The London Blitz: A Bunker Tour

7 September 1940. An infamous date now forever engraved into history of London. At 4pm, ‘Black Saturday’ commenced, with bombs from hundreds of Luftwaffe bombers dropping onto the East End. After a brief pause, at 8pm, a second wave of destruction lasted until 4am the following morning. This was the start of the relentless, consecutive bombing campaign that would wreak havoc upon the capital for the next 56 nights – The Blitz.

The Blitz would have indelible consequences on the Battle of Britain, civic morale, and the direction of the War itself, and has gone on to etch itself into the country’s national consciousness. At the heart of the defence against this onslaught was the headquarters of No. 11 Group Fighter Command – now known as The Battle of Britain Bunker. Here, efforts were made to hold back the tide of the oncoming onslaught using the available squadrons of Spitfires, Hurricanes and Beaufighters at its’ disposal. Alas, often in vain, and at an incalculable cost.

Almost eighty-six years to the day, The London Blitz will explore the often-under-explored history of this most significant moment in the capital’s story. Taking place 60ft below ground in the Battle of Britain Bunker itself, discover the decisions made that lead up to the campaign, how Black Saturday and the wider campaign unfolded, how The Biltz affected everyday Londoners, and the lesser known bombing campaigns that followed.

Led by historian and Bunker volunteer Andy Stracey.

Tour Information 

Please sign in at the Front Desk of the Battle of Britain Bunker Visitor Centre. This tour starts at 11:30 will last approximately 90 minutes and is accessible via 76 steps down into the Bunker. A member of staff will be available at all times if you require any assistance.  

£14 for adults – concessions and under 16 tickets available.  

Did you know this tour could be FREE with Hillingdon Heritage Membership – click here to find out more 

Image: London Docks on fire on 7 September 1940 - Black Saturday. (c) The Museum of London