post office tour london

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Most visitors to London will travel on the tube, whether the larger sub-surface lines or the more cramped deep-level lines that give the system its tube nickname. But did you know there is an even smaller underground railway in London? One that was used purely for moving the mail. Mail Rail, as it was known, is no longer used by the Royal Mail but is now open as a tourist attraction as part of the Postal Museum.

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The idea to build a railway under London to move the mail originated in 1911 and was designed as a 6.5 mile route linking key sorting offices. Originally called the Post Office Railway, the line opened in 1927 to move mail between London sorting offices efficiently by avoiding delays due to London road traffic.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE POSTAL MUSEUM AND MAIL RAIL

The postal museum and Mail Rail are not co-located, so it’s important to know where you are heading in order to take your ride on the train, especially as these tickets are timed.

The ride on the mail rail is located just a short walk down Phoenix Place from the Postal Museum itself. You do not catch the train from within the actual postal museum. The building has a large MAIL RAIL sign outside and is easy to find.

Once your tickets have been validated you will descend some stairs to the train platforms and wait for your train time. You will then be seated in the very compact railway carriages which have been converted to carry people from their original use as just for mail. The trains are also now driven by a human; when carrying the mail they were driverless.  

As the tiny train departs the station and heads into the tunnel, you’ll be given a narrated history and guide to the railway. You’ll see the tiny tunnels, branches off those tunnels into other routes the railway used to serve and even a train graveyard where trains no longer needed have been left. The best parts of the tour are at the stations where you’ll stop at a couple during the tour and projectors beam videos onto the platform walls telling the story of how the railway worked. That parts of the video cleverly align with platform features like doors so that people appear to walk out of them is a very nice touch.

At the end of the ride, you’ll exit the train through a small exhibition which shows some of the equipment used on the railway. There is also a mail sorting interactive challenge here where you have to sort the mail in the correct slots while the train is hurtling along. The whole section of this part of the exhibit moves back and forth as you try to sort the mail to simulate the challenges the workers would have faced.

THE POSTAL MUSEUM

The Postal Museum, with its entrance hedge embedded with postboxes (as shown in the header image), shows the history of the Royal Mail and the postal service within the UK. From the origins of the service and famous introduction of stamps, such as the Penny Black, to the equipment that has allowed letters and parcels to be distributed country-wide for over 500 years.

The museum houses examples of royal mail vehicles, including a very impressively restored mail coach, as well as many examples of postboxes and telephone boxes.

Why telephone boxes? Well for many years the GPO (General Post Office) delivered the post and provided telephone services within most of the UK. The museum also has the honour of being the home of the only Victoria Cross awarded to a member of the Post Office Rifles.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE POSTAL MUSEUM AND MAIL RAIL

How to get there.

The Postal Museum and Mail Rail can be found at 15-20 Phoenix Pl, London WC1X 0DL .

The nearest tube stations are Chancery Lane (Circle Line), Russell Square (Piccadilly Line),  King’s Cross St Pancras (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria Lines), and Farringdon (Thameslink, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines). All stations are about a 10-15 minute walk to the Postal Museum.

Parking is available less than ten minutes walk away at NCP Car Park London Saffron Hill .

OPENING HOURS

Opening hours are 1000-1700 every day except for the 24th to 25th December.

The Mail Rail ride runs from 1015 to 1635 and takes approximately 15 minutes. We recommend booking in advance as Mail Rail tickets are timed for a specific hour of the day. They can be purchased on the day, but you could have to wait to ride depending on demand.

As the entire exhibition is indoors, aside from the brief walk between the two parts of the attraction, any time of year is a good time to visit and it could be the perfect place to visit on a rainy or cold day.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS & SAVE MONEY ON ADMISSION

Basic admission prices are £17 for adults, £10 for children 3-15 years, £12 for people aged 16-24. Prices are £2 less for disabled people and you can save £1 per ticket by booking in advance , which also guarantees your Mail Ride time.

