We start at London’s first railway terminus and railway line, then it’s on to the world’s first tunnel to be constructed under a river. We see some of the tunnel as we disappear down into it to get an Overground train through it. This takes us to the world’s oldest railway aqueduct, which is part of London’s second oldest railway line, still in use today. You see charming 1840’s railwaymen’s cottages nearby, hear why the railway was important in Victorian philanthropy. At two of the modern stations we travel through we see how some of the oldest stations have been used as foundations for modern ones. We also see a great Victorian station facade before getting a tube to an underground station, still looking pretty much as it did 150 years ago, when it was on the oldest underground line in the world.

This walk is obviously aimed at railway enthusiasts but it’s also a good tour for people who would like to be shown around lots of sights without doing much actual walking.  And it’s also a good walk in mid-winter, because you’re not out in the elements as much as on other walks. The tour includes three train/tube journeys. Oyster or travelcard required.

Start Bermondsey Underground station
Finish Farringdon Underground Station
Shorter walk alternative – Start Rotherhithe Overground station