Clapham South: Subterranean Shelter Guided Tour

London Transport Museum, the world's leading museum of urban transport, invites you on a guided tour to explore one of eight deep-level air raid shelters that exist below the streets of London.

Opened in 1944, this secret underground maze was constructed to shelter over 8,000 people during air raids. Complete with a canteen, medical stations and sleeping quarters, it offered a safe haven in times of war – even though it’s completely hidden beneath the streets of South London.

This guided tour takes you behind the closed doors of this top-secret site to reveal its fascinating story. Learn how it came to be built, how it served as a wartime shelter, and how it was repurposed in the post-war years—including housing the first Caribbean migrants to Britain, who arrived on HMT Empire Windrush.

What to expect on this newly-revamped tour:

Journey Below a Tube Station Descend 11 stories underground and explore the mile of tunnels that are hidden beneath Clapham South station. Feel the rush of Northern line trains passing above your head and hear how it was secretly built in the 1940s.

Expert Guides Bringing History to Life Our two expert guides include one portraying a 1940s ARP Warden. Follow in the footsteps of a South London family spending their first night in the shelter, learn about the vital role these shelters played during the war, and discover what it was like to spend your night there.

Wartime History Comes to Life Discover what the shelter looked like during wartime and step into newly refurbished spaces including the warden’s cabin and the canteen, carefully recreated to their 1940s state by our historical experts based on exclusive findings from our archives.

Handle Authentic Second World War Artefacts Get hands-on with genuine Second World War torches, discover what an Anderson shelter looked like, and sit on the original bunk beds turned benches that families would spend their evenings on during air raids.

Hear First-Hand Testimonials Listen to the stories of those who worked and sheltered there in the post-war years, including the first Caribbean migrants arriving on the Empire Windrush and the visitors of the Festival of Britain. Spot the graffiti left behind by those who stayed here and see the beds where many spent their first nights in London.

All Hidden London tours are written by historical experts from London Transport Museum and based on content drawn from the Museum’s extensive archive and collection. The tours were named ’Best Hidden Gem in the World’ at the Tiqets’ Remarkable Venue Awards 2022 by public vote.

Not suitable for

• Children under 10 years
• People with claustrophobia
• People with mobility impairments

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Passport or ID card
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

• Food and drinks
• Luggage or large bags
• Open-toed shoes

Know before you go

• Strictly for over 10 years old - under 10s will not be permitted
• The tour involves a lot of walking, including areas of uneven ground and low lighting
• There is no cloakroom
• Tours are not step free and include walking up and down static escalators
• Tours are not suitable for guests with claustrophobia
• Wear sturdy footwear and suitable clothing