The London Transport Museum is a must-visit for anyone looking to learn more about the city’s fascinating transport history. It houses a variety of exhibits on rail, tram and bus travel in the capital.
The most exciting part of the Museum is on the first floor, where you can see vintage trains and carriages. The second floor has displays on the origins of London’s public transport system and how it was developed.
1. Check the Schedule
If you want to get the most out of your visit, it’s essential that you check the schedule before heading to London Transport Museum. There’s a lot to see and do, so you’ll need to be sure you’re there at the right time.
There are many different things to look at, including historic items such as old buses, taxis and train cars. You’ll also find old posters and transport maps which will show you the history of public transportation in London.
Besides the displays in the main museum, there are temporary exhibitions that are always worth visiting. These include displays focusing on subjects like Crossrail, the future of public transport and London Transport’s most iconic poster designs.
It’s also worth spending some time in the Family Play Zone which is a great place for children of all ages to explore and have fun! Here, they can climb in a bus, try their hand at repairing a tube and dress up in uniforms.
2. Plan Your Route
The London Transport Museum is a great place to visit for people who are interested in the history of transportation. Its exhibits are filled with actual historical modes of transportation like horse-drawn omnibuses and buses.
The museum also has a number of displays that show how different transport systems evolved throughout London’s history. You can learn more about the world’s first underground railway and discover historic London transport posters designed by the likes of Graham Sutherland, Abram Games and Ivon Hitchens.
If you plan on visiting the Museum by public transport, you’ll want to check out the Transport for London Journey Planner to find out the quickest route. It shows all of the cheapest ways to get around, including bus, tube and train routes and pays as you go Oyster fares.
3. Don’t Forget the Kids
Lively exhibitions explore the powerful link between transport and the growth of modern London, its culture and society since 1800.
The museum covers all the main modes of transport in London, with more than 80 vehicles ranging from a classic double decker bus to a tube train and antique stagecoaches.
There’s also a fantastic family play area on the first floor with a full size tube carriage, a lost property office, a child-sized taxi and lots of other things for little kids to get hands on with.
It’s also worth noting that the ticket you buy at the entrance gives you unlimited entry for a year so you can visit again and again as much as you like. We haven’t been yet, but I’m sure we’ll be back soon. It’s one of our favourite museums in London for children, so it’s definitely worth a visit! Hopefully, you’ll be able to remember the kids and make the most of your time here too!
4. Make the Most of Your Visit
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun way to spend a day, the London Transport Museum is a great choice. Its lively exhibitions explore the powerful link between transport and the growth of modern London, its culture, and society since 1800.
This museum is housed in a heritage building that showcases an extensive collection of historical transportation artifacts. It’s also family-friendly, with lots of amenities for kids including a baby changing room and All Aboard play zone.
The first floor features exhibits that focus on the Victorian era, featuring horse-drawn and trams. There’s also an early motor bus and a six-wheel trolleybus that was the successor to the trams.
The museum also houses a series of galleries that showcase the design of the transport system in London. This includes the iconic roundel, the Tube map, and posters created by the best designers of the era.
