A secret underground museum from the cold war. No need to book! Last entry 1 hour before close.
And a well-kept secret it was too. Absolutely fascinating for many reasons, and surprisingly, it was not decommissioned until the 90's. Walking around watching the public (mis)information videos produced to convince the populous to stay completely unprotected in their homes rather than attempt seeking shelter with the politicians was an eye-opener. Were we really gullible enough to think that filling bin bags with soil and staying inside for a week or two would save us from the fallout? Apparently they thought so. The accompanying audio guide is very interesting and the site is well worth visiting for an hour or two.
It's a British cold war museum inside of a decommissioned bunker used by the Royal Observer Corps as part of Operation ROTOR. More commonly referred to as a "ROTOR bunker" though there are a few different kinds. This surviving one is a larger "R4" type ROTOR bunker and has plenty to offer. The 3 floor complex is filled with artifacts and displays to interact with and a nice little cafe/gift shop at the end. You also pay on the way out after taking the tour, which is electronically guided using "audio wands" (which are very easy to use). This is a particularly good visit for those interested in UK military history and exploring old buildings. Older kids would enjoy it more than little ones generally. There is a separate high ropes attraction on the same site. Family day trippers may also be interested in this for a longer visit to the area.
What a brilliant, fascinating place to visit. If you're interested in war, politics, history you're in for a real treat. Great big car park and then a sloping rough and ready path down to the entrance, which is a fortified 1950's cottage. Pick up an interactive wand and listen to the commentary as you walk around. It's PS12 per adult (April 2024) which you pay at the end. There's a loo part way round and a little cafe / gift shop at the end. Excellent way to spend 90 minutes. If you want to take photos inside they ask for a fee to be paid of PS5.00.
Firstly, this place is really interesting. We spent a few hours on a rainy day here. From the outside, it's a small bungalow in the woods, but inside is a whole other story! It started life as an RAF ROTOR station, then a civil defence centre, then a Regional Government HQ, and now a tourist attraction deep underground. You pick up a self guided audio tour at the start (options for adults and kids), and you can do it as fast/slow as you wish. There are exhibits, videos and a small dress up area. It's chilling to think 100s of people at a time were down there! The reason for the 3 stars is, its PS12 per adult for the ticket, but it feels that its easy money and its not going back in to the museum, it feels like there is no upkeep there (I may be wrong, but thats how it felt, which is a huge shame) The path is not paved, so is muddy and a little slippery in the rain. There was 1 staff member we saw at the end. It's all done on honesty boxes (and CCTV!), and you have to pay an extra PS5 to take photos inside!! There is a decent sized parking lot, several bathrooms, cafe (self-service, and honesty box again) There is also a huge outdoor high ropes obstacle course that looks fun, but was too wet to explore when we went.
Went along on Saturday afternoon, really informative if not slightly scary. Self guided with own audio handset. There was filming taking place but this did not detract from the visit. Would recommend if you've couple of spare hours.
A really interesting experience, completely able to explore at your own pace. It's a truly surreal feeling to walk through the many rooms that would have been used by the last few people left trying to organise a recovery from an impossible scenario. Loved the gift shop/canteen at the end, real sense of nostalgia. Highly recommend checking it out.
On-site services
Assisted listening devices
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Restaurant
Toilets
Good for kids
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And a well-kept secret it was too. Absolutely fascinating for many reasons, and surprisingly, it was not decommissioned until the 90's. Walking around watching the public (mis)information videos produced to convince the populous to stay completely unprotected in their homes rather than attempt seeking shelter with the politicians was an eye-opener. Were we really gullible enough to think that filling bin bags with soil and staying inside for a week or two would save us from the fallout? Apparently they thought so. The accompanying audio guide is very interesting and the site is well worth visiting for an hour or two.
It's a British cold war museum inside of a decommissioned bunker used by the Royal Observer Corps as part of Operation ROTOR. More commonly referred to as a "ROTOR bunker" though there are a few different kinds. This surviving one is a larger "R4" type ROTOR bunker and has plenty to offer. The 3 floor complex is filled with artifacts and displays to interact with and a nice little cafe/gift shop at the end. You also pay on the way out after taking the tour, which is electronically guided using "audio wands" (which are very easy to use). This is a particularly good visit for those interested in UK military history and exploring old buildings. Older kids would enjoy it more than little ones generally. There is a separate high ropes attraction on the same site. Family day trippers may also be interested in this for a longer visit to the area.
What a brilliant, fascinating place to visit. If you're interested in war, politics, history you're in for a real treat. Great big car park and then a sloping rough and ready path down to the entrance, which is a fortified 1950's cottage. Pick up an interactive wand and listen to the commentary as you walk around. It's PS12 per adult (April 2024) which you pay at the end. There's a loo part way round and a little cafe / gift shop at the end. Excellent way to spend 90 minutes. If you want to take photos inside they ask for a fee to be paid of PS5.00.
Firstly, this place is really interesting. We spent a few hours on a rainy day here. From the outside, it's a small bungalow in the woods, but inside is a whole other story! It started life as an RAF ROTOR station, then a civil defence centre, then a Regional Government HQ, and now a tourist attraction deep underground. You pick up a self guided audio tour at the start (options for adults and kids), and you can do it as fast/slow as you wish. There are exhibits, videos and a small dress up area. It's chilling to think 100s of people at a time were down there! The reason for the 3 stars is, its PS12 per adult for the ticket, but it feels that its easy money and its not going back in to the museum, it feels like there is no upkeep there (I may be wrong, but thats how it felt, which is a huge shame) The path is not paved, so is muddy and a little slippery in the rain. There was 1 staff member we saw at the end. It's all done on honesty boxes (and CCTV!), and you have to pay an extra PS5 to take photos inside!! There is a decent sized parking lot, several bathrooms, cafe (self-service, and honesty box again) There is also a huge outdoor high ropes obstacle course that looks fun, but was too wet to explore when we went.
Went along on Saturday afternoon, really informative if not slightly scary. Self guided with own audio handset. There was filming taking place but this did not detract from the visit. Would recommend if you've couple of spare hours.
A really interesting experience, completely able to explore at your own pace. It's a truly surreal feeling to walk through the many rooms that would have been used by the last few people left trying to organise a recovery from an impossible scenario. Loved the gift shop/canteen at the end, real sense of nostalgia. Highly recommend checking it out.
