London possesses many war-time sites and monuments, having survived two world wars. If you are interested in learning more about wartime Britain, you will find fascinating WWII locations in the heart of the capital. Some have been preserved in their entirety, while others were repurposed as examples of adaptive reuse. For instance, the war office of Britain's WWII Prime Minister Winston Churchill recently opened as a luxury hotel in the heart of London. Now, we hear there is more coming up.
Bomb Shelters During The Blitz
Soon, you'll be able to explore some of London's enigmatic underground corridors established during WWII. There are entire networks of secret subterranean warfare tunnels beneath London that were once used by soldiers and spies. These were kept under wraps due to subject to the Government’s Official Secrets Act. There are 8,000 square metres of passages 40 metres beneath High Holborn, which have remained closed to the public for nearly 70 years. Originally built as bomb shelters during the Blitz, they later housed the Special Operations Executive and operated as an international communications exchange during the Cold War. For the first time in decades, they will soon be open to the public.
The Renovations
The Kingsway Exchange tunnels will be renovated by a team that includes the architects behind Singapore's Battersea Power Station and Gardens by the Bay. The $268 million makeover of a mile-long system of World War II tunnels into a glittering immersive experience. Predicted to be one of London's most stunning tourist destinations. it is scheduled to open in 2027. You will be able to learn about the passageways' history by interacting with newly installed screens and other immersive technology, such as scent emitters.
So Many Avatars
The tunnels went through many identities and purposes. During WWII, the tunnels were dug to serve as a deep-level bunker before being used by the Special Operations Executive, Winston Churchill's "secret army" forerunners of MI6. They were repurposed as a covert telephone exchange during the Cold War, operating the first transatlantic telephone cable, which was later used as a 'hotline' between Moscow and Washington during the Cuban missile crisis. It claimed the UK's deepest licenced bar, as well as a restaurant packed with enough food to feed hundreds of people for months before a nuclear attack.
For more information, check out the Insta page and website of The London Tunnels here and here.
