TOUR DETAILS 2012 - RAF HOLMPTON

Updated 28th January 2012

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PUBLIC TOUR PICTURES & DESCRIPTION

2012 - New Updated Tour -

Royal Air Force HOLMPTON

'The Award Winning Reference Standard for Bunker Tours in the United Kingdom'

NOTE: We WELCOME photography but do not permit video recording - We also ask that you keep your flash gun turned off during the tour so as not to spoil other peoples enjoyment - If you do haver to take a flash photograph please just wait until the end of each sequence or presentation - Photography is however not permitted at all during the last show inb our main auditorium.

NEW - For 2012 See 'New For 2012' Page.

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 newly refurbished FOYER and waiting area (2012) - Why not enjoy a Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate or Soft Drink along with a cake, while you wait for the tour to start, and you can also view some of the latest RAF recruiting films. Newly refurbished WC's (2012) are also available

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 constrruction of the Bunker and a chance to view our Battleground Communications Repair Display.

As we head off along the Lower Corridor we pass the main DORMITORY with its many beds - During it's most recent use the bunker 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. In 2010 this area was completely restored to its original layout with new viewing areas.

COMCEN - Here you have a chance to see the Bunkers Communications Centre including the Radio Room and Telephone Exchange.

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 Cold War 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 hear about the bunkers early power systems and we have a chance to go along a new corridor to a viewing window looking over the now empty but Massive COMPUTER HALL once housing the huge main-frames that ran the bunkers early Radar systems.

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. We also hear about the new plant that was added in the 1980's to provide decontamination and protection agains chemical weapons.

At this point we pass the entrance to AREA 7 which is located on a new 3rd floor accessed through this security reception on the lower level - Added in 1994, Commissioned in 1995, operational until 2001 and retained until 2011 - Area 7 was an 'Experimental Electronic Operations Centre for the 'UK Air CCIS' system and remains as a 'Restricted Area' - It is Currently being decommissioned and is due to open to visitors for the first time in 2013 / 2014

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. We are most grateful to RAF Rudloe for these exhibits.

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 (2012) CINEMA for a much needed 'sit down' and your chance to view some of the original Government Emergency Broadcasts that would have been put out on National TV before any nuclear attack on the UK.

At this point we 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 in the fully restored and authentic ROC Operations Area in fact the very last operations room ever used by the Royal Observers in the UK.

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 OFFICER COMMANDING - Provided with it's own bedroom and access to the Administration Wing, and Main Offices along with the Conference Room - Officers Accommodation and Cinema.

Now it's off along the corridor past the SHOWER ROOMS and a viewing window into the ADMIN WING CORRIDOR (A Security Restricted Area 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 (1995 to 2012) with it's Main Frame installed in 2007 - Following a major rebuild in 2011 the capacity of this frame has now been increased to one million terabytes - Still operating today 24/7 Don't you wish you had one of these at home.

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.

As you make your way back up to the Surface you will pass the REGISTRY. This is the Bunkers Security Centre with all the key cabinets, PA and monitoring systems. You will also see the heavily protected door leading into the ARMOURY just to the side of the Registry.

Then it's off back up the Tunnel to the 'Real World' outside and your chance to visit our NEW (2012) SHOP for a souvenir of your tour - For 2011 we have moved our shop into a much larger area with an updated and larger selection of themed sourenirs + the odd 2nd hand bargain - Then there is always time 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. A great way to end your visit.

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