Western Approaches HQ, 1-3 Rumford Street, Exchange Flags, L2 8SZ
Big Heritage are an award winning social enterprise connecting museums, schools and communities with the past. We operate, manage and protect a number of historic locations and museums which we have developed to become tourist attractions.
Western Approaches HQ
Explore Britain's Top Secret underground war bunker.
You were once required to sign the Official Secrets Act to enter the building, now it’s open for visitors to freely explore the immense bunker. The labyrinth of rooms and offices is a precious time capsule and although the 300 war time staff have long gone, a visit to the museum will transport you back to that time and make you ask questions about the people who once worked there.
Walk through hidden rooms and discover the stories locked in the WWII bunker that protected the tactics 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 London War Cabinet.
See where Commanders, WRNS and WAAF personnel worked day and night in the Operations Room, the nerve centre of the Battle of the Atlantic. Here they monitored convoy routes and vital shipping lines, pin-pointing enemy locations on a huge map wall, where total accuracy was necessary to enable the Royal Navy to contact and destroy the enemy.
The Operations Room has remained exactly how it was left when the doors were closed on 15 August 1945.
Everyone is welcome
We are open 7 days a week, but please check the website before your visit as we are sometimes closed for events or maintenance
10am to 6pm
Last entry is at 5pm
An average tour lasts for 90 minutes but can take up to 3 hours depending on your level of interest. We would recommend allowing at least 90 minutes for your visit, we do not offer time slots when purchasing tickets.
We are situated in the basement of Exchange Flags, just behind Liverpool Town Hall and Martins Bank
Western Approaches HQ, 1-3 Rumford Street, Exchange Flags, Liverpool, Merseyside L2 8SZ
On your approach to Western Approaches, you will be able to identify the museum location by the flags flying above our front door, or by the large signage along the corner of Exchange Flags
Prices vary, please see our website for details
All tickets are valid for free returns for 12 months (Permit Pass and ID must be shown for return visits)
Please note: Western Approaches is now a cashless museum.
Visitors can purchase admittance tickets upon arrival. You do not need to book a ticket in advance, however if you prefer to do so, they are available from our website, where our up-to-date prices can also be found.
On arrival you will be given a replica entry permit (if you are over 16) or a replica identity card (under 16) as your ticket to enter the site, which will be stamped with your visit date. This allows free return visits within the next 12 months. Unless you have booked a tour guide, your visit will be self-guided and there will be signage around the building to help you find your way.
A personal guided tour of the site is also available for groups and individuals
Phone: 0151 277 2008
Email: wa@bigheritage.co.uk
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