Every abandoned London Underground station you can actually visit and how

The London Underground, now 160 years old and boasting 272 stations, unsurprisingly has a number of abandoned stations due to changes in the network. As London continues to evolve, some stations have become redundant, often replaced by nearby stations or larger complexes.

However, some, like Aldwych, remain unused without a direct replacement.

Unless Transport for London (TfL) sells the land or property, it retains ownership and maintenance of these deserted stations. While most lie dormant for much of the year, they are well-preserved thanks to the efforts of the London Transport Museum.

READ MORE: How London Underground drivers make sure trains can turn around in just seconds

In recent times, many have been opened to the public through special 'Hidden London' guided tours. These tours, led by museum experts, offer a journey back in time beneath the city streets to explore the forgotten Tube stations.

Aldwych station on a Hidden London tour (Image: LTM)

The Hidden London tours provide the best opportunity to discover these abandoned stations, with a variety of them open for exploration, including a disused tram tunnel near Holborn.

The Assistant Director of the London Transport Museum, Chris Nix, spilled some secrets to MyLondon: "There's so much to uncover in the disused stations because they are time-capsules in themselves: you can see vintage posters and signs on the walls, walk down corridors that haven't been used by the public in decades, hear the stories of the people who lived and worked there... And they're constantly evolving, because we keep discovering more and more little-known historical facts as we continue to explore our archives."

Being thorough as ever, MyLondon went digging (quite literally!) underground, joining the Hidden London team to get an insight into these underbelly relics. Even if history or Tube mechanics aren't your thing, their experts' animated descriptions bring these out-of-sight places to life.

Highlights from these tours featured in the 'Secrets of the Underground' TV series.

Hidden London offers guided tours through the following neglected stations:

- Down Street (in-person tour).

- Aldwych (both physical and virtual tours).

- King William Street (virtual tour).

- York Road (virtual tour).

- Brompton Road (virtual tour).

You can also visit the disused sections of these operational stations:

- Charing Cross (in-person tour).

- Clapham South (in-person tour).

- Euston (both in-person and virtual tours).

- Moorgate (in-person tour).

- Piccadilly Circus (in-person tour).

- Shepherd's Bush (in person tour).

You can book all these tours via the London Transport Museum's website here. Prices vary depending on the tour type and station size, but are generally around £40-50 per person, with discounts available.

Some tours are not open to under 14s. 14 to 16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult.

Have you experienced one of the Hidden London tours?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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What Sadiq Khan promised to do in his third term as London mayor

So, now what? Votes for London's mayor were counted yesterday, and Sadiq Khan came out on top against Susan Hall by attaining more than one million votes. Mr Khan received almost 43.7 per cent of the vote, compared to Hall’s 32.6 per cent. This represents a swing of 2.5 per cent from the Tories to Labour compared with 2021.

But, to ensure he won, Mr Khan made many promises to Londoners. Before voters went to the polls in London, the mayor issued what he called a 'contract with Londoners'. It listed his main promises.

READ MORE: How Sadiq Khan came out on top

These were:

• Make free school meals permanent in London
• Keep TfL fares frozen until at least 2025
• Never introduce a pay-per-mile road charging scheme in London
• End rough sleeping by 2030 with support from a Labour Government
• Build 40,000 new council homes by 2030 and build new 'rent control' homes
• Put 1,300 more police on the streets, and fund more youth clubs with £30 million investment
• Provide record investment to tackle violence against women and girls, and deliver free legal support for victims
• Continue world-leading climate action with a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2030
• Clean up the Thames, with a plan to make it swimmable within 10 years
• Provide free skills training for any unemployed or low-income Londoner, and create 150,000+ new good jobs by 2028

Sadiq Khan won the London mayor election on Thursday (Image: Adam Toms/MyLondon)

Mr Khan said the day before the vote: "These are the promises by which Londoners should judge me over the next four years. My pledge to Londoners is to get on with the job of building a fairer, safer and greener city for every Londoner – making free school meals permanent, delivering a TfL fares freeze, investing record amounts in the causes of crime, and building more councils homes all across our city."

