Picture: RAF Holmpton operating in the 1970's as a Master Comprehensive Radar Station

Updated 23rd May 2008

PUBLIC TOUR DESCRIPTION

  • Just scroll down this page for pictorial details of our NEW 2008 Tour
  • See our PUBLIC OPENING TIMES PAGE for 2008 Times
  • See our PUBLIC SPECIAL EVENTS PAGE for Event Details
  • See our SLIDESHOW PAGE for Interactive Pictures
  • See our LOCATION MAP for How to Find Us  

A Completely New Tour for 2008 - Just come along and experience it for yourself !

  •  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 30min and the Bunker is well lit and heated throughout. 

  •   You enter through the distinctive GUARDROOM

  •   Inside you will find a bright FOYER space and waiting area - Why not enjoy a tea or coffee and a selection of cakes and confectionery while you wait for the tour to start and you can also view some of the Government Announcements that would have been broadcast on National TV before a Nuclear Attack. WC's are also 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 the 'Cold War' followed by a chance to view the Operations Pit where Senior RAF Officers would have run the Headquarters.

  •   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 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 the currently still restricted and 'Secret' AREA 7 - Decommissioning of this area will start during 2009 and it is planned to open Area 7 to visitors for the 2010 season, bringing with it completion of the restoratuion project at RAF Holmpton - Area 7 was the most recently used part of the Bunker and between 1995 and 2001 was an experimental electronic warfare command centre.

  •   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 newly restored (2008) MESSAGE CENTRE, when you can view through an armour plated window the fully authentic equipment finally returned to the site after 40 years.

  •   Well after all that we are about half way through the tour and so it's upstairs to the 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 film, and this was the very last Operations Area ever used by the ROC, who although they were officially disbanded in 1992 actually remained at RAF Holmpton right up until 1997.

  •   Just opposite you will find the extensive KITCHEN & OFFICERS MESS rebuilt in the 90's to serve the Headquarters.

  •   And next door the CANTEEN with a display of 24hour and 7day ration packs - Imagine living on these for a few weeks.

  •   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 new Main Frame installed in 2007 - Don't you wish you had one of these at home - We measure our computing capacity in terrabytes !

  •   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 1970's RADAR OPERATIONS CENTRE from where the original Radar Station above 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 - Your chance to visit our shop for a souvenir of your tour - 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 - www.georgeanddragon-holmpton.co.uk

  • NOW THAT'S WHAT WE CALL A TOUR
  • But these are only Trailer Pictures
  • Just come along for a visit and Prepare to be Amazed !

_______________________________________________

  PRESERVING & PRESENTING OUR COLD WAR HERITAGE

HIPPO at RAF Holmpton 2008