Mail rail walking tour
A fascinating topic! The Mail Rail, also known as the Post Office Railway, was a hidden network of tunnels and tracks beneath the streets of London that connected the General Post Office in London to the mainline railway terminals. It was used to transport mail between the post offices and the railway stations from 1927 to 2003. Here's a suggested walking tour to explore the Mail Rail:
Stop 1: The General Post Office (Farringdon Road, EC1A 1AH) Start your tour at the General Post Office, a stunning example of Edwardian architecture. Take a moment to admire the building's grandeur and imagine the hustle and bustle of postal workers rushing to and fro.
Stop 2: The Mail Rail Entrance (Farringdon Road, EC1A 1AH) Walk to the entrance of the Mail Rail, located on Farringdon Road. You'll see a small, unassuming door with a sign that reads "Mail Rail". This is the original entrance to the tunnel system.
Stop 3: The Tunnel Entrance (Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 5PS) From the General Post Office, head to Clerkenwell Road and look for the entrance to the tunnel system. This is where the Mail Rail trains would emerge from the underground tunnels and enter the mainline railway network.
Stop 4: The Old Post Office (Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 5PS) Visit the Old Post Office, a beautiful Victorian building that once served as a sorting office. Take a peek inside to see the old sorting rooms and imagine the mail being sorted and dispatched to destinations around the world.
Stop 5: The Railway Bridge (Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 5PS) Cross the railway bridge over the tracks, which offers a glimpse into the Mail Rail's heyday. You can see the old tracks and platforms, now abandoned but still evocative of the railway's former glory.
Stop 6: The Mail Rail Museum (Euston Road, NW1 2DB) Finish your tour at the Mail Rail Museum, located near Euston Station. The museum showcases the history of the Mail Rail and features exhibits on the railway's operations, as well as a recreated Mail Rail carriage.
Tips and Variations:
- The Mail Rail walking tour is approximately 1.5 miles long and takes around 2-3 hours to complete.
- Be mindful of your surroundings, as some areas may be busy or have restricted access.
- Consider combining this tour with other nearby attractions, such as the British Library or the Museum of London.
- If you're interested in exploring more of London's hidden history, consider taking a guided tour or visiting other underground attractions, such as the London Underground Museum or the Brunel Museum.
Remember to respect any restricted areas or private property, and enjoy your journey through the fascinating history of the Mail Rail!