Unlocking the Hidden Secrets of World War II: Explore the Long-Lost Tunnels!
Discover the hidden secrets of London's underground world! Experience an extraordinary $268 million transformation of World War II tunnels into a captivating immersive attraction Uncover the mysteries of this mile-long subterranean journey like never before
Editors Note: Join Unlocking the World, CNN Travels weekly newsletter and stay updated on the latest aviation, food and drink, accommodation, and travel updates.
Exciting plans have been unveiled for the highly anticipated underground tourist attraction in London. With an impressive investment of $268 million, a historic mile-long network of World War II tunnels will be transformed into a dazzling, immersive experience.
The former spy tunnels, once protected by the UK's Official Secrets Act, are set to be revamped by a team that includes the architects responsible for Singapores Gardens by the Bay and Londons Battersea Power Station. The Kingsway Exchange Tunnels, located 40 meters below Chancery Lane tube station in High Holborn, were constructed in the 1940s as a shelter for Londoners during the Blitz bombing campaign in World War II.
The general public had their last opportunity to visit them during that time. Afterwards, they served as the headquarters for Britain's highly classified Special Operations Executive, which originated from MI6 and served as the real-life inspiration for James Bond's Q Branch. The historic war office, previously utilized by Winston Churchill, has now been converted into the luxurious Raffles London hotel.
How the snazzy underground bar could look.
DBOX/The London Tunnels
Hotline bling
The Kingsway Telephone Exchange, originally expanded, became a crucial internal communications exchange during the Cold War in the 1950s. Notably, it housed the "hot line," enabling a direct connection between the leaders of the United States and the USSR. With an extensive network of 5,000 trunk cables, the exchange buzzed with activity, overseen by a dedicated workforce of 200 individuals operating the phone lines.
Content must be written in English:
In the 1980s, British Telecom acquired the site and transformed it into the world's deepest licensed bar, exclusively for government staff. This luxurious establishment boasted a games room with snooker tables and a tropical fish tank, representing the pinnacle of 80s opulence.
However, as the decade drew to a close, the telephone center's technology became outdated and was eventually decommissioned. But now, Angus Murray, CEO of The London Tunnels and a fund manager, intends to revive the tunnel's rich history for visitors. He plans to incorporate cutting-edge technology, such as high-resolution immersive screens, interactive structures, scent-emitting technology, and hundreds of precise speakers, to create an unforgettable experience.
The 23-year-old who spent three years living in the Tower of London
There'll be no expense spared when it comes to immersive wizardry.
DBOX/The London Tunnels
Subterranean London
Murray stated that due to the historical significance, large scale, and prime location between Holborn and the renowned Square Mile, these tunnels possess the potential to become one of London's most sought-after tourist attractions.
The plan is to allocate £140 million ($170.5 million) towards the restoration project, with an additional £80 million ($97 million) earmarked for additional immersive features. With the inclusion of architects Wilkinson-Eyre, a highly skilled team has been assembled for this ambitious endeavor, which surpasses any other tourist attraction currently available in the city. London's top permanent underground tourist attraction presently is the Churchill War Rooms, situated only 12 feet below ground and occupying a fraction of the immense 8,000-square-meter space taken by the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels.
London Underground also offers regular Hidden London tours that explore the abandoned tube stations and tunnels of the city. These tours are incredibly popular and tickets are quickly sold out as soon as they become available.
For the next few years, these tours remain the best opportunity for an exciting underground adventure. However, if the London Tunnels project proceeds as planned, it will not open its doors to amazed visitors until 2027. The anticipation suggests that the wait will likely be worthwhile.
