Visiting Thames Tunnel

interior of northwest shaft in september 2013

nearby in rotherhithe, original brunel engine house open visitors brunel museum. built house drainage pumps tunnel , has been restored. until east london line closed in 2007 major refurbishment , upgrade, museum organised tours through tunnel train.

it still possible take walking tour through tunnel wapping rotherhithe , back, these infrequent , on ad-hoc basis can take place when section of line closed maintenance.

entrance shaft

in 1860s, when trains started running through tunnel, shaft used ventilation. staircase removed reduce risk of fire. in 2011, concrete raft built near bottom of shaft, above tracks, when tunnel upgraded london overground network. space, walls blackened smoke steam trains, accessible railway avenue, , functions @ times concert venue , occasional bar. rooftop garden has been built on top of shaft. in 2016 entrance hall opened exhibition space, staircase providing easy access shaft first time in on 150 years.