About The Bunker
Take a step back in time to the Cold War era with a visit to the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker. This massive underground complex is the biggest and deepest Cold War bunker open to the public in the Southeast of England. As a Regional Government Headquarters, the bunker would have housed hundreds of staff, including Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Our self guided audio bunker tour is a fascinating opportunity to explore this unique piece of history and discover the secrets that would have unfolded in the event of a nuclear war.
Please note: This Halloween, the bunker will be closed to the public from Saturday 25th October to Wednesday 5th November 2025 inclusive. Normal opening hours resume on Thursday 6th November 2025.
The event is called The Bunker Below, if you fancy a horrifically fun time check out their website at https://thebunkerbelow.com/
Bunker briefing with Mike Parrish
Take a ‘virtual’ walk around the Secret Nuclear Bunker Essex with owner Mike Parrish and discover the complex installation that is hidden underground.
This website offers a brief insight into the working life of the bunker. To get the whole story, a tour of the bunker is absolutely necessary.
Come and witness the three lives of the bunker starting with its role as an RAF ROTOR Station, then a brief period as a civil defence centre through to its most recent life as an underground bunker for Regional Government HQ.
Designed for up to 600 military and civilian personnel, possibly even the Prime Minister, their collective task being to organise the survival of the population in the awful aftermath of a nuclear war.
make a day of it
Immersive Self guided tour with handsets
The tour is self guided by personal handsets, included in admission price. There is an adult and child tour available which both follow the same route.
Gift shop at the end of the tour
Treat yourself to a memento from your visit to the unique  Kelveden Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker, Essex.
Cold War Artifacts
Discover real life artefacts from the Cold War period, and experience what life would have been like at the Essex Secret Bunker.
Civil Defence Gear
Explore authentic Civil Defence equipment  – a chilling yet fascinating glimpse into Britain’s Cold War preparations.
Rare Communications Equipment
See first hand rare communications equipment which would have been used in the event of a nuclear attack.Â
Authentic Underground Command Centre
Discover the authentic underground command centre  – where real plans were made for life after a nuclear strike.
Dressing up area
Younger visitors can explore this unique era of our history through our engaging dressing up area.
Over the years the bunker has been hired for many different events, occasions, and as a film set.
In addition to the bunker, we also have many areas available both internal and external such as WW1 and WW2 trenches, wooded areas, lakes, tracks, bridges, barns, period houses and gardens, as well as Military Vehicles for hire.
The Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker can provide a unique educational visit experience for schools, colleges and universities, giving young people the opportunity to learn about the Cold War and this unique period of time in UK and European history.
Visit as a stand-alone experience or add it on to a trip to Nuclear Wild Forest or Nuclear Adventures for the ultimate in adrenaline vs. history!
Both kids and adults found it fascinating
We really enjoyed visiting the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker and highly recommend it. Both kids and adults found it fascinating. Mobile phones lose signal inside, which makes the atmosphere even more eerie and immersive. Built in the 1950s during the Cold War, the bunker lies 125 feet underground and was designed to shelter hundreds of government officials. Everything was so well prepared: there is a hospital, living quarters, and even a BBC broadcast studio. Walking through the corridors, you really sense how seriously life underground was planned. A unique museum that perfectly combines history, atmosphere, and a touch of dark humor – definitely worth a visit.
Snejana F
The visit was informative, poignant, and thoughtfully organised.
I recently visited Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker, and it was a truly moving and one-of-a-kind experience. The serene, rural setting creates an eerie yet captivating atmosphere that sets the tone from the start. The underground bunker itself, a three-storey Cold War installation built beneath a seemingly normal bungalow, is exceptionally well preserved. The handheld audio guides brought history to life, allowing us to feel what it was like to be one of the 600 personnel stationed here during a crisis. The self-guided tour is easy to follow, and the exhibits cover the site’s full history comprehensively. The bunker is a stark architectural marvel, set 125 ft underground, connected by a 100‑yard reinforced tunnel. Overall, the visit was informative, poignant, and thoughtfully organized. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Cold War history or unique hidden landmarks.
Kevin White
The Nuclear Bunker was eye-opening and really interesting- and so secret that we almost walked past it!
Both students and staff had the most brilliant day at Wild Forest. This is our 5th year of bringing our new Year 12 cohort as a team building and bonding away day and it absolutely delivers on all counts. The staff are fantastic and the opportunities available to the students to push themselves to their muddiest limits both personally and working alongside their peers is brilliant to see!
High Ropes pushed our students to their highest limits- literally! Focus and determination was needed to navigate through the different levels.
Southend High School for Girls
A credit to its owner.
Been here a couple of times now, well worth a visit and needs to be preserved as a part of our Cold War history. I would say if possible visit on a weekday when it’s not busy. Inexpensive for what you can see.
William Wilson
How to find us
Access is from the A128 Chipping Ongar to Brentwood road at Kelvedon Hatch. If you have GPS, use CM15 0LA and look out for the Brown Tourist signs.
Note: Sat Nav may drop short of the main entrance. Continue until you see brown signs on A128.
Download the what3words app and navigate to: pretty.then.hoping. This will bring you directly to the Secret Nuclear Bunker.