London Mail Rail: Postal Museum launch date announced

The Post Office's abandoned underground railway in London will open as a tourist attraction next month, it has been announced.

Visitors to the Postal Museum can ride on a section of the 6.5 mile (10.5km) network, from 28 July.

The track, which was established in 1927, took mail between Whitechapel and Paddington before it shut in 2003.

Two new trains, based on the originals, will carry up to 32 passengers on a 0.6 mile (1km) section of the line.

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While it was operational, between four and 12 million items were carried through the tunnels 70ft (21m) below street level each year.

The Mail Rail was established in 1927

The museum, in Mount Pleasant, will also feature exhibitions of historical objects from the postal service as well as a children's area.

Adult tickets will cost £16 including an optional £1.50 voluntary donation.

Adrian Steel, the museum's director, said it would allow visitors "to discover our stories through interactive digital and physical displays."