The Postal Museum is included in the London Pass which can offer savings depending on what else you are doing whilst you are in London.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Postal Museum and Mail Rail exhibits offer step-free access except for the Mail Rail ride itself due to emergency evacuation requirements. A film of what riders will experience is available on the ground floor of Mail Rail.

For full accessibility details please visit the Postal Museum Accessibility page.

IS THE POSTAL MUSEUM AND MAIL RAIL WORTH THE VISIT?

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Postal Museum and the ride on Mail Rail was interesting. Both to ride on this previously goods only tiny railway but also for the history of how the railway operated and helped keep the post moving across London.

See what others think of this attraction on Trip Advisor .

ADD TO YOUR ITINERARY

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” said Samuel Johnson, so it’s no surprise that there are a plethora of things to do in the UK’s capital city. Here are a few choice selections to whet your appetite.

IN THE AREA

• Charles Dickens Museum  showcases manuscripts and personal items from the famous author displayed in his former home.
• If you want to buy something silver the London Silver Vaults  are the world’s largest retail area for silver in the world with over 30 specialist shops.
• The Foundling Museum   tells the story of the Foundling Hospital. The UK’s first charity home for abandoned children.
• The  British Museum is one of the world’s premier collections of global antiquities including such exhibits as the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
• Visit the famous Platform 9 and 3/4 from Harry Potter at King’s Cross Station.

RELATED ATTRACTIONS IN LONDON

• Philatelists will love the National Philatelic Collection at British Library which contains more than 8 million items stamp related items.
• Visit the London Transport Museum to find out more about the history of transport over and underground in London.
• Once the tallest tower in London, the Post Office Tower, or BT Tower to give its proper name, is a unique looking landmark on the London skyline. Unfortunately, it is no longer open to the public.

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO LONDON

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These are a few tours we would recommend for your trip to London.

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The Postal Museum

Top ways to experience The Postal Museum and nearby attractions

• Russell Square • 10 min walk
• Chancery Lane • 10 min walk

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The Postal Museum - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

Postal Museum – tickets, prices, what to expect, timings, FAQs

The London Postal Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of communication. 

This unique museum is dedicated to the story of the world’s first social network, the postal service.

From the five-wheeled cycles to rockets and an escaped lioness, the Postal Museum is full of incredible tales.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Postal Museum in London.

Top Postal Museum Tickets

# Postal Museum Tickets # London Pass

Table of contents

What to expect at postal museum, where to buy postal museum tickets, how do online tickets work, postal museum ticket prices, postal museum tickets, how to reach postal museum, postal museum timings, how long does the tour take, best time to visit postal museum, faqs about postal museum.

When you visit the Postal Museum, you can delve into the history of communication, hear some crazy stories from mail carriers, and see vintage stamps and posters. 

You can also explore the museum’s underground Mail Rail, a 100-year-old underground network of tunnels that is now open to the public as a 15-minute miniature train ride. 

The Postal Museum also displays forgotten letters recovered from a shipwreck, so have your tissues handy.

Exhibitions

The Postal Museum offers a range of exhibitions that explore the history of the British Post, including Mail Rail, Postal Museum Galleries, and Voices from the Deep. 

The Mail Rail exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore the world’s first driverless electric railway system. 

Visitors can ride the miniature train and experience the life of a Mail Rail engineer. 

The Postal Museum Galleries feature interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the evolution of British posts, including stamps, uniforms, and vehicles. 

The Voices from the Deep exhibition explores the story of the ill-fated ocean liner RMS Titanic and the role of the post in the disaster.

The Postal Museum offers several facilities for visitors to enhance their experience. 

The museum’s café, located in the Welcome Space, serves snacks and refreshments to take a break from exploring. 

During your visit, you can use the WiFi for free. 

On the ground floor of The Postal Museum and Mail Rail, as well as the lower ground floor of Mail Rail, there are facilities for baby changing and Unisex toilets, as well as accessible toilets.

On the Mail Rail’s lower ground floor, there is a Changing Places restroom for the general public and visitors.

