Battle of Britain Bunker: The Nerve Centre of WWII Air Defence
Step into the underground RAF command centre that shaped the Battle of Britain and witness history preserved beneath Uxbridge.
The Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge is the only original RAF Fighter Group Operations Room open to the public, located 60 feet underground. This historic site reveals the command centre where the Battle of Britain was coordinated, featuring the plotting room with its iconic map table and squadron displays as they appeared during Winston Churchill’s 1940 visit. Visitors can explore the two-level bunker, museum exhibits, and learn about the pivotal role it played in defending southern England from Luftwaffe attacks.
A brief summary to Battle of Britain Bunker
- Wren Ave, Uxbridge, UB10 0GG, GB
- +441895238154
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Book guided tours well in advance, especially on weekdays, as access to the bunker is by pre-booked tours only.
- Allow 2–3 hours to fully experience the guided tour and museum exhibits, plus time to explore the surrounding parkland.
- Wear comfortable shoes for descending 76 steps to reach the bunker 60 feet underground.
- Take advantage of the onsite café and gift shop for refreshments and souvenirs.
- Defence Discount Service and Hillingdon First cardholders receive a 50% discount on admission.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground Metropolitan or Piccadilly Line to Uxbridge Station, then enjoy a 15-minute walk along Wren Avenue to the bunker. The journey from central London takes approximately 50 to 70 minutes. This option is wheelchair accessible and cost-effective.
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Car
Driving to the Battle of Britain Bunker is convenient with ample free parking on site. Travel times vary from 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Note that the area is suburban with clear road access and no parking fees.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from Uxbridge Station or nearby areas typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. This is a flexible option for visitors with mobility concerns or those seeking direct access without walking.
Battle of Britain Bunker location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Battle of Britain Bunker
Underground Command Hub of the Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain Bunker, situated in Uxbridge, London, served as the operational heart of RAF Fighter Command's No. 11 Group during World War II. Constructed just before the outbreak of war in 1939, this fortified underground complex lies 18 metres (60 feet) beneath the surface, accessible via 76 steps. It was here that the coordination of air defence against the German Luftwaffe was masterminded, using cutting-edge radar and communications technology of the era. The bunker’s strategic location and robust construction allowed it to remain undiscovered and fully operational throughout the conflict.Historic Features Preserved in Time
Visitors descend into a series of rooms preserved to reflect their 1940s wartime appearance. The centerpiece is the Operations Room, a large circular chamber dominated by a vast plotting table map that tracked aircraft movements over southern England and the French coast. Colour-coded lights indicated squadron statuses, while officers worked behind double-glazed glass at control desks. The bunker also houses the Guard Room and various support rooms, all filled with authentic artefacts, documents, and displays that bring to life the intense atmosphere of wartime command.Significance in WWII and Churchill’s Visit
The bunker was the nerve centre for the defence of southeast England, under the command of Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park. It was from here that more than 1,000 German aircraft were intercepted and shot down during the Battle of Britain. Winston Churchill famously visited the bunker on 15 September 1940, the day he delivered his iconic tribute to the RAF pilots: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." This visit underscores the bunker’s critical role in the Allied war effort.Visitor Experience and Museum Exhibits
Access to the bunker is by guided tours only, lasting about 90 minutes, which must be booked in advance due to limited capacity. The visitor centre and exhibition hall offer additional context with interactive displays on radar technology, the Dowding system, and personal stories of the pilots and aircrew. A café and gift shop provide refreshments and memorabilia. The surrounding parkland adds a tranquil setting for reflection after touring the bunker.Preservation and Educational Importance
The Battle of Britain Bunker stands as a testament to British resilience and innovation during WWII. Managed with care, it preserves an essential piece of military heritage and educates visitors on the complexities of air defence coordination. The site also honours the sacrifices of those who served, featuring personal artefacts and letters from pilots killed in action, providing a poignant human connection to the history.Modern Access and Facilities
Today, the bunker and visitor centre are open daily from 10:00 to 16:30, with the last admission at 15:30. The site is wheelchair accessible, with ample free parking and public transport options nearby. Discounts are available for Defence Discount Service and Hillingdon First cardholders. The museum offers onsite school sessions, making it a valuable educational resource for younger generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Location Audience
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