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Celebrate the Tube's 160th birthday with an epic treasure hunt

The Tube has evolved dramatically since 1863. This month, you’re invited to delve through layers of history to explore hidden histories of the capital’s much-loved transport network
Photograph: London Transport Museum
Photograph: London Transport Museum
Written by Time Out. Paid for by Transport for London
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While you’re whizzing underneath Westminster on your way to work, or jumping on the Jubilee line for a few stops to meet a friend, do you ever pause and remember that you’re travelling on the oldest transport network in the world? It’s wild to think that, back on January 10 1863, Londoners hopped on the world’s first underground railway – the Metropolitan Railway – from Paddington to Farringdon. Back then, it was powered by steam and only had seven stops, including Paddington (Bishop’s Road), Edgware Road, Baker Street, Portland Road (now Great Portland Street), Gower Street (now Euston Square), King’s Cross (now King’s Cross St Pancras) and Farringdon Street (now Farringdon). Now, the London Underground serves 272 stations on 11 lines.

It’s literally impossible to imagine what London would be without the London Underground – and that’s why we’re keen to celebrate its 160th birthday this month. We’ve teamed up with Transport for London to show you how to do just that, from a historical treasure hunt to fascinating tours. What’s more, we’ll show you some exciting developments to come that are seriously going to change your life (heard about 4G on the Jubilee line? Yes please!).

TfL courtesy of the London Transport Museum
TfL courtesy of the London Transport Museum

All aboard the TfL treasure hunt

All aboard the TfL treasure hunt
All aboard the TfL treasure hunt
Photograph: Transport for London

There are plenty of ways you could celebrate 160 years of the London Underground (have you seen those parties on TikTok where each person comes dressed as a different Tube station?). But for our money, you’ll want to join the TfL treasure hunt. This fun family-friendly activity is not to be missed: visit TfL’s website to find out more about how you can join.

Here’s how it works: on January 21 between noon and 4pm, the stations on the original route from Paddington (on the Hammersmith and City line) to Farringdon (all of which are still in use) will be staffed by TfL ambassadors. Head to these stations (visit in whichever order you choose) and you’ll be given handouts with questions about each station. Keep your eyes peeled: layers of history are hiding in plain sight, from Baker Street to King’s Cross. Once you’ve answered all the questions at the station, you’ll get a stamp. Collect stamps at each station and you’ll score a surprise gift. Cleverly, the ambassadors will tap you in and out as you go along, so you’re not overspending, how great is that?

We’ll help you get started with one answer for free: Although Farringdon station opened in 1863, it was rebuilt in 1923 to the designs of Metropolitan Railway architect Charles W. Clark. In 1923, the station had a different name, which can still be found at the station entrance. What was that name? Keep reading and we’ll tell you!

Want to go even deeper into London Underground history? We thought so. Discover secret parts of the Underground network on exclusive tours of disused Tube stations run by London Transport Museum (which, incidentally, is also a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of London’s iconic transport system). The Museum’s Hidden London tours are packed with secrets from its extensive archive. You could explore the moody nineteenth-century corridors of Moorgate station, or enter secret parts of one of the most iconic stations on the Underground, Piccadilly Circus, and see areas of the Grade II listed building up-close. January and February tours are on sale now via the Museum's website; those tickets zoom away faster than a Piccadilly line train.

Don’t think we forgot about that TfL treasure hunt question: the answer is Farringdon and High Holborn.

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Next stop: progress

The London Underground really has shaped our capital more than we can imagine – but its evolution is far from over. In fact, TfL and the Mayor of London are continually improving it. Here are just some developments to look forward to:

High-speed mobile connectivity

Say goodbye to your podcast cutting out at just the wrong moment. During 2023 Tube customers will increasingly benefit from mobile coverage in stations and tunnels, including some of the busiest stations, like Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road and Camden Town. The whole network, as well as the Elizabeth line, will be fully connected by the end of 2024.

Four lines modernisation

We love those spacious, air-conditioned walk-through trains you get on the Metropolitan, District, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines. What you might not realise is that they’re also part of a project that will upgrade the signalling infrastructure so that they’ll be even faster and more reliable.

New Piccadilly line trains

From 2025, your experience on the Piccadilly line will be very different – and very comfortable indeed. The new fleet of state-of-the-art trains will have more room, wider doors and air-conditioned carriages. They’ll also be designed with sustainability in mind, reducing energy consumption by 20 percent.

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Let the good times roll

Photograph: London Transport Museum

Revisit some of the landmark moments in the Tube’s 160-year history.

1863
The London Underground opens as the Metropolitan Railway between Paddington and Farringdon as a way of reducing street congestion

1890
With the opening of the City and South London Railway, the Underground becomes the world’s first deep-level Tube service powered by electricity 

1915
Maida Vale opens, staffed entirely by women

1933
All of London’s public transport comes under public ownership and Harry Beck produces the now-iconic Tube map

1979
The Jubilee line opens, which required careful tunnelling beneath central London

2003
The first Oyster card is tapped. Fun fact, the name is inspired by the security and value of the cards being like the hard shell and concealed pearl

2016
One for the night owls: all-night weekend services begin! 

2020
TfL Go, the nifty app that helps countless Londoners plan their trips based on TfL data, is introduced, allowing them to check their journeys in real time on the move

2021
The Northern line is extended to Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms 

2023
Bank station will complete its major upgrade in early 2023, increasing capacity by 40 percent

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Get there with Transport for London

Photograph: Transport for London

Travelling into work during off-peak hours? You can get even better value. Off-peak fares apply every weekday between 9.30am and 3.59pm, and after 7pm. They also apply all day at weekends and on public holidays. Always touch in and out with the same card or device to pay the right fare.

Travel between Zone 1 and 2 from just £2.60 off-peak

Fare shown is for an adult off-peak pay-as-you-go journey from Zone 2 into Zone 1 on Tube, DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth line services.

Download TfL Go to your iOS and Android devices to plan your journey and check live arrival times or visit TfL’s website.

Wherever you’re going, by choosing public transport you’re making a good choice for you and a more sustainable choice for London.

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