The museum is completely accessible to wheelchair users, with wheelchairs permitted everywhere on Mail Rail except for the Mail Rail Ride. 

The museum also has a Visual Story available to help plan your visit and understand the safety changes made.

Visitors must be able to transfer themselves in and out of the carriages unaided to use the rides. The museum is wheelchair accessible, but visitors must be able to walk unaided for a minimum of 100 meters (328 feet) on uneven surfaces with minimal lighting and up at least 70 steep steps.

Tickets for the Postal Museum can be purchased online or in person at the museum’s box office. 

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

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Visit the  Postal Museum ticket booking page , select your desired date, time, and number of tickets, and complete the checkout process.

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. 

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.

The  Postal Museum tickets  are priced at £16 for adults above 25 years and £11 for adults between 16 and 24 years old.

Tickets for children between three and 15 years are available at a discounted price of £9. Children under three can enter for free but must be accompanied by an adult (25+ years).

The Postal Museum ticket offers a fun and informative journey through five centuries of British postal history. 

Visitors can explore the historic mail rail and ride on the miniature trains used to transport mail beneath the streets of London.

All tickets include a ride on the Mail Rail underground train.

The ticket also includes access to interactive exhibits, galleries, and a collection of postal vehicles and equipment.

You can also upgrade to an annual ticket if you want to visit the museum more than once.

Ticket Prices 

Adult Ticket (25+ years): £16 Young Adult Ticket (16 to 24 years): £11 Child Ticket (3 to 15 years): £9 Kids Ticket (up to 3 years): Free

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The Postal Museum is near Mount Pleasant Mail Centre in Clerkenwell.

Address: 15-20 Phoenix Place, London, WC1X 0DA. Get Directions

There are different means of transportation you can take to reach the museum.

The closest tube stations to the museum are Russell Square , Farringdon , King’s Cross St Pancras , and Chancery Lane , all less than a mile away. 

You can plan your journey using the Transport for London Journey Planner .

The nearest train stations are King’s Cross St Pancras and Farringdon , both less than a mile away. 

You can plan your journey using the National Rail Journey Planner.

Several bus routes stop near the Postal Museum, including the 17, 19, 38, 45, 46, 55, 63, and 341. 

The Postal Museum has a cycle rack in its courtyard space, and you can get the access code from the admissions desk. 

There are also several Santander Cycle Hire docking stations nearby. 

You can find a nearby docking station using the Santander docking station locator .

If you’re planning to drive to the museum, turn on Google Maps and get started. 

There is no car park available at the Postal Museum. However, there are several local parking options available for a fee.

For your convenience, you can find local parking options using Parkopedia .

The Postal Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm.

The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

A tour of the Postal Museum takes at least two hours.

You can see all the exhibits and ride the Mail Rail in this time.

The best time to visit the Postal Museum in on a weekday or early in the morning, i.e., as soon as the museum opens at 10 am, or in the afternoon after 2 pm to avoid the crowds.

It’s also a good idea to book your tickets in advance and arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time slot to avoid waiting in line.

The Postal Museum can get busy, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons.

Here are frequently asked questions about the Postal Museum in London.

From Wednesday through Sunday, the museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm.

The Discovery Room is open from Wednesday to Friday and from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm on the second Saturday of each month. Please visit The Archive page for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Yes. For the most recent information, please visit the museum’s group booking page if you want to bring a group to the museum.

Prior to your visit, we will notify you if the museum must close. You will be given credit to use for a future visit to the museum. Since purchasing tickets makes a donation to the museum, which is a registered charity, tickets are non-refundable.

The Postal Museum has very few places to store bikes. The museum cannot accommodate electric scooters or other modes of transportation that do not fit in bike racks.

Flash photography and taking pictures of other people without their permission are not allowed, but photography for non-commercial purposes is welcome. Stands and selfie sticks are likewise not permitted.

The cafe has high chairs and Unisex toilets, as well as accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.