Other promises include London bus and Tube changes

Some commitments were not included on the list. A pledge to introduce the 'Superloop 2' network of express London bus services, for example. The mayor also said he would bring London buses into public ownership and away from private operators.

The proposed Superloop 2 map (left) and the original version of the express bus network (right)

In addition, MyLondon was told, after Susan Hall promised to extend the Night Tube to the Hammersmith and City, Circle, District and Metropolitan London Underground lines, that Mr Khan 'wants to do this'.

A spokesperson for the mayor added: "And if re-elected will work to secure the funding for expanding the Night Tube to these four lines. You can trust Sadiq to deliver - he got the Night Tube open when Boris Johnson couldn’t, as well as delivering the Elizabeth line and Northern line extension."

Further, Mr Khan also said he would bring suburban London railway services under TfL's control, creating a 'revolutionary metro-style' system. The mayor added he would work with an incoming Labour government, were the British public to elect one to 'end the misery of failing outer London suburban rail services' if he is re-elected.

Mr Khan wants to bring National Rail services under TfL's umbrella, including in South London (Image: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

The first lines brought under TfL control could include:

• Suburban Southeastern services linking Victoria, Charing Cross and Cannon Street with Dartford, Hayes and Sevenoaks
• Great Northern services connecting Moorgate with Welwyn Garden City, Hertford and Stevenage

It is important to note a couple of things. Firstly, Mr Khan only has a mandate to serve until 2028. So, he may not be mayor in 2030, the deadline for crucial pledges, such as those regarding house building and ending rough sleeping.

However, he did not rule out a fourth term during an exclusive interview with MyLondon in March, saying that he would be around for as long as Londoners want him.

In addition, Mr Khan said that to achieve his aims, he would be working with a Labour government. This, of course, would require Sir Keir Starmer to lead the party to a majority in Parliament at the next general election, expected later this year.

The latest YouGov and The Times voting intention poll put the Conservatives on 18 per cent and Labour are on 44 per cent between April 30 and May 1.

Don't miss out on the biggest stories from across the city, including the latest about the capital's transport network. Sign up to MyLondon's The 12 HERE for the 12 biggest stories each day.

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How Sadiq Khan came out on top during London mayor election

It's easy to say now, but Sadiq Khan was always going to retain London's mayoralty. The low turnout figures yesterday sparked speculation of a shock Susan Hall victory, leaving Labour genuinely worried about the prospect of a very close result, there turned out to be quite the gap in the end.

Ms Hall's campaign was focused on two things, the ULEZ expansion and crime. It seems Londoners were not convinced by her promises to reform the Metropolitan Police Service with an emphasis on borough-based, neighbourhood policing.

There was also a pledge of more police officers. But Sadiq Khan focused on 'tackling the causes of crime', also promising more police for good measure.

READ MORE: How every London borough voted in mayor elections after Sadiq Khan's win

It seems as though Susan Hall's team overestimated opposition to Sadiq Khan's ULEZ expansion (Image: Krisztian Elek/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The Tory candidate told Outer Londoners that voting for her was their last chance to scrap the ULEZ expansion, brought in in August. But, it looks like she and her team overestimated residents' distaste for the scheme.

It is certainly there - just look at the number of enforcement cameras vandalised and the many protests - but recent polling by Redfield and Wilton Strategies suggested in April that 50 per cent of Londoners now say that they support the existence of the ULEZ in London.

Only 31 per cent, it was found, oppose it. This represents a level of support of +19 per cent. Mr Khan has told me many a time that the 'silent majority' of residents are on his side. I imagine he would say that today's result proved him right.

Ms Hall also again and again insisted that Mr Khan was planning to introduce a pay-per-mile system across roads. It seems that Mr Khan's promise that he'd 'never' do so worked.

