Hidden History: Secret Cold War Bunker Tour

Descend into the darkness to uncover the top secret history beneath Daws Hill.

Join Hidden History for a fascinating guided tour of of what was once one of the most highly guarded and top secret locations in the country. Originally built in 1942 to house the Headquarters of the United States' VIII Bomber Command - part of the US "Mighty Eighth" Air Force - the bunker saw service again during the early Cold War, before being completely refurbished in the 1980s to house the European Theatre of Operations HQ of the US Air Force as a fully hardened and protected nuclear bunker for several hundred personnel.

Our two-hour tour will take in surface buildings and structures before passing through the nuclear decontamination facility and descending into the depths beneath Daws Hill. The three-storey bunker is only partially lit so torches are essential - please bring one per person. Lavatory facilities are available on the surface, as well as parking. Please note that whilst disabled parking is available at the actual bunker entrance, the main car park is at the bottom of Daws Hill. Please allow 10 mins to walk up to the bunker compound. Note that the only access into and out of the bunker is via stairs. Accompanied children are welcome, but in terms of duration and content, the tour is not especially aimed at children.