Fan Bay Deep Shelter, Dover (must see)

The Fan Bay Deep Shelter, nestled within the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, is a remarkable relic of World War II history. Built in just 100 days between November 1940 and February 1941 by the Royal Engineers, the shelter provided bomb- and shell-resistant accommodation for soldiers stationed at the nearby Fan Bay Battery. These tunnels were essential for housing the personnel who operated the gun battery, which was tasked with protecting the English Channel from enemy shipping.

The shelter lies 23 meters beneath the cliffs and consists of five interconnected tunnels, originally equipped with bunk beds, storage for rifles, a hospital, a secure store, a generator, toilets, and washrooms. Abandoned in the 1950s and buried in rubble during the 1970s, the tunnels were rediscovered in 2012 when the National Trust purchased the surrounding land. Following an 18-month restoration effort that involved removing over 100 tonnes of debris, the tunnels were opened to the public on July 20, 2015.

A visit to the Fan Bay Deep Shelter offers an immersive experience of what life was like for soldiers during World War II. Guided tours take visitors 70 feet underground, accessed via a staircase of 125 steps. The tunnels are unlit, so guests wear protective helmets equipped with head torches to navigate the space. The tours also include a chance to see the First World War Sound Mirrors, an early acoustic detection system for enemy aircraft, located near the shelter.

The shelter is located about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) from the National Trust White Cliffs Visitor Centre. Tickets can be purchased at the tunnel entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. For history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, Fan Bay Deep Shelter is a must-visit, offering a unique perspective on Britain’s wartime resilience and ingenuity.