Can anyone recommend some great Tube rides?

Hi folks first post! I'm taking my seven year old son to London for his first time next month. I loved the London buses and trains as a kid and often went on family trips to London as a child and fell in love with the Routemasters' and The Tube - so much more exciting than the dull Pacer trains we have to put up with here in Liverpool!

My lad also seems to be catching the transport bug too!

I haven't been for a proper ride on a Tube train since 1996, when I was 15yrs, so I'm really looking forward to it!

If possible I'd like someone to recommend me some interesting lines and trains / journeys to ride on. I'm more interested in the older type of stock, they just seem to have much more character than the newer ones, anyone agree?

I'm not technical at all (didn't even know the difference between tube and sub surface until now!) but have been reading up on the various types of stock the last couple of nights.

A real favourite of mine was the 1959 stock. Really sad to hear they're not around anymore, so any other stock that's likely to be discontinued in the next few years I'd love to know about as it could be my last time to ride them.

P.S. If it helps we'll be staying in Borehamwood and getting the Thameslink into St. Pancras every day.

Hmm...By interesting, do you mean 'stuff to see'?

If so, the Metropolitan Line out to Amersham (and especially the Chesham Branch) is nice - it also has the 1950s (I think) 'A' Stock which will be withdrawn shortly.

Other than that, I can suggest the DLR for an entertaining ride - make sure you get on first at Bank and you'll have front seats (the trains are driverless) and a good view all the way through the Docklands area - good fun!

By interesting I suppose I kind of mean trains that are a bit old and pass through decorative / old fashioned looking stations (any disused stations would be a bit of a bonus too - remember going though Mornigton Crescent in the 90's etc)

I've been telling my son about the DLR. He thinks it's fascinating that a train can be driven by a computer without a driver! (though maybe the trade unions wouldn't).

I remember going to London as a child in the late 80's and being rather dissapointed as I too wanted to see these "fabulous trains with no driver" but to my dissapointment back then the DLR was suffering from a few early teething problems and the day we got there the the trains were off. Though I've been on them since and enjoyed them.

The Jubilee Line Extension to Stratford

I reconmend the Metropolitan Lines Chesham Branch

For old stock take the MET line up to Amersham if your coming in from catch that at Euston Square NOT Euston, Euston Square is 500 yards outside the station, just cross Euston Road and you'll find it. On your way back you could also do the Chesham branch.

When you've done that head for Baker Street. Its an interesting station to look around and then take the Bakerloo line for a run through the Queens Park Shed take that to Willesden. Willesden is a great place to spot trains as its right next to the WCML, you'll pass it coming into Euston.

Now i know its not the Underground but it is London Overground take a 313 to Richmound and watch the pantogragh go down at Acton Central. You will pass inder the Piccadilly and join the district at Gunnersburry. From there to Richmound you run along next to the District tube trains.

Spend half an hour at Richmound and to watch the SWT, LO, and LUL arrive and depart. You can then take the District to Tower Hill, walk to Bank and take the DLR to Stratford. You catch the DLR from Tower Gateway but its better from Bank as you go through the tunnel.

When get to Stratford take the new ish Jubilee line to West Ham, then hop on the Distict to Upminster.

If you you are like me then you will love to do the Upminster to Romford shuttle. Its a strange little train pottering around a little single track branch line, which is third rail. Please note this is a NXEA train so LUL tickets are now valid on it.

When you've done that just head back to Upminster and on the District back into London.


Be aware to not take the LO 313 from Euston to Willesden to save time as it doesn't go through the shed (as i found out and had to back to queens park to catch the LUL letting serveral LUL train go in the shed as i waiting to the Harrow train leading to funny looks of the platform staff).

Also there is a small tunnel section from out of Bank on the DLR which is great from the front of the train, makes you feel like a tube driver.

The trains on the MET line are 1950's A stock, ride them now as they are to be withdrawn soon.

The distirct trains could also be withdrawn as these are old although no plans are in the pipeline for this but if you like the old stock take them anyway. Same with the Bakerloo trains

The 313 from Willesden to Richmound is London Overground and LUL tickets are now valid on it, oyster cards should be. Its interesting to the pantogragh go up and down at Acton Central so thats why i suggested this.

The Upminster - Romford shuttle is interesting as its a single track branch line with tree's covering it and only one train going back and forth all day. Service frequancy is every 20 mins roughly. Its feels odd travelling on its as its differant from other trains around London.

Not sure what ticket you were going to buy but a all zones LUL ticket with seperate tickets for the Willesden - Richmound and Upminster - Romford may be trhe best.

Also remember mind the gap, and keep them bags with you at all times.





Have good day, hope this helps, LilLoaf

for ticketing I would suggest getting an all zones travelcard from the station that you start at (e.g for me miltion keynes, and for you I would assume liverpool)

Since when is Romford - Upminster 3rd Rail? Its OHLE

Try the Metropolitan from Harrow on the Hill into Baker Street. You get to ride on the oldest stock still in service, ('A' stock from 1960) and if it's a 'fast' service gives a 'lively' ride in a few places! It also runs parallel to the Jubilee line some of the way, so your lad will have the fun of peering down into the adjacent train as you overtake it (my daughter always thought that great fun!) You get a good view of the new Wembley stadium on the way, and finally pass through a couple of closed stations between Finchley Road and Baker Street!

