stockport air raid shelters

NED180

My husband saw this on a tv programme and added it to the list of places we had to visit, I was a little unsure and when we decided to go it was also Mothers Day.... But on arrival the staff were fantastic and very helpful and gave us our little audio gadgets and off we went to a little room for a short film which was very enlightening and not too long so our 9yr old didn't get board. then we followed the signs and pointed our audio gadgets at the aRp and listened. It was fantastic it doesn't take long an hour or so the little sound bits are not long so again it kept you interested and wanting to get to the next aRp. This little under ground gem has a fascinating history that we can only imagine what it felt like to hear the siren and spend time in these tunnels. There is a small fee it was under a fiver for adults, there is a concession discount and children are free with a full paying adult. I would recommend this to anybody and my son is going to recommend it to school as it would be a wonderful place for a school visit when learning about the war. We are thinking of doing the guided evening tour as you get to see more of the tunnels.

barbaralI4936SV

I visited the Air Raid Shelters with my husband. So much information into the way people came here for safety. The audio system was brilliant. Its also a great place for school children some of whom were looking round when we were there, to learn about war time.

A6459VMdavidf

I had been to the shelters some years ago but I had not remembered them as so interesting - I think they have been revamped recently. Certainly I found the whole experience well worth while - the audio guide is excellent - not too long to be boring but with enough information to be informative - including memories from people who had been there. There are parts of the complex which look very much as they did in the war. The whole tour took me over an hour. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The entrance fee at under £5 is pretty good value.

Lauryn-Marie

I remember coming here with my when I was in Year 6. It was so educational and I remember everything so clearly. It's not something you'd forget! I was so frightened as I was only 10. It just shocked me that so many people on the World Wars could fit down these tiny passages. I absolutely loved it here and would definitely go again!

JonathanF274

Probably one of the best kept secrets of Greater Manchester, these tunnels were where the people of StocKport would shelter while the Luftwaffe bombed Manchester and Stockport in Blitz. It was amazing how life in these tunnels mirrorEd the life they had outside. The most poignant experience is when they turn out the lights. This is one attraction that will bring the Homefront of the War to life. Well worth taking the kids but wrap up warm and wear sturdy shoes. I love it.

865suzim

Having lived in Stockport all my life, I had never been to the air raid shelters. My daughter had been on a school trip & really enjoyed the experience, so I took my three children along in the summer holidays. We LOVED it. The staff were fabulous, friendly and knowledgeable. We did a self-guided tour with an audio-guide you wore around your neck, it explained each area & you could also listen to stories of those who lived through the Blitz. We spent almost 2 hours exploring the underground labyrinth and loved every minute! I'm only sorry I hadn't visited sooner!

christopherclayton

I suppose that a series of tunnels created to provide shelter during the blitz is just that and interesting to see but not much of a museum experience, We were pleased to have visited but not the most amazing or entertaining experience

ethnab

Really enjoyed the afternoon I spent with the kids at the air raid shelter in Stockport. It is not an expensive outing and you can get an offer on entry to various days out in Stockport.It is not a big space, but there is plenty to keep the kids occupied.The handsets used on the tour are interesting, describing what it was like in the shelters during the bombings of WW2.

moumou1312

Really interesting and good to be able to go into the air raid shelters and see what conditions would have been like for those sheltering from the bombing in central Stockport during the war. Glad I wasn't birn in those days and didn't have to suffer like the people who were around then must have suffered. I'd recommend anyone to visit the shelters. Really interesting - but wear something warm, it's cold in there.

Zena36

We were lucky enough to join the free tour and it was excellent. The lady who took us round was full of interesting information and she made it great fun for all ages. I would definitely recommend this tour to young and old alike.

TwentiesGirl25

Me and my partner were stuck for something to do on a Sunday so decided to pay Stockport air raid shelter a visit.We found it really interesting and a good way to spend approx 1 1/2 hours. You are given an audio guide and can say I listened to everything all the way round as it was fascinating and great way to bring the whole thing to life. Would recommend a visit here, I've lived in Stockport for a few years now and never knew this was here but definitely worth seeing.

Jamojam55

We took a large group of young people from church and they all enjoyed the experience especially when the lights were turned of to experience total darkness. We booked in advance and the staff were well prepared and the war stories were brilliant. An experience not to be missed.

I8684RXmarkw

I love this place, I have been several times over the years and more recently taken my 7 year old son during the "festival of flowers" remembrance weekend. He found the place a little dark and not quite what he'd expected; but after explaining the importance of the place and the purpose it had served, he had a better understanding.To think there are several toilet blocks, wardens office, even a hospital ward-ish; serving 6500 people during WW2, all hand carved out of red sandstone Stockport hillside!I have previously been on the night-time extended tour (not sure if they still do these?); I was blown away at the sheer size of the place, it is a little haunting at the number of triple bunk beds that are still down there.Well worth a visit if you have a spare hour!

AngeB741

They don't like signposting the cultural attractions in stockport so it took a while for us to find this place, it's tucked away behind the Merseygate shopping mall. It is worth finding though as it's a real treasure trove of local history. I had never realised that there was an underground network of tunnels that were used as air raid shelters in WWII. They are really atmospheric and you can imagine what it was like being in the tunnels during an air raid. There is a good audio tour available and it gives you plenty of information on the history of the war and the tunnels. Staff are friendly and helpful too.

IsisStockport

Visited the shelters with my mother (who is a Senior) who was more worried about messing up her hair as we had to wear helmets :) We had booked the guided tour beforehand and I'm glad we did as I think we got so much more indepth information. It was fascinating imagining how it must have been for people back then taking cover in the shelters during the air raids. There was a lot of reminiscing from my mother and I found some of the recreated objects very interesting and felt such sympathy for people who had to have an injection in those days. I won't say any more than that! Do go and visit, you won't be disappointed.