The Tunnels: Gibraltar’s WWII Experience

About the museum

During the Second World War Gibraltar became a vital stronghold, and the Royal Engineers, including Canadian units, and the City Council engineers hollowed out an underground network in the limestone. The tunnels held supplies, workshops and quarters for a garrison prepared for a long siege, and they gave observers a view of enemy movements in the Strait.

The exhibition at Hay’s Level occupies part of this network. Visitors pass through a strategy room that explains the build-up to the war, a gallery on the tunnelling work, the Sappers’ Suite dedicated to the engineers, a hallway honouring people who shaped wartime Gibraltar, a room on the evacuation of the civilian population and an espionage room where Morse code and memory games can be tried.

The former REME chamber now known as the Spitfire Hall displays wartime objects and films beneath a suspended replica Spitfire and is also used for events. A 1940s-style bar, the Tunneller’s Rest, and a shop complete the site, which lies within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve just beside the Moorish Castle.

Highlights

• Spitfire Hall with a suspended full-size replica Spitfire
• Strategy Room with original news reports and film footage
• Evacuation Room on the wartime removal of Gibraltar’s civilians
• Espionage Room with Morse code and memory challenges
• The Tunneller’s Rest, a 1940s-style bar inside the rock

Admission & discounts

Admission is included in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve ticket (adult £30, child aged 5 to 11 £22, free for children aged 4 and under), which is valid for the whole day and covers all the attractions in the Reserve. Holders of the Gibraltar red ID card and currently serving members of the British Armed Forces enter free. Tickets are sold at the Reserve entrances (Moorish Castle, Jews’ Gate, Devil’s Gap) and at the Market Place bus station. Serving and retired military personnel receive a discount on presentation of a Defence Discount or MOD pass.

Accessibility

• 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 attraction is accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and trained assistance dogs are welcome. The tunnel floor is uneven in places and can be wet where rainwater seeps through the limestone.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The tunnels are family friendly with interactive displays; children under 12 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

Getting there & parking

The tunnels are a few steps from the Moorish Castle inside the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. On foot, the walk from Casemates Square takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Pets are discouraged because of the territorial Barbary macaques; assistance dogs are allowed.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi throughout the exhibition (the password is available at the Tunneller’s Rest). The Tunneller’s Rest is a bar serving refreshments; outside food and drink may not be taken into the tunnel.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The Spitfire Hall and the Sappers’ Suite can be hired for private functions, corporate events, music events and weddings; events must suit the historic character of the site and need approval.

Plan your visit