Last year, the London Transport Museum brought back its ultra-special heritage train journeys to mark the coronation of King Charles III. A gorgeously restored Art Deco train took rail enthusiasts up and down the Piccadilly line on a limited number of trips. And now it’s back again, with some super special journeys in and around London. The heritage train journeys are akin to a rideable exhibition, transporting travellers back in time with quintessential late 1930s style aboard a beautifully restored 1938 Art Deco style train.
The heritage train journeys
These special events will take place across select weekends this summer, with the next series of journeys taking place later this month. On July 20 and July 21, The Summer Special event will celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Metropolitan Line extending to Uxbridge and Harrow-on-the-Hill. This event will see guests embark on special trips between those two stations, where they will receive a souvenir booklet and meet an actor playing the role of the train station trailblazer, Charles Holden.
Unfortunately, the July journeys are already completely sold out – but there are still future art deco train trips to enjoy!
The Heathrow Loop heritage journeys will run on August 10 and 11. These will take travellers along the Piccadilly line as they enjoy a series of special activations and pop-ups.
Following that, the Amersham Special journeys will run on September 7 and 8. These last journeys of the summer will begin at Amersham station but the route is not yet confirmed. They will also handily coincide with the annual Amersham Heritage Day on Sunday, September 8, 2024. It’s a wonderful celebration of British cultural and transportation history!
The Art Deco trains
The late 1930s Tube trains represented the ultimate meeting of modern technology with gorgeous design. Consisting of four cars, with their brilliant late 1930s aesthetic (including Art Deco lighting fixtures), they were the first Tube trains with all the electrical equipment underneath the floor. Running on several Deep-Tube lines, they operated for half a century. And now, with a loving restoration, passengers can experience the Art Deco train at the height of its glory.
Tickets for each art deco train journey will go on sale roughly 3-4 weeks before the journeys run. Keep an eye on London Transport Museum’s socials to find out when they’re available.
Find out more, plan your journey and book your tickets .