Tfl.gov.uk is to offer passengers information on a range of themed journeys covering ‘scary’ haunted sites, film set locations, celebrated architecture, famous crime scenes and good olde history.
Highlighting some of the capital’s hidden secrets and little known stories the journeys take scenic routes that will entertain tourists and Londoners alike.
As there are many ways to travel between the places of interest TfL.gov.uk has suggested routes that offer a variety of transport options – tube, bus, rail and attractive walks. Alternatively TfL’s invaluable Journey Planner – visited by 2.7 million people every month - is a quick link away for those who want to design their own day out. By choosing the amount of walking, bus and tube journeys required Journey Planner will instantly present an individually tailored trip.
TfL.gov.uk will initially offer five London themed journeys.
London’s scariest sites Those with a taste for fear will enjoy the virtual ghost train through the scariest sites of the city. This journey kicks off at Highgate Cemetery – London’s oldest, and of course haunted, burial site. Other alluring attractions include a tube journey to the Tower of London which according to rumour is haunted by Anne Boleyn the beheaded wife of Henry VIII.
Movie magic Thanks to its status as one of the most iconic cities in the word, London has played host to a variety of international block busters. A star-studded journey takes travellers to London’s famous Selfridges store where key scenes from ‘Love Actually’ were shot. A quick bus trip changes the scene from romance to action by travelling to Big Ben, the backdrop to 007’s river adventure in ‘Die another day’. The route finishes at the Anchor Tavern where travellers can unwind with a drink – much as Tom Cruise did in ‘Mission Impossible’.
Architectural hotspots Combining cutting edge style with some of the greatest designs in history, this journey is a chance to sample one of the world’s richest architectural landscapes. Beginning with the historic St. Paul’s Cathedral, a quick tube and DLR ride takes travellers to contemporary feats of design such as the Gherkin and Canary Wharf. Tribute is also paid to the Victorian era with a visit to Tower Bridge.
Straight to the scene of the crime Throughout its long history, the London’s East End has seen some of the most legendary law-breaking on record and this journey takes you straight to the scene of the crime. The route includes Mitre Square where the body of one of Jack the Ripper’s most prolific killings was discovered. Then to Vallance Road, home of the infamous Kray brothers, the East End boxers who turned to crime to terrorise their neighbourhood.
This is featured primarily as a walking tour as the distances covered are quite short but for anyone not able to make it all the way on foot Journey Planner will quickly sort out alternative public transport for you.
Journey through history As one of Europe’s oldest cities, London’s historical buildings and landmarks tell its story. This route features royal residences such as Kensington Palace, where Queen Victoria ascended the throne and which more recently was the home of Diana, Princess of Wales. A quick bus ride takes you further back in time to Westminster Abbey before moving on to the Palace of Westminster – the home of parliament since 1295.
Peter Hendy, Commissioner for Transport for London, said: “London has so many places of interest to offer and so many ways of getting there it’s hard to know where to start. We hope this new feature on the website will provide inspiration for an enjoyable day out this coming May holiday – and for many more days out in London for the rest of the summer. With the back up from Journey Planner TfL can offer a perfectly planned trip for everyone.”
The new, faster and easier to use TfL.gov.uk was launched on 9 March and has more than five million monthly visitors.
www.tfl.gov.uk/themedjourneys