Stockport Air Raid Shelters
Nearly a mile of Second World War civilian shelter tunnels cut into sandstone beneath Stockport, with displays and an audio guide.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Stockport air raid shelters were dug into the red sandstone cliffs beneath the town and opened in 1939. They were the largest purpose-built civilian shelters in Britain. They were first designed for up to 3,850 people, but demand during the Blitz led to extensions, and in the end the network could hold as many as 6,500.
The tunnels run for nearly a mile and had electric lighting, benches and bunk beds, flushing toilets, a first aid post, a sick bay and a wardens' post. Local people nicknamed the shelters the Chestergate Hotel because the standard of comfort was surprisingly good for a wartime shelter.
The council reopened the shelters in 1996 as a visitor attraction. They were restored to give an impression of life in wartime Britain, with displays and an audio guide that tells the experiences of local people. Stockport Council runs the site today as part of its museum service.
Highlights
- Nearly a mile of tunnels cut into sandstone
- Largest purpose-built civilian air raid shelters in Britain
- Restored bunk beds, first aid post and wardens' post
- Audio guide with wartime memories of local people
- Explorer tours of unlit tunnels and family tours for children
Permanent exhibition
- Stockport Air Raid Shelters – Restored wartime shelter tunnels with displays, period furnishings and an audio guide about local people's experiences of the war.
- Founded
- 1996
- Operated by
- Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £4.50Ages 60 and over and students |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Children under 16 are free with a paying adult. |
| Seniors | £4.50Ages 60 and over. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Companions of visitors with a registered disability are free. |
| Students & apprentices | £4.50 |
| Groups (15+ people) | £10 per personPrivate evening tour of about 1.5 hours; minimum 15 people. Companions and carers of visitors with a disability are free. |
| Explorer tour: Going Underground (adult, 16 and over) | £12.50Evening tour, usually on the first Tuesday of the month, 19:00 to 20:30. Booking essential; a booking fee applies. |
| Family tour (per child and per accompanying adult) | £8.50School holidays only, for children aged 7 and over. Booking essential; a booking fee applies. |
| Stockport Explorer ticket, adult | £15.50One visit each to the Air Raid Shelters, Staircase House and Bramall Hall. |
| Stockport Explorer ticket, concessions | £11Ages 60 and over and students. |
Free for holders of a Leisure Key pass and for Art Pass members with a valid Art Pass.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- 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
The shelters are only partly accessible: some floors in the tunnels are uneven. There is one accessible toilet; the main public toilets are across the road in the Merseyway shopping centre. An access statement is published as a PDF.
Kids & families
Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 7+
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Family tours in school holidays are for children aged 7 and over (aimed at ages 7 to 10) and must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 16 are free on self-guided visits with a paying adult.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Local buses can be planned with Transport for Greater Manchester; the museum links to its route planner.
By car
Paid parking
The nearest car parks are Heaton Lane (near Mersey Square), Grand Central (near the railway station) and the Merseyway shopping centre. Parking charges apply.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
A small gift shop sells souvenirs, books and retro toys.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | Self-guided visits use an audio guide. Guided evening explorer tours and private group tours are available and must be booked. |
