Western Approaches at Liverpool War Museum
Explore Britain's top-secret underground war bunker, hidden under the streets of Liverpool
eligible with a VisitBritain Gift Card
Standout list
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 48 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
1-year free access
Suitable for an educational family day out, return anytime within a year.
Highlights
- Freely explore an immense bunker that once would have once required you to sign the Official Secrets Act to enter.
- Walk through hidden rooms and discover the stories locked in the WW2 bunker that protected the tactics of the British Armed Forces.
- See the Operations Room, which has remained exactly as it was left when the doors were closed on 15 August 1945.
- Glimpse the documents and tools the Forces used.
- See one of only two surviving wartime phones which had a direct connection to the London War Cabinet.
- Find out where Commanders, WRNS, and WAAF personnel worked day and night in the Operations Room, the nerve centre of the Battle of the Atlantic
What's included
- Entry to the museum
- 1-year free access to the museum
- Tour guide
Unlock this experience with a VisitBritain Gift Card
Prepare for the experience
Children information
- Children under 17 years old can access free of charge.
- Children up to 16 years old must attend accompanied by a paying adult aged at least 18.
- There are baby-changing facilities.
Accessibility information
- Due to the historic nature of the building, the only way around is via staircases.
- However, visitors with mobility restrictions preventing them from using stairs can access some rooms on the upper floor.
- There are seats located around the building which can be used by visitors to take a rest.
- There are small collapsible stools for visitors to take around if required.
- Accessibility aids (wheelchairs, mobility scooters, etc.) can be left at reception if possible.
- Please contact us before booking should you require further accessibility information.
Additional information
- Bookings are valid for a year and offer you return entrance for that year.
Live dates and times availability can be seen before booking.
- Duration: self-guided tours take approximately 1.5 hours.
The regular operating times are the following:
- Daily: 10:00am - 6:00pm. The last admission is 1 hour prior to closing.
How to get there
- Address: 1-3 Rumford Street, Exchange Flags, Liverpool, Merseyside L2 8SZ, England, United Kingdom.
- Directions: The bunker is hidden, and can be difficult to find. It is located within the basement of Exchange Flags, behind the Town Hall and St Martin’s Bank. The iconic Liver Bird’s can be seen from the window of Western Approaches. The museum is opposite the NCP car park on Rumford Street and can be seen from Chapel Street and the corner of Rumford Place (close to Mercure Thistle Hotel, Hotel Indigo and Travelodge on Exchange Street).
- Nearest Underground and train stations: Moorfields, James St and Inter-city Lime Street station (approximately 15 minutes’ walk away).
Supplier information
This product is sold by VisitBritain Shop and provided by Liverpool War Museum.
