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 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, including sections of the Elgin Marbles and paintings from the National Gallery.
However, the station was never used by passengers as much as intended, resulting in its permanent closure 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 decades-old posters that still stick to the walls. The original 1907 lifts and vintage tiles have been left abandoned for decades, making 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.
Tickets to enter Aldwych are priced at £45 for adults and £42 for concessions and children. The guided tour lasts around 75 minutes and does not offer step-free access, with 160 steps connecting the entrance to the platforms. The museum notes the tour may be unsuitable for people with claustrophobia due to confined areas and low lighting.