You are not permitted to bring any food or beverages into the museum except for bottled water. On the other hand, we have a café on site that sells a wide range of snacks and drinks. Additionally, if you have any dietary requirements or restrictions, please speak with a member of our café staff, who will do everything possible to meet them.

Source # Towerbridge.org # Wikipedia.org # Britannica.com # Tripadvisor.com The travel specialists  at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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The Postal Museum, London

Visit the Postal Museum and Mail Rail in London’s, where you’ll get to take a ride through the Post Office’s 100-year-old railway, as well as explore lots of interactive exhibitions. You’ll learn the amazing story behind the post through the ages, in a great family-friendly museum attraction. Your ticket also includes entry to temporary exhibitions, which are included with your museum ticket.

What to expect:

• Audio-visual shows, interactive displays, incredible objects and exciting stories – discover the mail as never told before!
• Head underground and stand on the station platform of London’s 100-year-old postal railway
• Take a 15-minute ride along the railway!
• See the world’s first postage stamp, the Penny Black
• See a restored Mail Coach that was used in the 1800s
• Lots of family-friendly interactive exhibits

Temporary Exhibition:

Poco The Postcode Elephant’s booklet. Image: The Postal Museum

More details:

Ticket includes:

• Entry to the exhibition galleries
• A ride on Mail Rail
• Entry to the temporary exhibition

Ticket excludes:

• Sorted! The Postal Play Space is not included
• Address: The Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Place, London, WC1X 0DA
• There is a shop and cafe on-site
• Once booked, this tour cannot be cancelled
• You can upgrade to an Annual Ticket on the day for £2.00 per person. Audio Guide can be downloaded for the price of £2.99. Please ask for more details at the Postal Museum.
• Your visit starts at Mail Rail. You must arrive at least 10 minutes before your Mail Rail timeslot as shown on your ticket
• You must be able to walk 100m unaided to ride on Mail Rail
• Opening times: 10:00am – 5:00pm (last entry 3:30pm)

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The Mail Rail & Postal Museum London

by Donna Vallance 4 Comments

Table of Contents

The Mail rail museum and the  London Postal Museum  are dedicated to the British postal service. This family-friendly museum sends you on a journey back through time to the start of our first postal service. This is by far one of the most interactive and interesting museums in central London. at the Mail Rail and Postal Museum you can explore the underground network of the post office underground railway. This post office railway took you to Mount Pleasant station in original tunnels under London’s streets. Let’s look at everything you need to know about visiting the  Mail Rail & Postal Museum London.

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Suppose you are looking for somewhere interesting to go in London city why not try the Postal Museum London. The Postal Museum and Railway also known as The Mail Rail in London and is run by the Postal Heritage Trust. The Mail Rail and The Postal Museum London make for an interesting day out. You can ride through the hidden tunnels under the city and discover the history of The Royal Mail. There are many amazing interactive exhibitions and play spaces throughout as well as zones for younger children making it a great day for all. Not only this you learn all about the history of royal mail and the story of postal communication.

Everything you need to know about Riding the Mail Rail and visiting the Postal Museum London

On your way to the postal museum try a walking tour.

On your way to the Postal Museum, why not try a walking tour? You can download one of the Royal Museums’ free walking trails to get from the station to the Postal Museum.

The Postal Museum London has amazing walking trails you can download to make getting to the postal museum more interesting too.

Learn the history of the Mail Rail at the Postal Museum of London

The museum goes into great detail about the history of the Mail rail and the postal service itself. The Mail rail runs underground and you can try it out for yourself.

75 years ago when the rail was first built it started delivering letters; the driverless trains became the first of its kind in the world.

In 1911 plans were made to build an underground tunnel to serve the main sorting offices along the route. Work was started in 1915 and it was finally finished in 1927 and letters were carried from 1928. Thus cutting down the time it took to get post across the city. In 2003 The Postal Museum and Railway was closed due to it being cheaper to run the post by road.

