London: A vast network of underground tunnels, originally built to protect Londoners during World War II, is set to become one of the British capital’s most significant new tourist attractions in years. The company that acquired the tunnels has unveiled ambitious plans to transform them into an immersive experience highlighting London’s wartime history.
A Glimpse into the Historic Tunnels
Located beneath Holborn in central London, the tunnels stretch 1.6 kilometers (one mile) and are tall enough in some sections to accommodate a double-decker bus. Construction began in late 1940, as German bombers relentlessly targeted the city in the aerial assault known as the Blitz.
During these bombings, many Londoners sought refuge in underground train stations. However, by the time these purpose-built tunnels were completed in 1942, the Blitz had ended, and they were never used as planned.
“It’s real. It’s emotional,” said Angus Murray, CEO of The London Tunnels, as he stood inside one of the vast, arched steel chambers, with London Underground trains rumbling above.
A New Landmark for London Tourism
Murray, a former investment banker, envisions the tunnels as a memorial to the Blitz, combining elements of a museum, exhibition, and entertainment space. His goal is to create an experience that not only educates visitors about wartime London but also brings the tunnels’ rich history to life.
The tunnels are steeped in history beyond their original wartime purpose. In 1944, they served as a spy headquarters, where James Bond creator Ian Fleming worked for naval intelligence. The site is believed to have inspired Q Branch, the fictional division that equips Bond with cutting-edge gadgets in the iconic series.
Thirty meters (100 feet) underground, the tunnels remain a time capsule, filled with remnants of their past, including:
- Old generators, pipes, and control panels
- Rusting switches, dials, and levers
- Bundles of wires dangling from walls
- The remains of a staff bar and canteen used by over 200 workers in the 1950s and 1960s, when the tunnels operated as a Cold War-era telephone exchange
Since the 1970s, the tunnels have remained mostly abandoned, untouched by modern development.
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The Vision: A £120 Million Transformation
Murray’s company has secured official approval for the £120 million ($149 million) project, which aims to turn the tunnels into a world-class attraction. The goal is to welcome up to 3 million visitors annually, with tickets expected to cost over £30 ($37) per person.
Comparing its potential impact to the London Eye, which opened 25 years ago and draws more than 3 million visitors per year, Murray expressed confidence in the tunnels’ future success. “In London, if one thing works, it’s tourism,” he said.
Opening Timeline
The tunnels are expected to open to the public by late 2027 or early 2028. An experienced entertainment company specializing in visitor attractions will manage the site’s operations.
With a unique blend of wartime history, espionage intrigue, and immersive storytelling, the London Blitz tunnels are set to become a must-visit landmark, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step back into the city’s turbulent past.
