Cold War Bunker
Gravesend's Cold War bunker is located within Woodlands park and was originally known as Civil Defence Region 6.
Gravesend's Cold War bunker is an underground command post, built in 1954, from which Gravesend's rescue and emergency services were to be co-ordinated in the event of a nuclear attack.
Today the bunker has been carefully refurbished to look as it was in the 1950s, giving the visitor the chance to experience its atmosphere and glimpse into Cold War England.
The bunker also houses a WE177 air dropped nuclear bomb, once part of Britain's nuclear arsenal against the threat posed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The WE177 'family' were variable yield nuclear weapons and all could operate in various ways, from parachute retarded or free-fall, air burst, ground burst or a burst in water.
This type of bomb was introduced into service in the Royal Air Force in the 1960s, and succeeded earlier types of air-dropped nuclear weapons. Until the introduction of the Royal Navy's submarines armed with long-range strategic missiles in the later 1960s, the RAF was the sole provider of Britain's nuclear deterrent. The WE177 was in use in parallel to the submarines and remained in service until the 1990s. The bomb casing is 133 inches long and weighs 900 lbs. The bunker is owned by Gravesham Borough Council and operated by Thames Defence Heritage.
Guided Tours
Guided tours take place throughout the year and private group visits can be arranged through Towncentric visitor information centre.
Access Restrictions
The bunker is accessed via steep steps and not suitable for those with walking difficulties or wheelchair users. The building is split into a series of rooms with one main entrance and an emergency exit. The bunker is not suitable for babies or children under 12rs unless on a pre-booked family tour. There are no toilet facilities.
Ticket Prices
Adults £4.50
Children (12yrs - 15yrs) £3.50
Guided Tour dates
Last Friday of the Month (Except December)
Booking Information
To book a place on a tour or to arrange a private group booking please call 'TOWNCENTRIC' Gravesend visitor information centre on 01474 33 76 00 Open hours Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm.
TOWNCENTRIC can be found within St Georges Shopping Centre, Gravesend.