Over 160 years ago the London Underground train made its inaugural journey on the Metropolitan Railway line from Paddington to Farringdon.
Today the Tube carries over 1,107 million passengers a year 249 miles around the city of London.
Here are some of my favourite Tube stations from around the city.
1. Swiss Cottage
Besides being one of the most prettily-named stations Swiss Cottage is one of the most atmospheric too. Step back in time as you ride the old style escalators lined by elegant art deco brass lamps. What’s more the station is hardly ever crowded (a big bonus) and you’ll actually find a real Swiss cottage when you exit the station too.
2. Waterloo
Even though Waterloo is actually London’s busiest station welcoming 82 million passengers per year, it’s sleek, futuristic looking and spacious, and there’s even a life size sculpture of an elephant welcoming commuters at its entrance. Plus, always find ourselves humming the Abba song ‘Waterloo’ while walking through here, which makes for a far better experience.
3. Baker Street
Baker Street station is actually one of the oldest underground stations opening in 1863 and was one of the stations the tube passed on its first journey on January 9 1863.
One of the first things you notice about Baker Street are the small tiles which feature the silhouetted profile of Sherlock Holmes, who famously lived at number 221b Baker Street in the Arthur Conan Doyle detective novels.
Walking through this station always feels like stepping through a wormhole to old Victorian London with its old timber style entrance, grand clock and portico archways along the platform, featuring black and white photos from the first days of the Underground’s use.
4. Westminster
Another of London’s more modern Underground stations, Westminster is probably one of the most popular stations for tourists too, all eager set their eyes on the famous Houses of Parliament.
You’ll find ourselves looking in awe at the station’s colossal structures, gigantic cages and metal pipes along its walls, reminding us of some weird underground nightclub that would not look out of place in Berlin.
5. Barons Court
Charming and picturesque, the Barons Court terracotta facade looks like its stepped out of the pages of a Jane Austen story and it’s one station we don’t mind hanging around outside and grabbing a coffee at one the cute cafes surrounding it.
The station is now a Grade II listed building and opened in 1874. Today it retains many of its original features including old wooden benches and Art Nouveau style lettering.
6. Tottenham Court Road
Although always terribly crowded, Tottenham Court Road station has to win the award for the station that can cheer us up the most – brightly coloured tiles and mosaics designed by artist Eduardo Paolozzi in the 1980s, cover the walls.
Inspired by the music shops along Denmark Street or Tin Pan Alley and the famous Soho jazz club as well as history at the British Museum, the designs show multi-coloured saxophones, tribal masks and iridescent animals.
You’re almost always guaranteed to find a busker or two as well, looking to brighten up your day with a cheery funky tune. This station is also only a short ride away from Camden Town, one of my favourite neighbourhoods in London.
View more articles and advice on my London travel guide.
