Explore the Evolution of London's Iconic Railway Stations
In celebration of 200 years of railway history, Network Rail is offering exclusive tours at London Waterloo, London Victoria, and London Bridge stations. These tours, led by renowned railway historian Rachel Kolsky, will take you on a journey through time, revealing the fascinating development of these iconic stations.
Opened in 1848, London Waterloo is the terminus of Network Rail’s Wessex route. Once described as catering to 'a better class of commuter,' this station has a rich history. The tour will uncover the stories behind not one, but seven stations, including the eerie 'Station of the Dead,' from which there were no return journeys. Discover the station's role during two World Wars, admire artwork from the 1951 Festival of Britain, and explore luxury restaurants, contemporary public art, and numerous cinematic associations, including a news cinema, TV lounge, and iconic film locations.
Gerry Kitchener, Head of Managed Stations for the Wessex Route, said: “London Waterloo is steeped in history, and a glimpse of this is available in the old international terminal with a series of vinyl plaques. This tour will expand on that snapshot of its 177-year history, providing an inspirational tale of how the railway grew and adapted over its lifetime, including a look at how Waterloo was once the grand gateway into Great Britain for visitors from continent, offering them their first impression of the country when Eurostar served this station.”
Originally two separate stations built side by side for different companies, London Victoria eventually merged in the 1920s. For many, Victoria was the starting point for their first continental journey on the Night Ferry to France. The station was also a hub of glamour, with the Orient Express travelling across Europe and the Imperial Airways Terminal putting Victoria on the map for air travel. The tour intertwines stories linked to WWI, beloved books and films, and a luxury hotel.
Built as part of London’s first railway line, London Bridge has recently undergone a dramatic transformation. Once an unloved terminus, it is now a bright, spacious station leading to the City, the Thames, and trendy Borough and Bermondsey. Explore the old and the new, from stunning Victorian brickwork to breathtaking contemporary engineering, now providing a unifying concourse for the first time in the station's history.
Glen Merryman, Head of Managed Stations on the Kent and Sussex Routes, said: “London Victoria and London Bridge are landmarks in their own right. There is fascinating history around both of these stations and attendees will learn about the changes these places went through in order to provide a modern railway for our passengers.”
These tours are part of the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, inspired by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, a journey that changed the world forever. Under the banner of Railway 200, nationwide celebrations are planned throughout the year, showcasing how the railway shaped Britain and the world and how its pioneering spirit continues today and is shaping tomorrow.
Tour Details
- Price: £25 per person
- Capacity: 15 attendees per session
- Accessibility: Fully accessible, with Quiet Vox devices available for the deaf community
- Duration: 2-hour walking tour with seating areas available throughout the stations
You can purchase tickets via Eventbrite by clicking on the links below:
Network Rail's original press release can be viewed here: Explore the Evolution of London's Iconic Railway Stations: Tours at London Bridge, Victoria, and Waterloo