Schools
The Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker offers a fascinating and educational experience for schools, colleges, and universities – bringing the Cold War era to life for a new generation. Students can explore this remarkable underground site while gaining a deeper understanding of one of the most intriguing periods in UK and European history.
Discover the secrets beneath...
A visit to the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker offers students a unique and unforgettable educational experience. Hidden deep underground in the Essex countryside, this once top-secret Cold War government facility brings history vividly to life.
Pupils can explore authentic rooms such as communication centres, dormitories, and the BBC broadcasting suite, gaining a real sense of what life might have been like during a nuclear emergency.
The trip supports a wide range of curriculum subjects, including history, geography, science, and citizenship, helping students understand topics such as the Cold War, nuclear deterrence, and government planning in times of crisis.
Guided tours and interactive exhibits encourage critical thinking and discussion, prompting students to reflect on the past and its relevance to modern global issues.
Take a ‘virtual’ walk around the Bunker with owner Mike Parrish and discover the complex installation that is hidden underground.
This website offers a brief insight into the working life of the bunker. To get the whole story, a tour of the bunker is absolutely necessary. For more information, please visit the Admission Details page.
Immersive Self guided tour with handsets
The tour is self guided by personal handsets, included in admission price. There is an adult and child tour available which both follow the same route.
Gift shop at the end of the tour
Treat yourself to a memento from your visit to the unique Kelveden Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker, Essex.
Cold War Artifacts
Discover real life artefacts from the Cold War period, and experience what life would have been like at the Essex Secret Bunker.
Civil Defence Gear
Explore authentic Civil Defence equipment – a chilling yet fascinating glimpse into Britain’s Cold War preparations.
Rare Communications Equipment
See first hand rare communications equipment which would have been used in the event of a nuclear attack.
Authentic Underground Command Centre
Discover the authentic underground command centre – where real plans were made for life after a nuclear strike.
Dressing up area
Younger visitors can explore this unique era of our history through our engaging dressing up area.
Looking to bring a group to the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker or hire the bunker for a private event? If so, we have private hire rates available on request.
We can even host meetings for a completely unique corporate get together! Why not combine your work with a visit to Nuclear Wild Forest or Nuclear Adventures for the ultimate in corporate team building days?
Get in touch to find out more and discover how the bunker could work for your event.
Both kids and adults found it fascinating
We really enjoyed visiting the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker and highly recommend it. Both kids and adults found it fascinating. Mobile phones lose signal inside, which makes the atmosphere even more eerie and immersive. Built in the 1950s during the Cold War, the bunker lies 125 feet underground and was designed to shelter hundreds of government officials. Everything was so well prepared: there is a hospital, living quarters, and even a BBC broadcast studio. Walking through the corridors, you really sense how seriously life underground was planned. A unique museum that perfectly combines history, atmosphere, and a touch of dark humor – definitely worth a visit.
Snejana F
The visit was informative, poignant, and thoughtfully organised.
I recently visited Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker, and it was a truly moving and one-of-a-kind experience. The serene, rural setting creates an eerie yet captivating atmosphere that sets the tone from the start. The underground bunker itself, a three-storey Cold War installation built beneath a seemingly normal bungalow, is exceptionally well preserved. The handheld audio guides brought history to life, allowing us to feel what it was like to be one of the 600 personnel stationed here during a crisis. The self-guided tour is easy to follow, and the exhibits cover the site’s full history comprehensively. The bunker is a stark architectural marvel, set 125 ft underground, connected by a 100‑yard reinforced tunnel. Overall, the visit was informative, poignant, and thoughtfully organized. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Cold War history or unique hidden landmarks.
Kevin White
The Nuclear Bunker was eye-opening and really interesting- and so secret that we almost walked past it!
Both students and staff had the most brilliant day at Wild Forest. This is our 5th year of bringing our new Year 12 cohort as a team building and bonding away day and it absolutely delivers on all counts. The staff are fantastic and the opportunities available to the students to push themselves to their muddiest limits both personally and working alongside their peers is brilliant to see!
High Ropes pushed our students to their highest limits- literally! Focus and determination was needed to navigate through the different levels.
Southend High School for Girls
A credit to its owner.
Been here a couple of times now, well worth a visit and needs to be preserved as a part of our Cold War history. I would say if possible visit on a weekday when it’s not busy. Inexpensive for what you can see.
William Wilson
How to find us
Access is from the A128 Chipping Ongar to Brentwood road at Kelvedon Hatch. If you have GPS, use CM15 0LA and look out for the Brown Tourist signs.
Note: Sat Nav may drop short of the main entrance. Continue until you see brown signs on A128.
Download the what3words app and navigate to: pretty.then.hoping. This will bring you directly to the Secret Nuclear Bunker.