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Western Approaches Self Guided Tour

4.5 (434)

Liverpool, GB

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Experience the thrill of diving into a hidden world of intrigue and secrets at the Western Approaches Museum. Step back in time to the heart of World War II as you explore this historic bunker, untouched since 1945. Marvel at the meticulous preservation of the Map Room, the nerve center of the Allied victory in the Battle of the Atlantic. Discover the stories of the courageous men and women who worked tirelessly to protect their country. Feel the power of history as you sit at the desks, touch the typewriters, and immerse yourself in the immersive experience of life during wartime. Don't miss this chance to unravel hidden narratives and gain a deeper understanding of the past. Book your self-guided tour now and uncover the secrets of the Western Approaches Museum.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
Admission Included
1 hours - 2 hours
Suitable for 1-15 Participants
Self Guided Experience

Highlights

Walk through hidden rooms and discover wartime secrets
Glimpse documents and tools used to monitor enemy convoys
Experience the nerve center of the Battle of the Atlantic
Interact with typewriters and teleprinter machines from the era
Enjoy hot drinks, games, and a film about wartime life

Included

Each guest is given an identity card as their museum pass, identical to the original staff passes

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More about this experience

Introduction

Get ready for a truly captivating and immersive experience as you step back in time at the Western Approaches Museum in Liverpool. This hidden gem offers a glimpse into the secret bunker that played a crucial role in the city during World War II. As you explore the underground maze, you'll be transported to a time of war and intrigue, surrounded by the stories and artifacts that bring this era to life.

What to expect?

During this self-guided tour, you can expect to spend 60 to 120 minutes uncovering the hidden rooms and uncovering the secrets locked within the bunker. From the nerve center of the Map Room to the desks and telephones used by the staff, you'll get a firsthand experience of the vital work that took place here. Discover how the British Armed Forces protected and strategized against enemy invasions, gaining insights into their wartime tactics. Immerse yourself in the history as you sit at the desks, touch the typewriters, and even try on uniforms.

Who is this for?

This unique experience is suitable for history enthusiasts, war buffs, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made during World War II. The Western Approaches Museum welcomes visitors of all ages, making it a perfect educational outing for families or an enlightening stop for solo travelers. Whether you're a local looking to uncover Liverpool's hidden past or a visitor keen on exploring historical landmarks, this tour is bound to captivate and fascinate.

Why book this?

By booking the Skip the Line: Western Approaches Museum Admission Ticket, you gain exclusive access to a historical treasure trove that few have experienced. This self-guided tour allows you to immerse yourself in the bunker's authenticity, sit at the very desks where wartime decisions were made, and even get a feel for the technologies of the time. This is a rare opportunity to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the crucial role Liverpool played during World War II. Don't miss the chance to be transported to a pivotal moment in history and uncover the stories of the brave men and women who were part of this hidden world.

Good to know

The tour typically takes around 60 to 120 minutes to complete, allowing you ample time to explore the hidden corridors and learn about the history of the bunker. At the end of the tour, you'll have the chance to relax and reflect with hot drinks available at wartime prices. Traditional games and a film about life in wartime Liverpool are also available, providing a full immersive experience. Remember to bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure as you delve into this remarkable chapter of history.

Reviews

Visitors who have experienced the Western Approaches Museum have been left awe-inspired by the depth of history and the immersive nature of the tour. They praise the opportunity to touch the typewriters and telephones used by the staff, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience. Many reviewers have expressed gratitude for the chance to learn about the hard work, sacrifice, and expertise of the women who were an integral part of the bunker's operations. Overall, visitors have been left impressed and moved by the museum's ability to preserve and share the stories of this significant time in Liverpool's past.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