Not all sunshine and daisies for the red team

Sadiq Khan delivered is victory speech this afternoon (Image: Adam Toms/MyLondon)

But, it was not all sunshine and daisies for the red team, as Ms Hall achieved expected wins in Outer London, such as in Bexley and Bromley, where there is a lot of Tory support, plus Ealing and Hillingdon, where Tory Steve Tuckwell beat Labour in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election last year, amongst others.

This was despite turnout being relatively high in areas that Ms Hall's team had their eyes on. The release of these figures on Friday sparked rumours of a narrow Conservative victory in the city.

There was an opportunity for the Tories to come out on top - especially considering knife crime figures, revealing a rise of 20 per cent in London over the past year, released this week. A member of the audience at City Hall even shouted 'crime' as the mayor was listing his priorities for four more years.

But it seems that the Conservatives' attempt to win the mayoralty never really got off the ground.

Follow our live updates of the elections here.

Don't miss out on the biggest stories from across the city, including the latest about the capital's transport network. Sign up to MyLondon's The 12 HERE for the 12 biggest stories each day.

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EastEnders fans get 'second hand embarrassment 'as Whitney Dean makes huge public gesture

EastEnders fans were left cringing during Thursday's episode of the BBC One soap after Whitney Dean proposed to cheating boyfriend Zack Hudson. The expectant mum popped the question in front of everybody in The Queen Vic after being inspired by Honey Mitchells' recent proposal to Billy Mitchell.

But as fans of the BBC One show will know, Zack recently cheated on Whit with her best pal Lauren Branning. Whit is still oblivious to his mega betrayal, however, Bianca Jackson has threatened to tell her step-daughter if Zack doesn't find missing Britney.

During tonight's trip to Walford, Whitney was elated after social services confirmed she could legally foster Britney after dedicating herself to looking after the troubled schoolgirl. As Whit, Zack, Bianca and Britney went to The Queen Vic to celebrate, they were shocked to see Years and Years' Olly Alexander who made a guest appearance ahead of Eurovision 2024.

READ MORE: EastEnders quiz tells you which member of the Beale family you are

Whitney proposed to Zack in The Queen Vic during Thursday's EastEnders episode (Image: BBC)

Making a public declaration of love, Whit told Zack: "I always imagined love to be, you know like Disney kind of love? But I got my prince - it took me a couple of frogs but I got there in the end, it's never too late is it?"

While Zack was puzzled as Bianca and Britney watched on, Whitney then got on one knee and proposed to the hunk. As the entire pub congratulated the happy couple, Lauren walked in and was left less than impressed before storming back out. Meanwhile, EastEnders fans were left embarrassed.

Taking to X, one fan wrote: "A heavily pregnant Whitney proposing to her scoundrel of a boyfriend??? The writers took it too far with this one #EastEnders."

A second stated: "I did not expect to see Whitney proposing to Zack #EastEnders. A third chimed in with: "They can't be serious having Whitney propose to Zack, there's NO WAY #EastEnders."

"I'm getting second-hand embarrassment with the Whitney speech and proposal. Bianca is giving the same look I was giving my tv", exclaimed one fan. Another simply added: "Omg Whitney agh #eastenders."

EastEnders airs Monday - Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One.

Want more Albert Square gossip from MyLondon? Sign up to our EastEnders newsletters for all the latest and greatest from Walford here.

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EastEnders fans already 'love' Stevie Mitchell as he exposes huge Nadine lie with his walking stick

EastEnders aired a massive twist during Wednesday episode (May 1) as Nadine's secret was finally revealed thanks to newcomer Stevie Mitchell.

As tensions brewed between Stevie and the rest of the Mitchell clan he found common ground with Lexi Pearce. While in the laundrette, Lexi told Stevie she didn't trust Nadine who claimed she was having Jay Brown's baby.

Lexi had tried to express her concerns about Nadine but was unheard by her stepdad, which caused a rift between them. But Stevie wasted no time protecting his great-great granddaughter and made it his mission to work Nadine out.

