Ramsgate Tunnels - Image 1

Ramsgate Tunnels

Ramsgate, United Kingdom•4.7(2.8k)•Heritage Site, Museum

Explore the UK's largest network of civilian wartime tunnels through guided tours that bring WWII history to life for families.

Ramsgate Tunnels offers a unique historical experience showcasing the largest network of civilian wartime shelters in the UK. Visitors descend into purpose-built Air Raid Precaution tunnels that once protected thousands of residents during World War II, discovering how these underground spaces transformed daily life beneath the town. The site features a 150-year-old Victorian railway tunnel where orientation films set the scene before exploring the deeper ARP network and the ambitious deep-shelter system designed to protect 60,000 people. The venue offers multiple tour options including the Deep Tunnel Shelter Explorer Tours, specialized Railway Tunnels Tours, immersive Air Raid Experience events, and even overnight stays within the tunnels for the most adventurous visitors. Families can also enjoy condensed one-hour tours on Thursdays for those with time constraints. The attraction is open year-round with seasonal hours, and pre-booking is recommended. Families will find this venue particularly engaging for older children and adults interested in WWII history and local heritage. Special events, school group visits, and guided tours cater to various age groups and interests. On-site amenities include the Tunnels Tea Shop for refreshments and a gift shop. The site emphasizes accessibility information for planning visits, though visitors should note there are no public toilets within the tunnels themselves.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 09:30 – 16:00
Tuesday: 09:30 – 16:00
Wednesday: 09:30 – 16:00
Thursday: 09:30 – 16:00
Friday: 09:30 – 16:00
Saturday: 09:30 – 16:00
Sunday: 09:30 – 16:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Book in advance

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Tunnels Tea Shop

Tea shop offering refreshments located within the venue

Google Reviews

4.7(2.8k reviews)
B
Becky T

Becky T

a month ago

Wonderful tour. The Ramsgate Tunnels are an extensive World War II deep shelter tunnel system, built from 1939 to protect thousands of civilians during air raids. This was one of the best guided tours we've done. Our guide combined fascinating historical information with excellent storytelling that really brought the tunnels to life. The tour begins with the events leading from Operation Dynamo and Dunkirk through to the Battle of Britain, before exploring the remarkable 3.5 miles of civilian shelter tunnels beneath the town. Learning about the bombing of Ramsgate, including the devastating raid of 24 August 1940, really highlights why the tunnels were so important. There are also interesting explanations of how the tunnels were constructed, their connection with the railway station, and their earlier history, along with effective sound effects that recreate what bombing would have sounded like from inside the shelters. Exhibition: Small exhibition and introductory displays before the tour. Tours: Pre-booking recommended. Our group had around 30 people. Accessibility: Optional hard hats were provided, which they suggested for anyone over about 5'10" due to lower sections of the tunnels.

D
David Kirby

David Kirby

2 months ago

Fantastic. A tour guide thru tunnels on how people of Ramsgate survived the blitz. I took the train from London Victoria and it took 1hr and 45 approx, I got off at Dumpton Park and caught the bus (The Loop) to the harbour which took 5 mins. Another 5 - 7 mins mins walk to the actual tunnel is along the promenade. My Deep Tunnel Sheltered Explorer Tour was at 12 noon,Saturday. The tour takes approx 1hr and half ,there are other times, the first is 10am and last is 14 hrs. It cost me just £10 adult ( May 2026 prices). First you watch a introduction short 10 mins film on health and safety and a brief insight about the tunnels. Wearing of hard hats, if you're 6ft 2inchs it's mandatory if you're under that height it's optional, Wear a hard hat, Cos I did as I was walking in the tunnels i veered to the left and a metal rod wear the light bulbs cables are held was sticking out and I heard my hat go clunck! Try to walk in the middle of the tunnels as well. Definitely wear flat shoes. You can bring a rucksack and you can leave it in the cinema room rather than lug it round with you. The two gentlemen who took us was fantastic, their knowledge was great and they told how people lived and worked down the tunnels. The stories about the residents were great insight On what it was like down in the tunnels. In fact all of the staff were great. You even see a street with made up shelters And the family's street number where the post would be delivered. The nearest toliets is a 5 mins walk to the harbour. There is a small cafe onsight as well as a small museum with plenty of war time items.

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Jessica Farnan

Jessica Farnan

4 months ago

We had a tour of the Ramsgate Tunnels yesterday and it was absolutely fantastic. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and kept us engaged throughout with fascinating stories and insider facts collected over the years. If you're in the area, this is definitely worth a visit. As someone who loves history and regularly visits historic sites, I can honestly say this was one of the most memorable tours I've experienced. Great staff and a brilliant tour from start to finish.

S
Simon Rose

Simon Rose

4 months ago

Much better than i expected, really knowledagable and helpful guide, loads of history. Informative exhibits and otjer tours you can do. Book in advance, come early, collectbyour token from your ticket and have a look atbthe exhibits before you start. Google maps locatiion was a bit misleading, take the stairs to the sea level by the roundabout and the entrance is there Floor is eneven but they have a great wheelchair with huge inflatable wheels. Really cool Austrailian surprise at the end too

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Ann-marie Young

Ann-marie Young

9 months ago

My sister and I paid a visit to the secluded war time tunnels in Ramsgate, we booked our places on the tour about an hour before. Then went for a walk. We paid £9 per adult which I think was a reasonable amount. The tour starts with a short video. Clive our main guide/volunteer was very informative with a sense of humour and the other 2 volunteers (I think were Trevor and ?Kevin?) were extremely patient & helpful, pointing out markings on the walls, lighting up areas with their torches so we could get better photographs . The tour was approx. 2 hrs. I would advise sensible footwear as in places it was a bit wet & slippery, some mats/boards were down so that your feet wouldn't get too wet. We enjoyed our tour and the museum. They also had a little cafe area at the entrance which we did not make the use of on this occasion. I would highly recommend a visit 👍🏻

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Ramsgate Tunnels

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Ramsgate Tunnels

Is Ramsgate Tunnels free to visit?

Ramsgate Tunnels is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is Ramsgate Tunnels dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Ramsgate Tunnels.

Is there parking at Ramsgate Tunnels?

Yes — Ramsgate Tunnels has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at Ramsgate Tunnels?

Yes — Tunnels Tea Shop is on site at Ramsgate Tunnels. Tea shop offering refreshments located within the venue

Is Ramsgate Tunnels pushchair-friendly?

Ramsgate Tunnels isn't the easiest for pushchairs, prams or buggies — stairs or uneven terrain may make a baby carrier a better option.

How long should we plan to spend at Ramsgate Tunnels?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Ramsgate Tunnels.

How do I get to Ramsgate Tunnels by public transport?

Ramsgate Tunnels is well-served by public transport.
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