The Mail consists of 22 miles of track with eight stations and at its peak carried 4 million letters a day. Mail rail ran from Mount Pleasent post office and helped deliver the post underground as far as Paddington in the west and Whitechapel in the east.

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All Aboard the mail rail!

You can now travel the Mail Rail and experience for yourself what it was like for the workers to be underground. Ride through the hidden tunnels in a custom-built train and discover the history of this heritage.

The ride itself takes approximately 20 minutes and you will be on one of two trains with a clear roof.

Your ticket price gives you a time slot to ride the train. You can put your Bags in lockers on the ground floor or in the cupboards by the side of the platform. You will then board a miniature train and adventure into the world of postal workers. 

Whilst in the tunnel you will see it as it was left and used throughout its working life, it would of been a hive of activity back in the day.

Throughout the ride the train stops and huge film projections are displayed on the tunnel walls. These films detail the journey the mail rail took through the ages since it was opened.

Learn the history of the Mail Rail in the Exhibition.

After your train ride, you can discover the exhibition at the Mail rail museum exhibition. With many interactive exhibits such as controlling the line and original trains to board, it is great fun for kids and adults alike. You will see the equipment used and you can even dress up as a train driver yourself. It is really interesting to learn about the workers their roles and the trains.

‘Sorted’ The play Post area for kids at the Postal Museum London

Before you leave the Rail Mail premises be sure to take any little ones to the “Sorted” play area to let off some steam. They can post letters, sort mail and generally have fun in this interactive area.

The Postal Museum London exhibits

After your postal railway ride on the tiny train, you can experience the exhibits in the museum. The journey in the  postal museum  takes you on a different story learning about the history of the post and where it originated.

The first letters were sent by Henry VIII to keep a close eye on the kingdom. You will see also see uniforms worn by the people that worked the mail and the flintlock pistols they used to protect themselves.

The stunning mail coach dates from around 1800 and is stunning.

The early years of the post system

The post office launched the world’s first postage stamp the  penny black stamp in 1840. It was now a penny to send a letter weighing up to half an ounce anywhere in the country.

As it became easier to send letters, pretty envelopes became very popular and were often designed by authors; there are many of these displayed around in the showcases.

All around the museum are interactive buttons to press with noises and costumes for you to dress up in. You can send telegrams and even pick up an old telephone and listen to extracts of old letters.

You can have great fun watching your letter shoot up a pneumatic tube shoot to the other side of the museum. I wonder if you will get a reply. The level of interaction in the museum is pure genius.

Learn fun facts about post boxes!

Did you know that post boxes were originally Green Pillar boxes?

There are many pillar boxes throughout the museum. But did you know they used to be green? In 1874 they become Red after people said they were dreary and hard to see.

In the Second World War, the tops of the pillar boxes were painted white so that people could see them during a blackout.

Learn all about the Postal service during the war and the telegram boys

Learn about the Royal Mail as it travels through the First World War and the Second. Real lantern slides tell a story while war sirens play in the background.

I loved the old letters and postcards on display. It must have been wonderful the number of letters written years ago that actually meant something.

Many of the mail Motorbikes in the 1930s were ridden by men as young as 16. During the war, these bikes became known as the ‘Angels of Death’ as they had the unhappy task of delivering the news of soldiers killed on the front line.

Find out all about Airmail at the Postal Museum.

With the arrival of Airmail in the 1920s speed was important. Bluepost boxes appeared on the streets in the 1930s which helped advertise Airmail much faster.

There is a large section where you can flick through old postal magazines and see the changes the stamps took through the decades. Up until 1965 most stamps showed the monarch; we then started to see stamps with artwork. Some of the artwork is truly stunning, my favourite being the little Robin Redbreast.

As the museum progresses you start to learn about how the mail works today in the form of short films.

There is an arts and craft workshop for children that runs from 11.00-13.00 and then again from 14.00-16.00. Today’s task was to try sending your own message in a bottle.

The current exhibition space is ‘Writing Home’, exploring the letters sent from people communicating with their family at home and their experiences. The Postal Museum and Railway hold many exhibitions and events so check their website for details.