READ MORE: EastEnders quiz tells you which member of the Beale family you are

Stevie became suspicious of Nadine in EastEnders (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

During a conversation with Nadine and Jay, Stevie acted the wise old man and suggested that as the pair weren't an item it was best they did a DNA test on the unborn baby. Finally seeing sense, Jay agreed while Nadine acted shifty and made a quick exit from the flat.

Later in Beale's Eels, Stevie struck up another conversation with Nadine as he stumbled upon her in a tense money exchange with her boss. Nadine was keen to keep the dodgy interaction quiet and offered Stevie money for his silence.

While Stevie initially took the money, he was certainly uneasy. As the Mitchells gathered in The Vic, the family soon turned on him with Nadine suggesting that he left the boozer.

Stevie decided to let rip on Nadine, and told her she 'can't kid a kidder' and poked at her 'pregnant' belly with his walking stick - much to the pub's horror. Jay walked over and eventually ripped out her fake belly, with the truth finally uncovered.

EastEnders fans wasted no time in taking to X to praise Stevie as he went from zero to hero in a matter of moments.

One person wrote: "Hooray for great-great-grandfather Stevie Mitchell! It takes one to know one! Never in the field of soap dramas has there been such a rapid transformation from villain to hero. Congratulations to brill actor Alan Ford as well."

A second stated: "Weren't expecting Nadine's fake pregnancy to be exposed by Stevie poking her with his walking stick #EastEnders". A third chimed in with: "Stevie poking the fake bump with his walking stick #EastEnders", followed by a string of laughing faces.

"Stevie Mitchell, an absolute great addition to the EastEnders cast. What an ending! #Eastenders What an actor", added another.

Want more Albert Square gossip from MyLondon? Sign up to our EastEnders newsletters for all the latest and greatest from Walford here.

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Met Office and BBC can't agree on whether London will get more rainy weather or a dry spell

This week’s weather forecast is likely to leave people confused as the experts at BBC Weather and The Met Office share contrasting predictions. The BBC predicts it will rain every day between Wednesday, May 1, and Monday, May 6.

In contrast, the UK’s national forecaster, The Met Office, predicts it will be largely cloudy throughout the same timeframe. However, what the two forecasts agree on is that temperatures may hit the 18C mark, which is significantly warmer than the chill we’ve felt in recent days.

However, temperatures are likely to not exceed 20C until June, The Met Office claims in its most recent statistics from 1991 to 2020. The maximum average temperature of May is 18.37C, with 21.57C for the month after.

READ MORE: Anti-allergy pillows that 'reduce hayfever' and 'give good night's sleep'

The Met Office predicts grey weather (Image: MyLondon)

BBC Weather forecast for London

• Wednesday, May 1 - High 19C, Low 11C. Light rain and a gentle breeze.

• Thursday, May 2 - High 17C, Low 11C. Light rain and a gentle breeze.

• Friday, May 3 - High 16C, Low 9C. Light rain and a moderate breeze.

• Saturday, May 4 - High 17C, Low 10C. Light rain showers and a gentle breeze.

• Sunday, May 5 - High 18C, Low 12C. Light rain showers and a gentle breeze.

• Monday, May 6 - High 18C, Low 11C. Light rain and a gentle breeze.

Met Office’s forecast

• Wednesday, May1 - High 19C, Low 11C. Mist changing to cloudy by late morning.

• Thursday, May 2 - High 18C, Low 11C. Overcast.

• Friday, May 3 - High 16C, Low 8C. Overcast.

• Saturday, May 4 - High 17C, Low 10C. Sunny changing to cloudy by lunchtime.

• Sunday, May 5 - High 18C, Low 12C. Cloudy changing to light showers in the afternoon.

• Monday, May 6 - High 19C, Low 11C. Cloudy changing to clear by nighttime.

Got a story? Please get in touch at rafi.benady@reachplc.com

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