London’s Central line is celebrating its 125th birthday with a treasure hunt this weekend

Can you believe that the Central line has been operating beneath London for a whopping 125 years? Yep – it opened as the Central London Railway on July 30 1900, ferrying Londoners between Shepherd’s Bush and Bank for the grand price of two pence. It was extended to Liverpool Street in 1912, then to Ealing Broadway in 1920. Fast forward a century and a bit, and the red line now stretches from West Ruislip and Ealing Broadway in the west to Hainault and Epping in the east, supporting an estimated 4.5 million journeys a week. 

To mark the Central line’s 125th birthday, TfL is putting on a treasure hunt. The anniversary hunt is happening from 10.30am to 3.30pm on Saturday, September 20 along the line’s original route from Shepherd’s Bush to Bank.

It’ll start with participants picking up a pack at Shepherd’s Bush station, then following a bunch of clues all the way to Bank. There’ll be several questions at each station and you’ll be able to figure out their answers by paying close attention to surrounding posters, plaques and artwork. If you get stuck, TfL Ambassadors will be nearby to check your progress and offer hints. 

The hunt is part of London’s wider Open House Festival, which will see iconic buildings like 10 Downing Street, Lincoln’s Inn, City Hall and Senate House open their doors to the public. Many of the stations on the Central line are listed buildings themselves, including the Grade I listed entrance to Bank and the Grade II listed train shed over the platforms at Notting Hill Gate. The newer White City Underground station isn't listed, but it did win the Festival of Britain design award in 1951 for its modernist architecture. 

Sadly, there’s no prize at the end of the hunt. But think of it this way – you’ll be gifted with a load of new knowledge on one of London’s oldest lines, and could be the star player at your next pub quiz.  

Did you see that Somerset House just announced its blockbuster culture programme for next year?

Plus: one of London’s most legendary nightclubs is returning for one weekend this autumn.

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