield
Air Date: 2022-07-23
Alex and Chris explore an Underground station closed to the public, West Ashfield, as they take you inside London Underground's training facility at Ashfield House. They also take a lesson in signalling with model trains in the Signalling School and get aboard the cab of an S stock train simulator.
21. Elizabeth line: Bond Street, The Ultimate Preview
Air Date: 2022-07-30
In the last episode of Series 5, the team visit the Elizabeth line station at Bond Street during construction and explore a magnificent cavernous station being built moments away from one of London's busiest shopping districts. Chris, Siddy and Alex discover details behind the scenes of construction not seen before on their explorations of the line. The team will return with Series 6 later this autumn.
1. Elizabeth line: Driver Number One
Air Date: 2022-10-08
The team return with Series 6 and take us on a trip in the cab of an Elizabeth line class 345 train. Chris and Alex are the guests of Emma Knowles, driver of the first train on the opening day of the Elizabeth line (24 May 2022) on a journey from Abbey Wood to Liverpool Street to Shenfield.
2. North End (Bull and Bush)
Air Date: 2022-10-15
The team celebrate the 100th episode of the Hidden London Hangouts by visiting the legendary hidden station of North End also known as Bull and Bush. We explore the remains of the Cold War era bunker conversion and the bare bones of what was set to be a classic Lesley Green styled station.
3. Elizabeth line: West to East Driver's Eye Exclusive
Air Date: 2022-10-22
In this episode the team board their own special train to see the driver’s view from the cab as a Class 345 train travels from Westbourne Park to Gidea Park. This is what through running Elizabeth line trains will be doing from November 2022.
4. Elizabeth line: Driver's Cab from Gidea Park to Liverpool Street
Air Date: 2022-11-05
The team share a special Hidden London Hangup episode recorded live for our Patreons. Special guest Keith Valla, Driver Team Manager for the Elizabeth line joins Chris, Laura and Alex in the studio as we share cab footage shot on the Elizabeth line between Gidea Park and Liverpool Street earlier this summer. In the cab, Chris and Alex are given a master class in driving by Keith and Driver Sham Darr.
5. Archway
Air Date: 2022-11-12
Chris and Alex discover a hidden gem at Archway and explore the astonishing disused passageways of a station that has seen many changes since it was first built. Meanwhile Siddy and Laura receive the Tiqets Best Global Hidden Gem award for London Transport Museum's Hidden London programme.
6. Whitechapel's Bell
Air Date: 2022-11-19
In this one of a kind episode the Hangouts team visit South Stoke in Oxfordshire to follow up on a viewer's offer to learn more about bells after our episode on Whitechapel The team explore the bell tower and are taught to handle a bell in a single afternoon. We hear also the Whitechapel Road ringing method, from the artwork at Whitechapel station, played specially for this episode by the bell ringers of nearby St Thomas of Canterbury church, Goring. With grateful thanks to St Andrew's Church, South Stoke, Robert the Tower Captain and their wonderful team of bell ringers.
7. Mark Lane
Air Date: 2022-11-26
The Hangouts team get their torches out to visit Mark Lane, a lost station on the District line that had many names in its life. In the dark and dust they reveal its secrets and discover what survives of the station's original Metropolitan and District Railway origins.
8. Secrets of Clapham South deep-level shelter
Air Date: 2022-12-10
The team open the doors to the Museum's own disused site, Clapham South deep-level shelter, part of our popular Hidden London tours programme. We take you behind the scenes of the tour to reveal fascinating places too difficult to normally visit using 3D scans, Chris explains his role as custodian of the site and we meet Martin, the Conservation Engineer who has restored many of the original systems from the Second World War.
9. Southwark deep-shelter
Air Date: 2022-12-17
In this episode the team take a rare opportunity to discover the remains of the Southwark deep-level shelter. Once the short-lived running tunnels of the City & South London Railway, these lengthy dormant passageways were repurposed for civilian shelter during the Second World War. The team are joined in the studio by the Museum's Head of Retail, Laura Mullins, to talk about what they want for Christmas from the Museum shop!
