Ramsgate Tunnels
Guided tours through Second World War air-raid shelter tunnels and a Victorian railway tunnel beside Ramsgate harbour.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Ramsgate Tunnels is made up of two sets of underground passages. A railway tunnel dating from 1863 was linked to Ramsgate Harbour Station, which closed in 1926.
In the late 1930s Ramsgate Borough Council planned deep shelters for around 60,000 people. Work on the air-raid precaution tunnels began in 1939 and the network opened on 1 June 1939, before the town was bombed in August 1940. Thousands of local people took shelter underground during the war, and the tunnels were abandoned when it ended in 1945.
Today guides lead visitors from a short film in the old railway tunnel into the wartime shelter tunnels, telling the story of the “Mad Mayor” who saved the town, how the tunnels were built, and life underground. The attraction also offers longer walking tours, school visits, special events and overnight stays.
Highlights
- Guided Deep Shelter Explorer Tour through the wartime air-raid tunnels
- Short film shown inside a Victorian railway tunnel
- Stories of life underground during the Second World War
- Tunnels Tea Shop and gift shop at the entrance
Permanent exhibitions
- Deep shelter air-raid tunnels – Guided walk through the purpose-built Second World War shelter tunnels, with stories of how they were built and used.
- Victorian railway tunnel film show – A short film shown in the old railway tunnel introduces the tunnels and the town’s wartime story before the tour begins.
Admission & discounts
| Children & teens | –Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. |
|---|---|
| Visitors with disabilities | –Carer tickets are available; proof of carer status is required at check-in. |
| Groups (15+ people) | £7 per personGroups of 15 or more pay £7 per person for the standard Explorer Tour (minimum charge £105); coach drivers and tour leaders are free. Evening tours after 6pm are charged at the standard rate plus a £40 late-opening surcharge. Between 18 July and 1 September 2026 group bookings need at least 30 people. Teachers and support staff on school visits enter free. |
Tickets for individual visitors are sold online through the museum’s booking site. They are non-transferable, and cancellations need at least 48 hours’ notice.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The entrance is at pavement level on Marina Esplanade with a dropped kerb and a gently sloping ramp. The Deep Shelter Explorer Tour is generally suitable for wheelchair users, but visitors are advised to read the Access Statement first; the railway tunnels, Tunnel Town and Overground Underground tours are not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Parts of the smaller shelter tunnels are uneven. Only assistance dogs are allowed on tours. There are no toilets inside the tunnels.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly: not available
The tours are promoted as an adventure for the whole family. Craft sessions and school tours are also offered. Prams and buggies cannot currently be taken on the Explorer Tours.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Granville Theatre (bus stop)
Ramsgate railway station is about 1.5 miles away, with regular buses to the Harbour and Granville Theatre stops. Bus routes 33, 48, 9 and LOOP stop at the Granville Theatre on the cliff top, the closest stop.
By car
Parking available
The Marina Esplanade council car park is next to the entrance (check Thanet District Council for charges). Some free on-street parking may be available on the cliff top at Victoria Parade and nearby side streets. There is no coach park, but coaches can drop off near the entrance.
Sat nav postcode CT11 8FH; follow the brown tourist signs and turn down to beach level at Marina Road. The tunnels are at the end of Marina Esplanade. On foot from the cliff top, use the Augusta Steps at the top of Marina Road.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Tunnels Tea Shop just inside the entrance, with indoor seating and a patio; dogs are welcome in the entrance and display area. Gift shop with gifts and souvenirs. The nearest public toilets are the Bathing Station toilets, a short walk away.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography is allowed in lit areas only. |
| Good to know | The standard Explorer Tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes over roughly 1.25 km, with a guide throughout. A condensed one-hour tour is offered on Thursdays at 10:00. Arrive at least 10 minutes early, or 30 minutes if you also want to see the museum area. The tunnels stay at about 11°C and the floor is uneven, so wear warm clothing and flat shoes or boots; high heels are not allowed. School tours last 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes and suit pupils from Key Stage 1 to university level. |
