The huge train and bus attraction that’s rarely open in the UK – but you can visit next week

JUST three times a year, the doors to one of the biggest transport museums in the UK are open.

From rare road and rail vehicles to vintage posters, visitors can see over 320,000 items relating to the English capital’s transport history at the London Transport Museum Depot in Acton.

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There’s lots to explore at the Museum Depot like decommissioned tube carriages – including some from the 1930s.

There are also signs, ceramic tiles, original posters and ticket machines from over the years.

The open days this September are called themed around the ‘Journey of Art and Design‘ where there will be expert talks and demonstrations across four days.

Some topics ask the question, why are buses red? to the design of the Piccadilly Line train.

The depot also has a working miniature railway based on real underground trains from the carriages to signals – this only runs on weekends during the open days.

Depot tours are popular, one person who visited in July wrote on Tripadvisor: “We had a guided tour, the volunteers who guided us round were very knowledgeable and entertaining which made it a very good day.

“It was one of the best visits I’ve been on, it was very thought provoking. Amazing what our little country has been first in, in so many areas.”

Another said: “Super space and location. Very large collection of old engines and historic parts.”

The museum is open for the final dates of the year from Thursday 16 September to Sunday 21 September.

On Thursday and Sunday opening hours are 10am -5pm, and during Saturday and Friday it’s open from 11am-5pm.

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Tickets are £19 for adults, children between 4-17 years of age are £10 – there are discounts for locals and children under 3 years of age go free.

For visitors with additional needs, there are SEND friendly hours too.

In October 2025 and continuing into next year, the depot is planning discovery tours which highlight its extensive transport collection.

It also has planned icon tours which will tell the stories of the people behind the design of the tube map.

The London Transport Museum has another, and smaller, site in Covent Garden.

Inside is a large collection of historic vehicles, including buses, trains, and early tube carriages.

There are also exhibits on the history of London’s public transport, like original maps and posters.

The London Transport Museum organises trips for the public down to the abandoned stations of Aldwych and Down Street too.

Plus, discover the transport attraction in York that’s been named one of the best in the UK.

And one of the world’s most beautiful train routes is in the UK – and it’s getting a £15million upgrade.

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