10. Christmas - Kentish Town
Air Date: 2022-12-24
In this special Christmas episode the Team travel to Kentish Town to discover a wealth of hidden passages, original design features and the origin of Alex's love for the Tube. This is the final episode of series six. The Team will return with series seven in 2023.
1. Exploring South Kentish Town Disused Tube Station
Air Date: 2023-03-18
In this first episode, they explore South Kentish Town, a short lived underground station that was reused as a civilian war-time shelter before becoming a ventilation point.
2. Elephant & Castle, the Two-Halved Tube Station
Air Date: 2023-03-25
In this episode, Alex Siddy and Chris explore the two halves of Elephant & Castle tube station to uncover the secret disused spaces that lie behind closed doors.
3. The Lost Tunnels of Finsbury Park
Air Date: 2023-04-08
In this episode, the team are given special night access to Finsbury Park to track walk the disused tunnels of the Great Northern and City line; and to discover the ingenious ways in which they were used to upgrade the Piccadilly line during the construction of the Victoria line.
4. Unlocking Baker Street, the 160-year-old Underground Station
Air Date: 2023-04-22
In this episode, the team are handed the keys of Baker Street, which opened on 10 January 1863. They explore the secrets of its 160 years of history, starting from its Metropolitan line origins and the development of the Bakerloo line, all the way to the complex interchange station of today. Featuring photos, diagrams and posters from the Museum's collection.
5. Warren Street, the Station with Many Names and Faces
Air Date: 2023-04-29
In this episode, the team burrow into the history and the hidden spaces of Warren Street, a station with several names and faces.
6. The Hidden Gallery at Marble Arch Station
Air Date: 2023-05-13
In this episode, the team explore the history of Marble Arch station and discover some hidden disused spaces - with posters!
7. Alperton Station, the Sleeping Giant
Air Date: 2023-05-20
In this episode, the team explore Alperton, a Charles Holden station that was originally part of the District line - complete with a hidden wooden escalator!
8. Mornington Crescent: The Antedote to Panel Stations
Air Date: 2023-05-27
In this episode, the team head to a classic Leslie Green station that was refurbished in the 1990s before becoming the icon of the Radio 4 panel game - I'm sorry I haven't got a clue.
9. Goodge Street: Shopping, stairs and surprises
Air Date: 2023-06-03
In this episode, Alex and Chris explore Goodge Street, a station that has changed its name and its appearance and has secret worlds above it and beneath.
10. Gloucester Road: Forgotten spaces and historic features
Air Date: 2023-06-24
In this episode the team visit a very old Underground station dating back to 1868, to explore the many changes to its design and appearance. Along the way they discover a wealth of forgotten spaces, historic features in plain-sight and learn about the latest artwork to be displayed at this stylish station.
11. Tottenham Court Road
Air Date: 2023-07-01
In this episode, the team explore the history of Tottenham Court Road station, starting from its humble beginning on the Central London Railway in 1900 all the way to the modern Elizabeth line station of today.
12. Lambeth North
Air Date: 2023-07-08
In this week's episode Siddy and Chris explore a Zone 1 station with a history of change and many secret spaces. In the studio the team share a wealth of Collection images and catch up with notes, queries and questions. This is the last episode of the current series before our summer break.
1. Earl's Court
Air Date: 2023-10-28
The team return with an exploration of a busy station with a long history and plenty of hidden gems in both public and secret areas. Once the home of the busiest exhibition centre of London, the station has seen many rebuilds and reuses, revealed through a wealth of photos and posters in our collection.
2. Sloane Square
Air Date: 2023-11-04
In this episode the team go behind the scenes at a station that has been rebuilt many times including after a direct hit from a bomb in the Second World War. Chris and Siddy unlock a river in a cupboard for Alex and Laura enjoys the classic artwork used to promote the station.
3. Holland Park
Air Date: 2023-11-11
The team visit Holland Park, a true survivor of the Central London Railway on the trail of original features lost at neighbouring stations on the Central line. Chris and Alex get the keys to find the secrets and Siddy and Laura guide us through the images, artwork and opera associated with the station.
4. Glasgow Subway
Air Date: 2023-11-25
Chris and Alex head north to Glasgow to ride the Subway – the third system of it’s type in the world. Laura helps us pick through the differences and similarities of the Subway and the Underground as well as some important culinary decisions.