10306 said:

Try the Metropolitan from Harrow on the Hill into Baker Street. You get to ride on the oldest stock still in service, ('A' stock from 1960) and if it's a 'fast' service gives a 'lively' ride in a few places! It also runs parallel to the Jubilee line some of the way, so your lad will have the fun of peering down into the adjacent train as you overtake it (my daughter always thought that great fun!) You get a good view of the new Wembley stadium on the way, and finally pass through a couple of closed stations between Finchley Road and Baker Street!

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In order to get the Express service, make sure you catch an Amersham service not Uxbridge they stop all stations. Not sure what the Watford stop plan is but Amersham is express Baker Street - Harrow on the hill.

Amersham trains are fast Finchley Road to Harrow-on-the-Hill (where Uxbridge trains branch off) and then to Moor Park (where trains to Watford branch off). I would advise going on the Metropolitan Line to Chesham,Amersham or Watford (change at Chalfont & Latmier the stop before Amersham,for the Chesham branch). Maybe get the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow so your son can see the planes. Also the Waterloo and City is fun as it is only one stop short. Epping at the end of the central line is a long way out into the countryside and is a nice journey. Like said above go on the DLR

Big bit of advice: if weekdays, avoid the rush hour. Avoid it like the plague. There's nothing whatsoever fun about the tube, especially the deep lines through the middle, at peak times.

The Hammersmith & City Line runs the length of the original route used my the Metropolitan railways in the 1860s, Paddington - Farringdon...

Here's one i forgot that i don't think anyone has mentioned the Bakerloo line up to Harrow and Wealdstone as it runs alongside the WCML and having passing fast trains is always fun for a young child (i find it fun and I'm nearly 15) and if you are traveling north you get to travel through the small depot at Queens Park.

Definetly the Amersham 'Fast' from Baker Street. As previously mentioned, the Epping branch, very scenic. The Piccadilly Line between Barons Court and Acton is nice, with the fast section, and it's a nice little journey up to Rayners Lane.

The Bakerloo north of Queens Park is interesting - takes you through the depot.

Indeed, and following on from that a good journey to make for that is to travel to South Kenton on the Bakerloo, and walk across the park to the Metropolitan at Northwick Park.

1)Central Line out to Epping, passes through old GE stations which retain much main line character, such as Buckhurst Hill
2)Bakerloo Line north of Queens Park, interesting to compare the two guages of train on this line and having to step down ito the 1972 stock
3)Extensive rides on the Metropolitan Line, the A-stock is in a class of its own and deserves alot of time

Merseyrail said:

P.S. If it helps we'll be staying in Borehamwood and getting the Thameslink into St. Pancras every day.

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Okay, the "A" sub surface stock on the Metropolitan Main Line used to be known as A60 as it was first used in 1960, although refurbished it retains the character of its original guise unlike the more modern tube stock on say Central line. They are also capable of around 60mph; considerably more speed than almost any other LU stock.

From Kings Cross St. Pancras, I suggest the following;

Day 1, Circle line or Aldgate terminating Met Main to Aldgate; Met Main back to Amersham (use the first Met Main train to Finchley Rd and change if no direct service is indicated) which passes Wembley Stadium and the huge Neaden Depot (right side) en route; back to either Chalfont & Latimer for Chesham branch or Moor Park for Watford branch; back to Wembley Park and change to Jubilee Line down to Green Park; change to Victoria Line back to Kings Cross.

Day 2, Circle Line via Paddington to Notting Hill Gate or Metropolitan H&C (Hammersmith & City) to Edgware Rd and change to District Line to NHG; change to Central Line to Ealing Broadway and see the HSTs flying past on the NR lines; change to District Line to Acton Town; change to Piccadilly Line to the Heathrow stations and the Airport; back on Piccadilly Line all the way to Kings Cross (and the non stop section from Acton Town to Hammersmith).

Day 3, Northern Line to Elephant & Castle; Bakerloo Line all the way to Watford Junction and back to Paddington; change to Circle Line via High St. Kensington to Sloane Square (watch for the sidings in the "triangle" on the right as you join the lines from Earls Court); change to District Line all the way to Upminster: back as far as Barking and change to Metropolitan H&C line back to Kings Cross (watch for Aldgate Stn on the left after Aldgate East).

Day 4, walk along to Euston LUL stn; Northern Line to Embankment; change to District Line to Wimbledon (may need a change of train at Earls Court); then either bus (15 minutes ride) to Morden and Northern Line to Bank; DLR to Lewisham and back to Bank; Northern Line to Kings Cross, or Croydon Tramlink all the way to New Addington (may need to change trams at East Croydon) for on street running in Croydon, some fast running beyond Croydon on old BRB lines and new reserved track. Return to East Croydon then bus to Brixton LUL; change to Victoria Line to Kings Cross.

