For those who are interested in a bit of British history, we’ve found the perfect place to visit; Stockport Air Raid Shelters.
The shelters give you the opportunity to step back in time and experience the sights and sounds of Britains Home Front, whilst wandering around the sandstone reconstructed tunnels which were essential for many in 1940’s war torn Britain. The real life experience as it was during a ‘black out’ is enhanced by the stories of local people who shared the wartime experience, a state-of-the-art audio guide, and new reception area and themed shop.
Opened in 1939, the shelters were the largest purpose-built civilian air raid shelters in the country designed to provide shelter for up to 6,500 people.
In 1996 Stockport Council re-opened the shelters as a visitor attraction, and the unique award-winning museum is one of Stockport’s best loved attractions. Carved into the natural sandstone cliffs in the town centre, the intriguing network of underground tunnels offer visitors an unparalleled insight into life in wartime Britain in the 1940s.
Explore this underground network and experience the way of life beneath Stockport’s streets – fitted with electric light, wooden benches, bunk beds, wardens’ post, and a first aid post.
Did you know:
- The shelters were fitted with basic amenities: electric lights, benches and bunk beds, flushing toilets, first aid post and sick bay – there were even facilities for nursing mothers!
- In the war the shelters were nicknamed the Chestergate Hotel because of the ‘luxurious’ standard of accommodation they offered
- the shelters also had 16-seater toilets
- everyone had to possess a gas mask and carry it with them wherever they went.
The shelters are easy to find in Stockport centre and opening times are;
Tuesday to Friday: 1pm – 5pm
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Monday: CLOSED, except for bank holidays 11am – 5pm.
Admission is:
Adults: £4.45, Concessions and Under
16s: £3.25, Leisure Key and Under 5s: FREE
For more information please call: 0161 474 1940 or click here.