The Explorer Tours at Ramsgate Tunnels take you down to uncover the storey of a hidden subterranean metropolis that grew out of the largest and only known Civilian Deep Shelter Air-Raid-Precaution project authorised by the Central Government.
Since 1936, Ramsgate’s innovative Borough Engineer has been working on the development of an underground shelter system, inspired by the town’s extensive bombing attacks during World War One and the realisation that the town’s current air raid shelters would be insufficient in future conflicts. By 1939, despite repeated denials by the Central Government on the grounds of expense and policy, Ramsgate’s Borough Council and its flamboyant ‘Top Hat’ Mayor were able to obtain clearance from the Home Office for the scheme’s implementation. The residents of Ramsgate would be safeguarded by the construction of 212 kilometres of underground shelter tunnels.
During the tours, you will learn about the most important portion of Ramsgate’s history. During World War II, when the town above was destroyed by aerial bombardment, residents relocated to the tunnels, and by 1940, more than 300 families were permanently residing in the underground metropolis that was developing.
Visitor options include guided tours, recorded history, touch displays for further exploration, and the Tunnel Teas Cafe, which offers refreshments.
The Tunnel Museum and Home Front Collection, both of which are free to enter, are also open within the Tunnels. From Ramsgate’s involvement in World War One through the building and usage of Ramsgate Tunnels, as well as its final closing, dereliction and re-opening, the exhibition covers a wide range of topics. There’s also an exhibit of items from the Tunnels’ collection of Home Front mementoes on show.