After that lot you will have covered almost all the available stock, a lot of the various line termini, and travelled on at least a section of all of the tube/dlr lines except the "drain" or Waterloo and City as it likes to be known.

Good luck and I hope your son has the stamina to enjoy the ride as much as his dad. My own son used to travel around with me at that age, and boy did he sleep well at night!

Having traveled over the complete croydon tramlink network back in october 2008 i can say it is a very nice system to travel on and it does pass through some great area's

My favourite, having been over all lines after too many years, is the Hammersmith & City Line from Hammersmith to Paddington Suburban. You have a longish stretch of overhead railway and a run along the ex-GWR main.

Only been there the once, but Hammersmith on the H&C is also quite a nice little station- has something of the air of a country/seaside terminus about it.

I'd also recommend avoiding spending too much time on underground sections of line as it can get very boring. When I am in London I stay with family in Cockfosters, which is an extremely boring journey, with only a small bit overground!

I would say start at Charing Cross had some interesting experinces with that line,and i think the stock used there is 1972 stock,I think you can get the the Transport Museum aswell,very good there they got some tube stock last time I went there.

As i live in london the tube is very crowded mainly at rush hour and even sometimes in the day,but have a nice trip and enjoy your dayout in london,always bring a pack lunch everything is overcharged haha!,
Regards

CCF23 said:

Amersham trains are fast Finchley Road to Harrow-on-the-Hill (where Uxbridge trains branch off) and then to Moor Park (where trains to Watford branch off). I would advise going on the Metropolitan Line to Chesham,Amersham or Watford (change at Chalfont & Latmier the stop before Amersham,for the Chesham branch). Maybe get the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow so your son can see the planes. Also the Waterloo and City is fun as it is only one stop short. Epping at the end of the central line is a long way out into the countryside and is a nice journey. Like said above go on the DLR

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The Watford trains usually call at all stations on the Watford branch interchanging with the fast service at Moor Park. However,I think during morning rush hour they run from Aldgate Calling at: Baker Street,Harrow on the Hill,Northwood Hills,Moor Park,Croxley and WATFORD.
And if it's off peak mornings they start at Northwood Hills only.
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If you just ask me I know how to take you from Euston to Haven Sreet on the Isle of Wight.

Just to let everyone know I've been popping in and out over the last week and a half and have been reading all the posts, along with the other research I've been doing for sightseeing and attractions for our trip.

Some really great suggestions so far and many thanks to everyone for all the effort you've been putting in.

I promise to come back with a more detailed response in the next couple of days.

Another recommendation for riding the Met line to Amersham and Chesham. Especially if the weather is nice it makes a nice train ride.

I went to Amersham a few weeks ago on the Met from Harrow-on-the-Hill. Had a little walk around Amersham and then walked up to Chesham (takes about 20-30 minutes depending on pace) and then after a wander around rode the Chesham branch back down to Chalfont & Latimer and caught a Chiltern back to Harrow. It was a hot day so the Air-conditioned Chiltern train was a welcome relief. The ride down the Chesham branch is very nice and I can see why it is a favourite with some people.

I also recommend riding out to Epping on the Central Line.

Merseyrail said:

Just to let everyone know I've been popping in and out over the last week and a half and have been reading all the posts, along with the other research I've been doing for sightseeing and attractions for our trip.

Some really great suggestions so far and many thanks to everyone for all the effort you've been putting in.

I promise to come back with a more detailed response in the next couple of days.

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If you look at the LT Museum website, you may be interested in the pm tour with the preserved 1938 tube stock set from West Hampstead first week in August.....

harz99 said:

If you look at the LT Museum website, you may be interested in the pm tour with the preserved 1938 tube stock set from West Hampstead first week in August.....

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Looks good that it's a pity it's on the week before we get there. The 40 minute trip would have been great. We'll be there from 9th to 12th August. I've got bit of a thing about disused stations / platforms aswell!

Will probably take him to the Transport Museum on the Sunday. Went there when I was about 14 with my mum and was pretty good from what I remember. Have taken him to the bus museum in St. Helens a couple of times and he loves it. Keep meaning to take him to the Manchester Transport museum aswell.

Merseyrail said:

Looks good that it's a pity it's on the week before we get there. The 40 minute trip would have been great. We'll be there from 9th to 12th August. I've got bit of a thing about disused stations / platforms aswell!

Will probably take him to the Transport Museum on the Sunday. Went there when I was about 14 with my mum and was pretty good from what I remember. Have taken him to the bus museum in St. Helens a couple of times and he loves it. Keep meaning to take him to the Manchester Transport museum aswell.

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In that case don't forget the Routemaster Heritage bus routes 9 and 15 which link up in the Aldwych/Charing Cross areas, and if you ever get up to Scotland the Transport Museum in Glasgow is pretty good to.

Whatever you do have a great time!