5. Chalk Farm
Air Date: 2023-12-02
In this episode, Chris and Alex explore behind the scenes of an unusual Northern line station to discover some rare surviving original features. Meanwhile, Siddy and Laura enjoy a wealth of classic posters promoting travel to Chalk Farm from the Museum collection.
6. Thames Tunnel Trek
Air Date: 2023-12-16
In this episode the team travel to Rotherhithe for a very rare opportunity to walk through the Thames Tunnel, whilst London Overground had stopped trains for scheduled upgrade works. Chris demonstrates how a tunnelling shield was key to the success of building this as the first underwater tunnel in the world in 1843. Siddy uncovers stories about the Brunnel dynasty who masterminded this engineering feat. Laura explains who we turned this into a Hidden London public tour and Alex turns shop keeper for one morning only.
7. The Secret Tunnels of Camden Junctions
Air Date: 2023-12-23
In this bumper Christmas episode, the team are given rare special access to explore the intricate engineering marvel of the Northern line’s Camden Junctions. Built nearly 100 years ago, the junction allows trains to switch between all of the branches of the line and is normally strictly off–limits for access to film. Featuring in-cab footage and a night-time track possession, this is a special tour behind the scenes including a bonus track walk to the nearby disused station, South Kentish Town.
8. Old Street
Air Date: 2024-01-06
In this epic exploration Laura and Chris get behind the scenes and uncover the secrets of a very old Tube station with its origins in the City & South London Railway and the Great Northern & City line. In the final stages of an upgrade the station is a fantastic mix of modern architecture and forgotten passageways and tiling gems.
1. Waterloo
Air Date: 2024-06-15
To kick off Series 9, the team explore disused parts of Waterloo station, complete with lift shafts, floodgates and evacuation routes.
2. Riding the 38 Stock
Air Date: 2024-06-29
In the second episode of series 9, the team head to Acton Town to hop onboard our 38 Stock train. They join a test run ahead of the Heritage Train Journeys that we will be running this summer.
3. Liverpool Street
Air Date: 2024-07-13
In this episode the team explore a station of two halves – Liverpool Street. Hidden platforms, a disused signal cabin and original passageways of the Central London Railway all make for a fascinating exploration. In a first of the Hangouts this episode was performed live and recorded in the Cubic Theatre at London Transport Museum, with an audience of our Patreons on Friday 11 August 2023.
4. Making the Museum roundel
Air Date: 2024-07-20
In this episode, the team travel to A J Wells on the Isle of Wight to reveal the process of designing and creating London Transport Museum’s new animated spectrum roundel. This enormous sign forms the centre piece of the recent rebrand for the Museum. With special guests Sau-Fun Mo, Head of Design, London Transport Museum and Jake Hunter, Project Manager, A J Wells.
5. The Hidden Tube at St Helen's Beach
Air Date: 2024-08-10
This week, Alex, Laura and Chris are back to the Isle of Wight to see St Helen's Beach, where they come across beach huts that look oddly familiar...
6. Hidden Holborn
Air Date: 2024-08-17
In this episode the team return to Holborn station ahead of the start of our new Hidden London disused station tours. Chris, Laura, Alex and Siddy explore the most hidden parts of the station, revealing original tiles, machine rooms and a huge ventilation system.
7. Green Park's Secret Station
Air Date: 2024-10-05
Join the team for episode seven as they explore Green Park's secret station. In this episode the team head to Mayfair to find a long hidden station that once stood opposite the famous Ritz Hotel and was transformed into a luxurious bunker for London Transport executives during the Second World War.
8. Metroland The end of the line
Air Date: 2024-11-11
The Metropolitan Railway once reached deep into Buckinghamshire with rural stations serving remote villages and hamlets with train services to the heart of London. In this episode Chris, Laura and Alex follow the Hidden London book on a road trip in search of surviving stations and infrastructure, finally locating the fabled source of Metropolitan Elixir – sloe bushes.
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Rating
0.0/10
Release Date
2020-04-04
Episodes
135 (9 seasons)
Status
Returning Series
Cast
Production Companies
London Transport Museum