Visit Local Museums – Stockport Air Raid Shelters

If you are looking for somewhere to visit locally this summer why not visit the Stockport Air Raid Shelters.

Built in Stockport they were carved into the natural sandstone cliffs and opened in 1939.  The labyrinth of tunnels, nearly a mile long, were the largest purpose-built civilian air raid shelters in the country.

This network of underground tunnels offers visitors an unparalleled insight into life in wartime Britain in the 1940’s.  Visitors have the opportunity of learning about the experiences of local people during the war from the displays in the tunnels and from the state-of -the-art audio-guides.

Originally designed to provide shelter for up to 3,850 people they were extended, because of the demand, to accommodate up to 6,500 people and during the dark days of the Blitz they provided shelter

and a way of life for families from in and around Stockport.

Stockport Council re-opened the shelters in 1996 as a visitor attraction. They have been imaginatively restored to give visitors the feel of the era and struggle that Britain was facing.

Why not visit this underground world and experience a way of life beneath Stockport’s streets – fitted with electric light, wooden benches, bunk beds, flushing toilets, a wardens’ post, and a first aid post.  This led to the tunnels being nicknamed the Chestergate Hotel because of the ‘luxurious’ standard of accommodation they offered.

Admission Prices:  Adults £5 and concessions £3.75.  Children under 16 Free

Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Friday: 1pm to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: 11am to 5pm
Bank holidays: 11am to 5pm

Location:

Stockport Air Raid Shelters
61 Chestergate
Stockport
SK1 1NE

Telephone: 0161 474 1940
Email: airraid.shelters@stockport.gov.uk

For further information:  https://www.stockport.gov.uk/topic/air-raid-shelters