Up to 80 ft below the Essex Countryside near Brentwood lies this secret bunker. It seems unbelievable that 50 years ago, the Government were so worried about imminent nuclear attack from Russia that they spent a lot of time and effort , equipping and maintaining this secret bunker. It is quite a large place, built over 3 floors, capable of housing the leaders of each government ministries, the BBC, nurses and doctors, maintenance workers, in fact up to 600 key personnel.
This is a self guided tour and you pick up a wand at the entrance which directs you along the maze of rooms. The speaker has a very ‘easy to listen to’ voice, made more interesting by the mild humour of the commentary. At certain points, you can stop and view films made at the time as to how to survive after a nuclear attack. This is privately owned and not a flash high end museum but I found it fascinating especially as I could remember the fear of an imminent nuclear attack.
Payment for everything is done by an honesty box. You leave the entrance fee in a box in the canteen as you leave the bunker. This bunker is well worth a visit. I think it costs £7.
