Ticket

Western Approaches Self Guided Tour

Liverpool, GB
98% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (468 reviews)

Included

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

What to expect

1

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 Admission Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Additional information
    Please note there are steps down into the bunker
Provided by Western Approaches Museum

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit nearby Town Hall for history.
  • icon
    Try wartime prices for hot drinks here.
  • icon
    Bring a camera for unique photo ops.
  • icon
    Check local events for added experiences.
  • icon
    Wear comfortable shoes for exploration.

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.

Select Currency