Withernsea Underground Bunker Tour
This is such a cool find for a weekend out—it’s essentially a massive, 100-foot deep time capsule hidden right under a regular-looking bungalow!
RAF Holmpton – Visit the Bunker
Holmpton, Withernsea (HU19 2RG), East Riding of Yorkshire
This isn’t your average museum; it’s a huge underground command centre that was active for over 60 years. You’ll walk down a long tunnel and through massive blast doors to find a subterranean world as big as a football field. It’s been perfectly preserved, so it feels like the staff just stepped out for a tea break.
What to see and do
- The Guided Tour: You can wander at your own pace, but it’s much better to chat with the volunteers and veterans. They used to actually work here and have some incredible “if these walls could talk” stories about what would have happened during a nuclear attack.
- The Bunker ‘Pub’: This is a visitor favourite! Deep underground, there’s a fully fitted recreation room with a jukebox playing 70s and 80s hits, a pool table, and retro arcade games like Space Invaders. It’s a great spot to lighten the mood after seeing the serious operations rooms.
- Key Rooms: Make sure to check out the Hospital, the massive Operations Rooms (where they tracked potential threats), and the Plant Rooms that kept the air breathable. There’s even a cinema room showing vintage films about Cold War preparations.
- Demonstrations: If you’re lucky, the staff might give you a live demo of the air circulation systems or some of the old radar plotting gear.
Planning your trip
- Timing: Most people spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring. It usually opens for select weekends during the summer months (often starting around May), so it’s always worth checking their social media for the exact dates before you set off.
- Budgeting & Payments: Keep in mind that they usually only accept cash for admission and refreshments. There are discounts for under-16s, and little ones under 5 often get in for free.
- Food & Drink: There’s no beer in the bunker pub anymore (sadly!), but you can grab tea and coffee at the Guardroom above ground. Since the location is quite rural, many visitors suggest bringing a packed lunch or picnic to enjoy nearby.
- Parking: There is free parking available on-site.
- Suitability: It’s a fantastic spot for families and history buffs, though it can feel a bit claustrophobic for some. Because of the stairs and narrow tunnels, it might be tricky for those with mobility issues.
While you’re in the area
Since you’re right near the coast, you could easily pair this with a trip to Withernsea Beach or the Withernsea Lighthouse Museum. If you’re looking for a post-bunker meal, the Coach and Horses is a popular nearby pub just a short drive away.