To celebrate the upcoming Coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III, on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30 April, and Monday, 1st May, London Transport Museum is giving passengers a chance to travel back to a bygone era on the museum’s beautifully restored red 1938 Art Deco-style train.

The train will be running shuttle services on the Piccadilly Line between Acton Town and Uxbridge, and to take passengers back to 2nd June 1953 when Britain last crowned a new monarch, there will be a retro-themed vintage celebration event with paper crowns and an actor dressed in a Grenadier Guard costumed.

At Acton Town, colourful bunting will decorate the station to create a 1950s party atmosphere, while the costumed actor will tell listeners about preparing for the 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and how busy he is going to be, while those travelling on the special train journey can enter into the spirit by wearing paper crowns.

It is 160 years since London’s first tube train ran, and passengers can celebrate London Underground‘s 160th birthday with a photo or selfie in front of the museum’s Tube160 #LoveTheTube backdrop.

Friends of the London Transport Museum Friends will be running stalls selling transport collectables and ephemera, while there will also be souvenir leaflets available about famous Royals who have ridden on the rails.

Food or drink will not be allowed on the train, but there are local cafes in Acton Town and also a small vendor at the station entrance.

The historic train has four carriages fitted with green and red moquette seating, grab handles, and distinctive Art Deco light fittings. The 1938 Stock operated on several deep-level Tube lines for half a century, and was the first Tube train where all the electrical equipment was fitted underneath the floor., combining the latest technology of the era with quintessential late 1930s style.

Each return journey from Acton Town to Uxbridge lasts around an hour and 15 minutes, and exact departure times are on the Museum’s website at https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/heritage-events/heritage-train-journeys-coronation-special

Tickets must be bought in advance online at the same website and cost £28.50 for adults, £20 for concessions (students with valid ID, over 65s, and disabled visitors), and £15 for children aged 4 – 17)(under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). Children aged 3 or under travel free, but must be seated on an adult’s lap disabled visitor’s carers/companions are also free.

Sam Mullins OBE, Director for London Transport Museum said: “His Majesty, King Charles III is known for recognising the important role public transport has played in shaping our capital: in 1979 he marked the opening of the Jubilee line by driving the first train, in 2013 he rode a Metropolitan line train to celebrate the 150th anniversary of London Underground and in 2020 London Transport Museum welcomed Charles and Camilla to Covent Garden to mark the twentieth anniversary of TfL and meet operational staff who keep the city on the move day in and day out.

“In the run-up to the Coronation, we are looking forward to celebrating this historic event with our popular heritage train trips. Passengers on our Art Deco train will have fun wearing paper crowns and we’ll be decorating the station with bunting to mark this special occasion.”