he Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge, Greater London, is a historic site that played a pivotal role during World War II. It was the nerve center for No. 11 Group Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain, responsible for coordinating the defense of London and the South East against Luftwaffe attacks.
Historical Significance:
- The bunker was operational from 1939 to 1958 and is most famous for its role in directing the RAF’s fighter response during the Battle of Britain (July–October 1940).
- The iconic “Operations Room” was where the famous command, “Never was so much owed by so many to so few,” was associated with Winston Churchill’s tribute to RAF personnel.
Battle of Britain Bunker
Wren Ave
Uxbridge UB10 0BE
http://battleofbritainbunker.co.uk/
Daily 10:00 – 16:30
Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Admission fee
BUNKER TOURS
The only way to visit the 1940s Bunker on site is to join one of our scheduled tours. Tours are occasionally sold out, which is alerted on twitter, facebook and here.
SUMMER TOUR TIMES: From Mon 1 April 2019 through the Summer, regular bunker tours take place at 10.15am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 2pm and 3.15pm.
WINTER TOUR TIMES: From Fri 1 November 2019, regular bunker tours will begin a new Winter timetable.
Tours last for one hour which includes a 35-minute presentation in the plotting room on its function during the Battle of Britain. Visitors on the last tour of the day are not able to enter the Visitor Centre after their tour, so should plan to go beforehand.
The bunker is accessed via 76 steps and may be unsuitable for those with reduced mobility.
Aircraft collection
| P3901/RF-E
P3873/YO-H L1035/SH-D BS239/5R-E | Hawker Hurricane (replica)
Hawker Hurricane (replica) Supermarine Spitfire (replica) Supermarine Spitfire (replica) |
The exhibition provides insight into how the bunker worked, inside and out, featuring a replica of the original 1940 plotting map and a 360 degree touch screen experience for those unable to go underground to visit the bunker and the original Operations Room.
Exhibits and Features:
1. The Bunker and Operations Room:
- The Operations Room: Preserved in its original state, showcasing the plotting tables, telephones, and maps used to direct fighter aircraft during WWII.
- Experience: Visitors can see where real-time decisions were made to counter enemy raids.
- Guided tours explain the critical work of Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) personnel and RAF officers.
2. Visitor Centre and Museum:
- A modern facility that complements the bunker tour with interactive displays, artifacts, and films.
- Exhibits include:
- Personal stories of pilots and support staff.
- Military equipment, uniforms, and historical documents.
- Details on the radar and communication systems that revolutionized air defense.
3. Aircraft Displays:
- Replica aircraft and components, including parts of downed German planes, provide a tangible link to the air battles.
4. Interactive Experiences:
- Engage with multimedia presentations and interactive exhibits to understand the scope of the air defense network.
Significance Today:
The Battle of Britain Bunker is a vital heritage site that honors the efforts of the “Few” who protected Britain during its darkest hour. It provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and witness the coordination efforts that turned the tide of WWII.
Photo Battle of Britain Bunker