London Underground’s Hidden Kingsway Exchange Tunnels Set to Become Tourist Destination
Hidden beneath the bustling streets of London lies a secret world waiting to be explored. Behind a locked door on the eastbound platform of the Chancery Lane station of the London Underground, a wide set of stairs leads to the Kingsway Exchange tunnels, a mile-long maze of tunnels built in the 1940s with a fascinating history.
Originally intended to serve as a World War II shelter, the tunnels were later used for espionage, the storage of government documents, and telecom services. Now, Angus Murray, the owner of the complex, has big plans for the tunnels. He has applied for planning permission to turn them into a tourist destination that could handle millions of visitors a year.
Mr. Murray’s London Tunnels is set to invest 220 million pounds in restoring and preserving the tunnels, as well as adding technology for art installations and other attractions. The complex is expected to open in 2027 and will host temporary art exhibitions, fashion shows, and more.
Visitors will enter the tunnels through a different, more prominent entrance, rather than the small elevator tucked away in an alleyway. Stepping into the World War II-era tunnel, visitors will be transported back in time to a period of uncertainty and intrigue.
During the Cold War, the tunnels housed a secret communications system that could survive a nuclear attack, including the famous hotline between the Kremlin and the White House. Today, remnants of the phone exchange’s equipment can still be seen, offering a glimpse into the past.
The tunnels also served as a workplace for Post Office and telecoms workers in the decades after World War II, with some aspects of their daily lives still visible today. From offices to a canteen to a bar where workers could unwind, the tunnels are filled with history waiting to be uncovered.
While many details of the new attraction are still being finalized, Mr. Murray aims to make the experience affordable and comparable to other major tourist sites in London. Excitement is building among those involved in preserving underground spaces, with hopes that the Kingsway Exchange tunnels will offer a unique and immersive experience for visitors.
As the doors to the Kingsway Exchange tunnels prepare to open to the public, Londoners and tourists alike can look forward to exploring a hidden gem beneath the city’s streets, rich in history and ready to share its secrets with the world.
