The London Tunnels, A Hidden Legacy.

Name: NX LONDON HOSTEL
Price range: $

The London Tunnels are one of the city’s most intriguing underground secrets—soon to become one of its most spectacular attractions. Located 30 meters beneath Holborn, this mile-long network of tunnels, known as the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels, is being transformed into a multi-sensory cultural experience that blends history, technology, and storytelling.

A Hidden Legacy

Built between 1940–1942 as deep-level air raid shelters during WWII, though they were never used for that purpose.
Later repurposed as a Special Operations bunker, rumored to have inspired Ian Fleming’s Q Branch in the James Bond novels.
Served as a Cold War telephone exchange, handling millions of calls weekly, and even housed the transatlantic cable terminal.
In the 1980s, British Telecom added what became London’s deepest licensed bar, tucked away in the tunnels.

What Visitors Can Expect

Immersive digital walkthroughs: LED-wrapped lifts and large-scale screens will transform the tunnels into interactive galleries.
Heritage exhibits: Artifacts, stories, and reconstructions will bring wartime London and Cold War espionage to life.
Themed experiences: Nature-inspired displays, cultural showcases, and possibly even a revived underground bar serving “shaken, not stirred” Vesper martinis.
Accessibility for all: The attraction is designed to be inclusive, with plans to welcome up to 3 million visitors annually.

Location

The tunnels run beneath Furnival Street and High Holborn, near Chancery Lane Tube Station. You can explore more on The London Tunnels official site or read the Visit London feature for a deeper dive.

This one’s going to be a game-changer for London tourism.

Getting There from NX London Hostel

NX LONDON HOSTEL is located at 323A New Cross Rd, London SE14 6AS, in the vibrant New Cross Gate area of South East London. From here, you’re about 30–40 minutes away from most central attractions like Covent Garden, Gabriel’s Wharf, and the upcoming London Tunnels experience near Holborn.

It’s a great launchpad for exploring the city—especially with direct Overground and Underground connections just a short walk away.