Postal Museum London souvenir shop

There is plenty of bits and pieces in the shop to tempt you, and a cafe serving coffee snacks and cakes.

The Discovery Room and archives at the Post Office Museum

The Discovery Room holds all of the Hub for all of the museum’s archives. Researchers or students can find lots of information here. Family researchers can find out about relatives who may have worked in the Royal Mail from the archival books. There is a huge electronic tablet on which you can explore the archives of photos, documents and stamps kept by the Royal Mail. The Discovery Centre is a complete learning resource centre for the public.

I hope you enjoyed my tour of The Postal Museum and Railway. For more information and to purchase tickets please see The Postal Museum and Railway website.

Did you know there is a Park in London Called Postman’s Park where Postmen and woman had their lunch? This now holds some amazing heroic plaques on the wall go take a look here

Where is the postal museum london.

The Postal Museum London address is ;

The Postal Museum 15-20 Phoenix Place London WC1X 0DA

How do I get to the Postal Museum London?

The closest underground tube stations are Barbican , Chancery Lane and Kings cross and Russell Square . Most of these stations are less than a mile away and a short walk.

When you arrive the Mail Rail is on the opposite side of the road to the postal museum.

This post originally appeared on Likelovedo.com Royal Mail Rail and was a courtesy visit thanks to The Postal Museum and Railway. These are all my own personal Opinions.

About Like Love London! Welcome to Donna Vallance’s London Uncovered, where we explore the city of London and encounter the charm of its hidden gems! I’m Donna, your guide to the secret corners, untold stories, and delightful discoveries that make London truly extraordinary

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The Postal Museum

The Postal Museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history of communication and the role of the postal service in society. Located in the heart of London, the museum offers a wealth of information and interactive exhibits that explore the rich history of the postal system in the United Kingdom and beyond.

The museum traces its roots back to the early days of the Royal Mail, which was established in the 16th century under the reign of King Henry VIII. Over the centuries, the postal service has played a crucial role in the development of the UK, serving as a vital means of communication for both the government and the general public.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Mail Rail, an underground railway that was used to transport mail across London from 1927 to 2003. Visitors can take a ride on a miniature train through the tunnels and see firsthand the high-speed conveyor belts that were used to sort the mail.

In addition to the Mail Rail, the museum features a range of interactive exhibits that showcase the evolution of the postal system. These exhibits include a replica of a 17th-century post office, a display of vintage stamps and envelopes, and a simulated postman's delivery round.

One of the most interesting exhibits at the Postal Museum is the Postal Museum Gallery, which houses a collection of rare and unique postal artefacts. These include a letter written by King Henry VIII to his wife, Anne Boleyn, a telegraph sent by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War, and a letter written by Mahatma Gandhi during his time in prison.

In addition to its exhibits, the Postal Museum also offers a range of educational programs and activities for children and adults. These include workshops, guided tours, and special events such as letter-writing workshops and stamp-making sessions. Overall, the Postal Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history of communication and the role of the postal service in society. With its rich collection of artefacts, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, the museum offers something for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a history buff, a stamp collector, or simply someone who is curious about the world of mail, the Postal Museum is sure to have something to pique your interest.

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

Did you know?…

• The Mail Rail postal railway network operated 21 metres below the streets of London
• At its peak, Mail Rail ran for 6½ miles from Paddington to Whitechapel, carrying letters and facilitating communication across the capital
• The Mail Rail was the world’s first driverless electric railway when it opened in 1927

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All information is drawn from or provided by the museums themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.

© Copyright 2014—2023 Museums London (unless stated otherwise). Information believed to be correct at the time of publication.

The Postal Museum

Top ways to experience The Postal Museum and nearby attractions

• Russell Square • 10 min walk
• Chancery Lane • 10 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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THE POSTAL MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Post Office Tower

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Building commenced on The Post Office Tower in 1961 and was opened by Prime Minister Harold Wilson in 1965. The Tower (now known as the BT Tower) was designed as the hub in a rapidly growing television and telecommunications network.

