The famous London Underground is the oldest subway rail system in the world and has been carrying travellers and commuters around London for over 150 years. During that time it has become more than just a form of transport.
Anyone travelling to one of our many luxury hotels in London this year will likely step onto a Tube carriage at some point as they make their way around the city. We’ve put together a guide that looks at the history of the Tube and some of its iconic stations so you know what to look for when staying at the Montcalm at the Brewery.
This famous street is known for being the home of everyone’s favourite Victorian detective, Sherlock Holmes but it is also the location of one of London’s oldest and most iconic Tube stations. Baker Street was amongst the first set of stations to be built as part of the original Underground development plan in 1863. As part of zones one and two, it is one of the most commonly used stations on the Tube map and sees around 30 million travellers pass through its doors every year. Baker Street is also one of the few Tube stations which consists of sub-surface platforms. You will find it on the Bakerloo Line on your way to the Montcalm at the Brewery.
As another one of the original stations, Farringdon holds a rich history that goes back to the beginning of the Underground system. The original name of the station was Farringdon Street but it was changed after being relocated in 1865. Its name was changed again in the early 1920s, before organisers finally settled on its current name, Farringdon in 1936.
The station can be found on the Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan lines. This makes it a very popular station with tourists and commuters. Farringdon is one of the most edited stations on the Underground and its entrance has been rebuilt several times over its lifespan.
Initially opened to the public as Portland Road, this iconic Tube station first opened its doors in 1910 and has sat on the Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines. With an average annual foot traffic figure of around 8 million people, Great Portland Street is not the most densely populated Tube station but it is one of the most beautiful and offers travellers a selection of shops and stalls to keep them going on their underground travels. It is also home to some of the most intricate tiling and metalwork on the Underground.
No list of iconic Tube stations would be complete without mentioning the famous King’s Cross St. Pancras. Located in the heart of the city, it is one of London’s largest Tube stations and interlinks a huge number of local and international travel lines. With an average footfall of around 90 million people, it is one of the busiest Underground stations in the capital and also boasts some of the most beautiful designs in the city.
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