If you’re a North West baby, the likelihood is you’ll have been to Stockport Air Raid Shelters at some point, on a school trip or when your parents have been desperate to keep you occupied. Many, though, have no idea they exist which, in all fairness, is what they were made for − the World War Two (WW2) creators of the shelters would probably be quite chuffed with that.
Carved into the natural sandstone cliffs in Stockport, the intriguing network of underground tunnels offers visitors an unparalleled insight into life in wartime Britain in the 1940s. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the experiences of local people during the war from the displays in the tunnels and state-of-the-art audio guides.
Opened in 1939, the shelters were the largest purpose-built civilian air raid shelters in the country, originally designed to provide shelter for up to 3,850 people. Due to demand they were extended to accommodate as many as 6,500 during the second world war.
This labyrinth of tunnels, nearly a mile long, was carved out of the red sandstone hills on which Stockport stands and, during the Blitz, provided shelter and a way of life for families in and around Stockport.
In 1996, the shelters reopened as a visitor attraction and have been imaginatively restored to give visitors the feel of the era and struggle that Britain was facing. Now, you can explore this underground world and experience a way of life beneath Stockport’s streets, fitted with electric lights, wooden benches, bunk beds, wardens’ post, and a first aid post.
The shelters had basic amenities back in the 40s: electric lights, benches and bunk beds, flushing toilets, first aid post and sick bay − there were even facilities for nursing mothers. In the war, the shelters were also nicknamed the ‘Chestergate Hotel‘ because of the ‘luxurious’ standard of accommodation they offered, even boasting 16-seater toilets!
As visitors will also find out, everyone had to possess a gas mask at the time and carry it with them wherever they went, which the Air Raid Shelters go to great lengths to display.
School trips for key stage two are welcome to join the team for a role-play day set in 1941. You’ll meet characters from WW2 as you step back in time to wartime Britain. Wartime characters will be expecting evacuees from the Channel Islands and will help your class find out how to be good evacuees, with hands-on activities and songs to keep up their spirits.
The session is split across Stockport Air Raid Shelters and Stockport Museum, and staff will lead your class between venues. You can also find themed mementos of the 1940s in the Stockport Air Raid Shelters shop to remember your visit, and who doesn’t love a gift shop?
To book a visit or enquire about school visits to Stockport Air Raid Shelters, visit the website.
Adult – £5.50
Concessions (ages 60+ and students) – £4
Children under 16 with a paying adult – Free
Leisure Key – Free
📍 Stockport Air Raid Shelters, 65 Chestergate, Stockport SK1 1NP.