The London Transport Museum London

3 2 Reviews

Museums in London - Covent Garden
The Piazza , Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8BE
+44 (0) 20 7379 6344
http://www.ltmuseum.co.uk

London Transport Museum charts the evolution of Londons transport from its beginnings in 1829 with the very first Shillibeer's Horse Omnibus. The history of the underground is also featured, and the the museum also includes the oldest tram system with many examples of electric trams. A great day out for the young and old alike. Admission fees apply and concessions are available. Private and corportae events for up to 400 people can be hosted at the museum.

Tags: kids, museum

The London Transport Museum London Reviews

Andy M.

122 reviews

Museum or Playground? - Okay, so no one warned me that the London Transport Museum was in actuality a playground for hordes of screaming kiddies. Maybe I should have predicted this, what with the train and bus theme. Take it from me: don't go on a weekend unless you don't mind tantrums and kids darting through your legs as you try to read about the history of the Metropolitan Line and the Thames Tunnel. The museum knows where their bread is buttered and caters to the kids: almost all exhibits can be climbed on, most include supposedly whimsical but actually creepy fake people, and inside the museum there isn't as much as a biscuit to be purchased (you have to exit the museum area to get food), but there are picnic tables on the main floor packed with people who brought food for their kids.

Despite this, I did enjoy the exhibits, and they do a decent job blending the kid-friendly silliness with some real historical information that can be quite interesting. They also get high marks for including fake horse dung in their carriage exhibits. The art from the Underground posters is remarkable - some you can buy as posters in the store, and everything in their archive, including posters and photographs, can be purchased on their website as photographic reproductions (well worth a look).

The museum layout could have been better thought out, food for adults would be nice, and some bits like the wonky red neon entry hall and the time machine lift are highly questionable, but there is still much to recommend. Even if you are a parent yourself, go on a weekday, go early, avoid the pandemonium of weekends. Unfortunately admission isn't free, but if you like transportation history the price is worth it. 31-01-08

Tags: buses, kids, museum, trains

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Jess E.

23 reviews

In time it will be great - The London Transport Museum has just reopened after a two year hiatus, during which it has undergone a £22million renovation. It stands to become an impressive place for a visit in the centre of Covent Garden.

My partner-in-crime this time was a new TfL employee on a busman's holiday, eager for (more) knowledge, we were not disappointed.

The collections cover every aspect of public transport in London from the 1800s, from horses and rivers through underground steam trains (!) to today's electric underground trains. There's loads of interesting stuff to look at, plenty of full size vehicles to climb around in and a whole lot to learn. The amount of text to read around exhibits is spot on, though the signing and directions are at best confusing.

At the moment it is of course hugely popular given the publicity of the re-opening, especially with the parents-and-kids-and-pushchairs. There are a fair few teething problems with the interactive parts of the collections which are sure to be ironed out. It's well worth a visit, though perhaps leave it until the buzz has died a little to get the most out of it. 04-12-07

Tags: museum