At least one adult or senior required per booking

Meeting point & End point

Your Itinerary

Western Approaches HQ Museum - The Battle of the Atlantic Experience

Western Approaches HQ is a secret WW2 bunker underneath Liverpool's City Centre, close to The Town Hall. Walk through hidden rooms and discover the stories locked in the wartime bunker that protected the tactics and secrets of the British Armed Forces plotting to bulwark the Western Approaches and aid the Allied victory. Glimpse the documents and tools the forces used to monitor enemy convoys and inform the British government of their findings whilst keeping their intelligence secret from the enemy, including one of only two surviving wartime phones which had a direct connection to the war cabinet in London. See where commanders and WRNS and WAAF personnel worked every day and night in the Map Room, the nerve centre of the Battle of the Atlantic. Here they monitored convoy routes and vital shipping lines, and pin-pointed enemy locations on a huge map laid across the table; total accuracy was necessary to enable the Royal Navy to contact and destroy the enemy. The Map Room which was the nerve centre of the bunker has remained exactly how as it was left when the doors were closed on 15 August 1945. Experience a self guided tour of the museum where you can walk through the corridors, sit at desks, play with typewriters and teleprinter machines, look at the telephone exchange and try on uniforms. There is also a room at the end of the tour where hot drinks are available at war time prices and there are traditional games to play and a film to watch about life in Liverpool during the war.

Admission Included

Additional information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please note there are steps down into the bunker

Reviews

(434)

4.5 (434)

brucem931

Really interesting. It's easy to imagine life and work in those underground offices, as you wander from room to room, from ops center to offices to radio rooms, etc

bpickworth49

Very interesting, informative and well presented WW2 museum. It highlights the very important work carried out during the conflict of the Royal Navy and Air Force and their close co operation. The additional Wrens section, when completed, will show a different and relevant view of women in the Royal Navy.

rowlands1893

Really interesting place to visit, and well worth going. Loved the tea in the little cafe bit towards the end and reading ww2 newspapers from 1940.

E1660RDjohnb

This is one of the best museums that I have ever been to. I should state you need a credit card to pay for a ticket as I learned the hard way. This building was the original location of the headquarters for the Battle of the Atlantic. I commend the museum for bringing the stories of the brave men and women who contributed to the Allied victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. It was a dangerous job and does not get the attention of other aspects of that war. I am not a museum person, but I was deeply impressed with this museum and can't recommend it enough. Personally, my favorite part of Liverpool.

Bowcrest

This is an outstanding museum and well worth making the effort to see it. Essential viewing for the younger generations who need to learn about what happened in WWII. Beautifully presented and maintained you really do get a great sense of how it was 85 years ago. Highly Recommend!

sdhunterx

I’m originally from Liverpool and vaguely knew of this place but had never visited. I’m still a regular visitor to the city and have visited loads of other places and done loads of other tours - the Mersey Tunnel Tour is great! We were looking for something new and so decided to give this a go. Great decision. This is a really interesting self guided tour and because it’s in the original building it feels really authentic. You can really imagine what the building would’ve been like during WWII. Much better than a new, shiny glass building. I reckon they could have some computer games/simulations type things in the control room to allow you try your hand at guiding convoys across the Atlantic to enhance the experience? But as it is there’s plenty to read, watch and learn. Good value, centrally located and definitely worth a visit next time you’re in Liverpool.

grahamo46

A superbly presented museum which shows the vital work that kept Britain's Atlantic life line open during WW2. We enjoyed it immensely. There is also a section at the end devoted to the WRNS (Wrens) but we had been so long by the time reached that that we did not really have time to do that justice. Very much to be recommended.

Trek68595488946

We visited Liverpool specifically to see the Western Approaches Museum and boy did it live up to its reputation. It was brilliant. Do yourself a favour and visit

365kates

Really fascinating place to visit. There is so much to read about and lots of personal stories of people who worked or were involved in the war effort. There are copies of lots of official documents telegrams, even hand written letters and you can pick them up & read them so you get a real feel for the people behind the stories. Will be visiting again as there's so much to look at. We look at the Liverpool Blitz as part of a school history topic & were able to see how detailed the Luftwaffe maps were of the area, even down to street names & our school! Wrens museum also really interesting and again had lots of interesting details about individuals.

pjam36

Loads of info to take in and you get the added bonus of it being a 'touchy feely' experience too that most museums don't allow. We took over an hour and a half at western approaches and not a second wasted - and when you thought it was all over....there was a small yet excellent exhibit dedicated to the wrens! I've worked in Liverpool town for decades and walked past the place hundreds of times - so glad i walked in this time. AA++

Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners

2024-07-02 23:11