Stockport Air Raid Shelters - Stockport

Rakesh P.

I've been living in Stockport for nearly seven months and had no idea about this place! It’s such a wonderful spot to explore, showcasing old war artifacts and offering a glimpse into how challenging life was for families and soldiers during that time. I visited on Sunday, and the entry process was smooth and hassle-free. It was truly a great experience, and the staff were very friendly. I highly recommend everyone to visit and explore it!

Note : Book the tickets in advance
Price : £5.5 for adult

Details information:

The Stockport Air Raid Shelters, located in Stockport, Greater Manchester, are a network of underground tunnels that were built during World War II to protect civilians from air raids. Opened in 1939, they are carved into the sandstone cliffs under Stockport and were designed to provide safe refuge for up to 6,500 people during bombing raids.

Key Features:
1. Extensive Tunnels: The shelters extend for nearly a mile and are the largest civilian air raid shelters in Britain.
2. Facilities: The tunnels were equipped with basic amenities, including bunk beds, toilets, a canteen, and a first aid station, making them relatively comfortable for those seeking refuge.
3. Historical Insight: Visitors can see exhibits of wartime memorabilia, including gas masks, uniforms, and household items from the era. The displays provide a vivid insight into life during the war and the resilience of the local community.
4. Preservation: After the war, the shelters were sealed but later reopened as a museum in 1996, allowing visitors to experience a unique piece of history.
5. Guided Tours: The site offers guided tours that delve into the history of the shelters, how they were used, and the stories of those who relied on them.

The Stockport Air Raid Shelters are a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts, providing a sobering yet inspiring look at the wartime experiences of ordinary people.

Jonathan L.

We had a really good time. Started in a room with lights, sound affects and history of WWII. Then you find your own way around the tunnels. Well sign posted and very informative. The staff were very pleasant and enthusiastic. We sere there for about 50 minutes. Highly recommended

Legends L.

I had never heard of this place until recently. Very intuitive place to visit providing an insight and information about how lives would have been saved having access to these shelters. You can find out about sites the enemy had targeted.
The shelters do give you a sense of what people had to go through.
You can spend an hour here. Staff are very friendly, jovial and have a great sense of humour; especially Roger!
Excellent place for a day out. As it is in the centre of town, you can park in any of the paid parking lots in and around the area.
Great place for everyone to learn more about the price that has been paid in the past for today’s freedom!

Philip S.

Loved going here and gained some knowledge into the atmosphere and cramped conditions people would have been in under very extreme circumstances in the war. Very handy using hand held electronic guides to give insight into how things were and the staff were lovely and friendly.

deborah S.

The perfect leisurely activity for a Saturday morning. My daughter and I enjoyed an hour exploring and learning about the air raid shelters. Friendly staff, lovely gift shop. Would definitely recommend, at £5.50 per adult it's great value for money.

Steph

We went today with our 7y/o. Really interesting. Available Parking close by at the shopping centre..

We love walking round at our own leisure. Only downside was the audio guides are very hard to hear even with the volume full.

Definitely worth a visit.
£5.50 per adult and kids under 16 get in free per paying adult.

Tim J.

What a brilliant place to visit; interesting, atmospheric and actually very cheap for a morning/afternoon's activity with kids (free for under 16s)! You get to experience the surroundings of an underground air raid shelter little changed since it was left empty in the 1940s. It's pretty big (housed up to 4000 people) and we spent just over an hour there. The staff were very friendly and helpful. There is a cheap car park nearby, across the A6 from the Merseyway shopping area/ town centre. Also walkable from the bus station or train station.

Tony H.

Came today very friendly staff, your given an audio guide which are good but are very low sound. Very interesting and daunting how it must have been in ww2. £5.50 for adults free for children 👍