RAF Holmpton

About the museum

RAF Holmpton was built between 1951 and 1953 as an underground early-warning radar station under the ROTOR programme. It was first meant for nearby RAF Patrington, but ground conditions there ruled that out. In the late 1960s it trialled a radar system and housed a computer for the Linesman radar project, and all radar functions ended in 1973.

In the 1980s the bunker became the emergency war headquarters of RAF Support Command. After the Cold War it was used for training and, from 1994 to 2002, as a trial headquarters for an air command and control system. The Ministry of Defence leased the site in 2003 for 25 years, and a public exhibition opened there in 2004.

The site was sold into private ownership in December 2014 and reopened to visitors in March 2016 after refurbishment. It closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and has opened again only occasionally since 2023, with former Royal Observer Corps volunteers helping as guides.

Highlights

• Underground Cold War radar station and emergency headquarters
• Fully guided tours of the bunker
• Guides include former Royal Observer Corps volunteers

Operated by

RL(FRAFS)BLC Limited

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A third-party visitor listing describes access as suitable for ambulant visitors only, with three staircases and some long walks on the tour.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

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