Updated 16th January 2010
PUBLIC TOUR DESCRIPTION
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- PUBLIC TOUR PICTURES & DESCRIPTION
PUBLIC TOUR - 2010
NEW - For 2010 our Public Tour has been improved with new films & presentations - A new show in the Radar Operations Auditorium and enlarged public viewing areas in most rooms.
Thoughout the Local Area easy to follow BROWN TOURIST SIGNS will guide you to the UNDERGROUND BUNKER at RAF HOLMPTON - On arrival you will find plenty of FREE car parking available - Please note that the gates open at least 30 mins before each Tour and they are locked during the tour to keep your cars safe - Please allow plenty of time for arrival as we are unable to admit latecomers due to the scale and layout of the building - Tours last about 1hr 45min and the Bunker is well lit and heated throughout.
You enter through the distinctive GUARDROOM which is typical of the design found at these sites
Inside you will find a bright FOYER space and waiting area - Why not enjoy a tea or coffee soft drink or confectionery while you wait for the tour to start, and you can also view some of the latest RAF recruiting films. WC's are available just off this area.
Now as the Tour starts we head down the stairs for a brief introduction before setting off along the 130yard TUNNEL to the Command Bunker.
At the massive BLAST DOORS we pause to hear about the huge concrete walls that surround the bunker before heading inside.
And now we descend even further to the LOWER FLOOR to hear about the consrtruction of the Bunker.
As we head off along the Lower Corridor we pass the main DORMITORY with its many beds - During it's most recent use we could accommodate over 80 permanent staff.
Now we head into the 1980's RAF SUPPORT COMMAND Centre for an introductory film about 'WHY BUNKERS WERE NEEDED' followed by a chance to view the Operations Pit where Senior RAF Officers would have run the Headquarters during the days of Support Command.
Then we head off along the corridor past the Locker Room and Store and into the Sinister Weapons of Mass Destruction WMD gallery, where you can hear a presentation all about the many targets in the UK, along with some of the original specialist equipment issued to our staff, and finally your chance to come Face to face with a REAL Nuclear Warhead.
At this point we pass the entrance to AREA 7 which is located on a new intermediate floor accessed through this security reception on the lower level - Commissioned in 1995 and operational until 2001 Area 7 was an 'Experimental Electronic Warfare Operations Centre' for UK Air CCIS and still remains a 'Classified Area' not open to visitors.
Of course the Bunker has massive 'Life Support Systems' and now is your chance not only to visit the Main PLANT ROOM, but also to see and hear a demonstration of the machinery running, just as it would have done in the event of an attack.
Now its time for a real step back in time to the 1960's as we visit the recently restored (2008) 1960's MESSAGE CENTRE, where you can view through an armour plated window the fully authentic equipment finally returned to the site after 40 years - Interpreted by a short presentation.
Well after all that we are about half way through the tour and so it's upstairs past the VIEWING WINDOWS to the new plant areas, and then on to the refurbished (2009) CINEMA for a much needed 'sit down' and your chance to see on the big screen the 'Royal Observer Corps' swing into action as a nuclear attack heads towards the UK - No make believe here a real Government Film from the 1970's.
Now wer'e going to set you free to head off and explore the many rooms along the Top Corridor of the Bunker - Just next to the Cinema is the ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS Operations Room, full of original equipment just like you saw in the Cinema film, and this was the very last Operations Area in the UK ever used by the ROC. 
Just opposite you will find the extensive KITCHEN & OFFICERS MESS rebuilt in the 90's to serve the CCIS Headquarters.
And next door the CANTEEN with a display of 24hour and 7day rations packs and earlier tinned rations.
Opposite you will find the SITUATION ROOM and the Office of the COMMANDING OFFICER - 2003-2007 Wing Commander A B McCombe & 2007 to the present Wing Commander Shaun Murphy.
Now it's off along the corridor past the SHOWER ROOMS and a viewing window into the EXECUTIVE CORRIDOR (Still in use today) before you reach the Hospital with it's range of beds and authentic medical equipment.
Just opposite you will find the CODING & ENCRYPTION CENTRE with it's heavy Vault Door to protect the sensitive and Top Secret equipment from any possible enemy incursion.
Next door is the COMPUTER ROOM with it's Main Frame installed in 2007 and updated in 2009 - Don't you wish you had one of these at home - We measure our computing capacity in terrabytes (350 of them) !
Opposite on the Walls of the SECURITY OFFICE & REGISTRY are the cabinets containing literally hundreds of keys allowing access into all the various rooms of the Bunker - Some still locked today hiding even more secrets - And through the back wall is the 'weapons issue hatch' connecting to the Bunker's Armoury.
And finaly we reach the massive 60 seat auditorium and the 1970's RADAR OPERATIONS CENTRE from where the original Radar Station at Holmpton would have been controlled along with the only remaining example of a Radar Projection (PDU) table in the world today. Now is your chance to sit back and enjoy a major Audio Visual Presentation which will transport you through the whole 60 year history of RAF Holmpton in multiscreen sound and vision - From the 1950's to the present day -including an insight into life at the nearby Domestic Camp and a 'dramatic reminder' of why this Command Bunker was built. 
Then it's off back up the Tunnel to the 'Real World' outside and your chance to visit our shop for a souvenir of your tour - For 2010 the shop also incorporates a new 2nd hand area with the proceeds from these sales providing a donation to our Forces Welfare - Then time ask your guide any questions before departing and now knowing just a few of the Secrets from our Nation's Cold War History.
And to complete your visit to Holmpton why not drop into the GEORGE & DRAGON just 700 yards from our gates with ample car parking, offering everything from a refreshing drink and a sandwich to a full meal in their spacious restaurant, the perfect end to a day out.
NOW THAT'S WHAT WE CALL A TOUR
But these are only Sample Pictures
Just come along for a visit and Prepare to be Amazed !
PRESENTING OUR COLD WAR HERITAGE