Travel back to the Blitz with a visit to the Stockport Air Raid Shelters. This series of tunnels were built into the red sandstone rock beneath Stockport to protect civilians during WW2, with the largest shelter able to accommodate over 6,000 people.
The Shelters are open Tuesday-Friday 1pm-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Entry costs £5.50 for an adult, while accompanied children under 16 are free and concessions (those older than 60) pay £4. Visitors can collect audio guides and explore the space by themselves, learning more about the Shelters via the displays. There is a gift shop on site, where WW2 memorabilia and souvenirs are available.
For those interested in a guided tour, book your place on one of the monthly evening Explorer Tours. These Tours tend to take place on the first Tuesday of the month, 7pm-8.30pm, and take visitors to areas of the tunnels not usually open to the public. The Explorer Tour costs £12.50 for all over 16 years old and must be booked in advance (– Art Tickets). Private tours can also be arranged, while Family Tours run during the school holidays and are suitable for those aged 7-10. All the details are available on this website.
The closest railway station is Stockport. The Shelters are located a 10-minute walk from the station or via the city shuttle bus (from the railway station, then alight at the main bus station).