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Our guides are personable educated men and women, chosen for their knowledge, special interests, backgrounds and personality. They will collect you by car from any central London location and guide you inside places of historic importance

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Walking the Mail Rail Tunnels | Explore Under London!

Fancy exploring 70ft under London? You can now walk through the Mail Rail Tunnels, strolling deep below Farringdon…

But first things first, what’s the Mail Rail?

The Mail Rail was the result of congested London roads. In 1909 The General Post Office set up a committee to establish a more speedy and efficient system to deliver post across the capital and took inspiration from Chicago’s underground railway.

The plans were drawn up and by 1913 an Act of Parliament was passed. Work started in 1914 but – due to disruption from the First World War, the Mail Rail would only start running in 1927.

The London Post Office Railway Map, wikimedia creative commons c.1929

Covering 6 miles under London, it was the first fully automated driverless railway in the world and at its peak it carried 4 million letters every day, for 22 hours per day.

In 2003 the Mail Rail became too expensive to run and was moth-balled. It’s only since the Postal Museum opened in 2017 that members of the public can experience the Mail Rail, whizzing along the tracks in the tiny carriages.

But now there’s a new way to get see these subterranean passages, you can walk the Mail Rail Tunnels on foot!

Inside the Mail Rail Tunnels

The tour explores just under a mile of the tunnel system and whereas the Mail Rail stops at stations and shows projections and video explanations, it’s great to be able to experience the tunnels up close.

Here are some of the fun things we saw during our tour…

Safety Precautions

At various points along the route, the cast iron lining is reinforced with concrete. You can see the thicker section of wall below;

This is to ensure the River Fleet – one of London’s subterranean rivers – doesn’t flow uninvited into the tunnels.

Unfortunately, on occasion, it’s done just that. During construction, flooding caused a 1 month delay. Another fatal disaster struck with an explosion during the Second World War, with two men drowning.

This prompted a hefty-looking flood gate to be installed, however we were told on the tour that it’s never actually been tested (for fears it would never be opened again!)

We walked past the ‘Train Graveyard’. The only point of access for getting trains out is the depot (where we started our tour) so it’s very hard to remove anything from the Mail Rail tunnels.

These trains are all out of service but were once part of the 1980s replacement fleet.

Today there’s a better storage system in the form of a new maintenance section of tunnels to service the trains used by the public to ride the Mail Rail.

During the Second World War the Mail Rail tunnels, like many underground location across London, became useful as a storage area for the capital’s treasure.

For a few years the Mail Rail was charged with keeping none other than the British Museum’s Rosetta Stone safe from aerial attacks!

But there’s other artworks that can still be spotted underground. One is a curious chalk sketch of a horse;

Apparently no one knows much about it but the guess is it was either an urban explorer or distracted maintenance worker!

The other decoration down here is less of a mystery. In the early 1990s the Mail Rail had a sudden windfall of cash after its tunnels were used in a pretty terrible-looking film called Hudson Hawk.

The money was used to fund an annual Christmas party for the employees’ kids and other local school children. As part of the festivities the children would ride the trains and for one year a particularly artistic employee decorated the ’12 Days of Christmas’ on the walks in UV Paint!

They certainly brighten up the otherwise gloomy – but fascinating! – Mail Rail tunnels.

Mail Rail Tunnel Walks

If you’d like to walk the Mail Rail tunnels for yourself you can find out more on the Postal Museum website here .

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Penny Hampson

Thanks for this interesting post and alerting me to the fact that walking tours of the tunnel are now possible. I did the Mail Rail tour a couple of years ago on one of those little trains; it was fascinating, although a little claustrophobic! Walking through the tunnels looks far more my thing, so I might give it a go next time I make a trip to London.

Judith Barnett

Walk? Wow! I have ridden though 🙂

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Please find below dates, locations, and links to ticket details for any live events I’m doing in public in the near future.

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