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Museum

Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker

Off A128 Chipping Ongar

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Photo: The Captain

About Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker

Venture deep underground into this genuine Cold War command centre near Chipping Ongar, where families can discover how Britain planned to govern during nuclear conflict through fascinating exhibits and original equipment.

What's nearby

  • The Bunker Below next door
  • Nuclear Adventures next door

Distances as the crow flies, via Google

Good to know

Parking

  • ✓Free car park
  • ✓Paid car park
  • ✓Free street

Accessibility

  • ✓Accessible parking
  • ✓Accessible entrance
  • ✓Accessible toilet

Payment

  • ✓Contactless

Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.

Photos

Photos via Google

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

What visitors say

Chris Patterson

Really enjoyed visiting Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker. The self-guided tour with the audio wand is excellent, allowing you to explore at your own pace and take in as much or as little detail as you like. The bunker is far larger than it appears from the outside, with multiple underground levels full of original equipment, control rooms, communications systems and Cold War history. The preserved rooms and huge blast doors give a real sense of what life would have been like if the bunker had ever been used. There are toilets on site, plenty of free parking, and entry is based on an honesty payment system, which is refreshing to see. Be aware that payment is cash only. There's also a shop and café at the end of the tour. What stood out most was the obvious passion and dedication that has gone into preserving this unique piece of history. It's clear a lot of care has been taken to maintain the site and its exhibits. A fascinating and unique attraction that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in history, technology or the Cold War. Well worth a visit.

· via Google

mark nichols

Picture this… You are wondering through the countryside - walking country lanes and through wooded enclaves, when suddenly you come rambling passed and old time country farm house nestled amongst trees, huge storage containers and military paraphernalia. Intrigued by what I had found I wondered inside what could only be described as the most surreal experience of my rambling experience. Alone - I entered the house and continued to walk down - and down - and further down a slope into the bowels of Earth. Once there I found myself In a nuclear bunker that was designed in case of the Russians dropping a nuke during the Cold War. Now combine this with the sound effects of 1950’s technology, random movies playing in absent cinema rooms and a cast of ghastly and oddly uncanny mannequins - I hope you can imagine just how strange and beguiling this experience was for me. The only thing that could make it anymore unsettling would be a healthy dose of psychedelic mushrooms and a musical score written by the Monty Python sketch show. Needless to say - I loved every moment of it. I got lost for what must’ve have been the last hour of the day before the bunker would close its doors, rushed out into a gift shop and tea rooms to pay for the privilege and continued my walk. If you just so happen to be in the area - I would highly recommend the experience.

· via Google

Robin Yellow

Fantastic! A living museum that you can walk around at your own speed and engage with firsthand. Spooky, creepy, fascinating, awe inspiring. These are just some of the things that you will tell your friends after you have visited this place. Highly highly highly recommended.

· via Google

Si

Very interesting site, decent length tour. Marked down a star because at the beginning there is a sign saying no photos unless you pay £5 for a licence before taking any pics. I thought bit over priced but was happy to pay, there was no staff to ask about this and could only see a sign saying to purchase at canteen that was right at the end of the tour, the canteen was also at the end of the tour, so would have had to double back a long way to take my pics

· via Google

See all reviews on Google →

Visitors say this historical site offers a fascinating and immersive glimpse into Cold War history, with multiple underground levels full of original equipment and preserved rooms. They also highlight the excellent self-guided audio tour, which allows for exploration at one's own pace. Guests mention the reasonable prices for admission and the gift shop, along with convenient free parking.

Summary via Google

At a glance

Address
Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, CM15 0LA Get directions
Category
Caves & Mines
Guest rating
4.6 / 5 (1,689 reviews)
Suitable for
Ages 0-8
Setting
Indoor
Good for children
Yes
Toilets on site
Yes
Destination
Kelvedon Hatch