Transport yourself to London's past...and future

9:49am Friday 14th December 2007

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The London Transport Museum recently opened its doors to the public after a £22 million, two-year transformation project.

The museum brings the story of London's transport, and its impact on the city, into the 21st century. Lively exhibitions explore the powerful link between transport and the growth of modern London, culture and society since 1800.

You can encounter the world's first underground steam and electric Tube railways and meet characters from the past such as the first female bus driver. You can even tunnel under the Thames, and see what it was like to shelter underground during the war. In the Metro-land Gallery, you can relax in a recreated 1930s suburban living room and discover how commuter lifestyles changed so dramatically between the wars.

A World Cities gallery highlights pioneering transport systems around the world, while exhibitions suggest the future of transport and consider how our actions might impact on the environment. You can also see what it might be like to live in London 50 years from now.

Other attractions include the museum's legendary poster archive, as well as Harry Beck's original artwork for his groundbreaking London Underground map.

The galleries are full of exhibits for all ages. For children there is a new learning zone and interactive play area, while the museum's popular stamp-card collecting trail is back, and there are countless other attractions including play vehicles and action packed interactive exhibits.

You can end your visit by relaxing with a coffee or a themed transport cocktail - such as the Anorak or Routemaster - in the Upper Deck café bar, which is open throughout the day and into the evening.

The museum, located in Covent Garden Piazza, is open Saturday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm, and Friday, 11am to 9pm. Admission is £8 adults, £6.50 seniors, £5 students, under-16s free.

For more information visit www.ltmuseum.co.uk