Located at Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum presents the evolution of London transport, from the first horse-drawn omnibuses to the modern underground. This interactive yet fun museum is great for families. However, collectors or history buffs will find exceptional pieces in this museum as well as rare objects and documents from periods.
History of the transport museum
The idea of preserving the road heritage appeared in the 20s, when the London public transport company kept 2 Victorian omnibuses and an engine.
In 1960, the first British Transport Museum named Museum of British Transport was opened in a former bus garage in Clapham, south London. Then in 1973 moved to Syon Park in West London and was called London Transport Collection.
Finally, in 1980, Princess Anne opened the London Transport Museum in the halls of the former Covent Garden flower market, which brought together the entire collection.
The collections of the transport museum
The visit starts directly at 2nd floor with the presentation of an 1828 Shillibeer omnibus. This form of transport was very popular at a time when the London population was growing. The omnibus (from the Latin omnibus, "for all") then allows as many people as possible to travel economically.
From 1870, horse-drawn trams which circulated exclusively in the suburbs developed and offered workers the first affordable means of public transport.
Le 1er floor is devoted to full-size steam and electric trains.
Finally, the ground floor presents the most representative vehicles of the United Kingdom, namely the legendary routemasters, black-cabs and the London Underground. There is also an exhibition presenting the evolution of the Underground acronym over time. As a reminder, the London Underground, which officially opened its doors on January 10, 1863, is the oldest underground in the world! You will also be able to see old metro map maps, archival images and enamel plaques.
This is undoubtedly the part that you will like the most!
A fun museum
Just like the cruiser HMS Belfast, the collections are brought to life with wax mannequins who, with their period costumes, are incredibly realistic!
Although the vehicles have historical value, the visitor can take a seat inside and even drive a train simulator.
London Transport museum: a museum for children!
The Transport Museum offers many fun and recreational activities specially dedicated to children and families.
Indeed, the museum has a play area reserved for children from 0 to 7 years old where they can explore, play, climb mini-vehicles but also drive a real bus, navigate on the Thames Nipper or even try a simulator. Northern Line train.
Beautifully designed, this colorful and interactive space is very suitable for babies and children.
Finally, during school holidays, thematic workshops are also offered.
A museum suitable for families!
Here families can take their ease thanks to the many services offered by the museum:
- Changing tables present in the toilets for women and men!
- Breastfeeding welcome
- Room reserved for giving meals to children
- Picnic permitted at the museum café during school holidays and weekends
- Museum fully accessible with a stroller.
When to visit the transport museum?
Building on its success, the museum welcomes many families, especially at weekends and during school holidays. Therefore, if you want to visit the museum in a more peaceful setting, I recommend that you come on weekdays or in the morning.
The transport museum, a good plan for young people !!
Good plan ! Entrance to the transport museum is free for all young people under the age of 18 !!
Book your visit to the transport museum
If you wish, you can book your visit directly on the Great Britain Tourist Office website
, which offers discounts for seniors and students.
Adult : 18,50 €
Senior - student : 15,50 €
The magnificent museum shop
The museum shop spread over two levels, presents a wide choice of books, DVDs, scale models, toys, postcards, old posters and other original and quirky souvenirs. In addition, there is a wide variety of London Underground themed products with, for example, magnets, school supplies, insulated "picnic" bags, pillows, crockery ... and many more. things !!
In short, whether you are curious or passionate about urban transport, you will find something to your liking!
Opening hours of the transport museums
Monday Thursday : 10 a.m.-18 p.m. (last admission at 17 p.m.)
Friday : 11 a.m.-18 p.m. (last admission at 17 p.m.)
Saturday Sunday : 10 a.m.-18 p.m. (last admission at 17 p.m.)
Closed on December 24, 25 and 26
Where is the transport museum located?
Address : Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB
Metro
bus
