Drakelow Tunnels
Drakelow Tunnels
4.5
Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
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Drakelow Tunnels is currently being converted into a Cold War and WWII museum it will house items showing how the bunker evolved over 40 years of being in action.
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1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
127 reviews
Excellent
91
Very good
25
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Little
West Midlands, England8 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
We visited the tunnels this weekend on a guided tour and really enjoyed it. I had always wondered what was down there so was really excited to get to do the tour and it did not disappoint. Our guide Mike was absolutely brilliant, so knowledgable and clearly very passionate. The place has so much history and he was great at explaining it all in a fun and interesting way. While it's a shame that much of the tunnels is now used for other purposes, it's clear a lot of effort has gone into making the remaining museum area a great attraction. I liked that they had maintained aspects from both the world war II era and the cold war era, as it was facinating to learn about how the tunnels have been developed for different uses over the years. I liked that the tour was a good length - long enough that we didn't feel rushed and could take our time looking around, but not so long that we got bored or tired. It was also great to hear about some of the things they would like to do in the future to further develop the museum part - I think this place has really great potential!
I'd urge the team to really try to get the no photos rule overturned if at all possible, as I'd have loved to take some photos to share on social media to encourage others to come and have a look, but at the same time understand this is not a rule they have imposed themselves. I also wasn't a huge fan of the toilets as they were quite old and damp, but understand the site is still a work in progress so things like this might improve in the future. These are just niggly things and didn't take away from the experience at all.
Overall a really great day out which I would reccommend to anyone, especially people who are interested in history or are (like me) nosey and enjoy exploring secret places! The tour is great value for money and I'd actually have been willing to pay more as it was so well done. I will definitely be returning in the future and look forward to seeing it continue to develop! Thanks for a great day out!
P.s. for anyone visiting in the winter months, I'd reccommend wrapping up warm and wearing gloves as it's quite cold inside!
I'd urge the team to really try to get the no photos rule overturned if at all possible, as I'd have loved to take some photos to share on social media to encourage others to come and have a look, but at the same time understand this is not a rule they have imposed themselves. I also wasn't a huge fan of the toilets as they were quite old and damp, but understand the site is still a work in progress so things like this might improve in the future. These are just niggly things and didn't take away from the experience at all.
Overall a really great day out which I would reccommend to anyone, especially people who are interested in history or are (like me) nosey and enjoy exploring secret places! The tour is great value for money and I'd actually have been willing to pay more as it was so well done. I will definitely be returning in the future and look forward to seeing it continue to develop! Thanks for a great day out!
P.s. for anyone visiting in the winter months, I'd reccommend wrapping up warm and wearing gloves as it's quite cold inside!
Written February 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for the review.
We are pleased that you found the museum to be of interest and that you found the visit worthwhile. We do have plans to expand upon what we can share with the guests and visitors and as time allows those ideas will be implemented.
Sadly the ban on photography will be in place for some time and is beyond our control. The nature of the bonded warehouse and its security and integrity os what have driven such a ban. However, this is not out of place as a growing number of visitor attractions are now also implementing bans on the use of picture and video recording equipment.
The toilets are part of the original cold war era of the complex and we chose to upgrade what is there instead of a complete refurbishment. Had we done so it would run to a considerable sum, which at present, we simply do not have to spare.
A good point on the temperature as we do advise people it is a constant cool temperature inside. Hence, why you will see the volunteers all wrapped up.
Thanks again for the review and we look forward to welcoming ou back at some stage.
Thank you from the Drakelow Team
Written February 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Salli198103
Kidderminster, UK31 contributions
Feb 2023
We visited today on a tour at 10am and it was excellent! Really informative and Joe the tour guide was knowledgeable and just great for the speed, information and style of tour. Our expectations were of a dark set of tunnels with torches, but it was all lit, and not at all scary - perhaps the new museum bit that we went through is different to past tours as they did say to bring torches but they were not necessary.
The history is really interesting and we enjoyed it. We had 2 kids with us - 1 x 15 and 1 x 11. Neither of them were wholly interested but they managed the hour, and asked a couple of relevant questions, so I guess they must have at least been listening!
It would have been fun to do a bit of the 'dark tunnel stuff' hence why we gave it a 4 not a 5.
Well worth a visit and reasonably priced.
The history is really interesting and we enjoyed it. We had 2 kids with us - 1 x 15 and 1 x 11. Neither of them were wholly interested but they managed the hour, and asked a couple of relevant questions, so I guess they must have at least been listening!
It would have been fun to do a bit of the 'dark tunnel stuff' hence why we gave it a 4 not a 5.
Well worth a visit and reasonably priced.
Written February 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review and kind comments.
The museum is presently fully lit for the safety and security of our guests, visitors, and volunteers. There are plans to change this in the future so that we can recreate total blackout but that is some way off.
We ask that people bring torches in case there is a power failure. While we use different lighting and control systems a full power failure would leave us in near darkness and with just the emergency exit lighting.
Good to see the youngsters enjoy themselves. Was certainly rewarding to see the younger as being the last out of the museum.
Thank you from the Drakelow Team
Written February 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jill_Prior
Wolverhampton, UK19 contributions
Feb 2020
Although I had heard about Drakelow Tunnels, I had not visited until February this year when I joined the extended two and a half hour tour. If you have any interest in WWII and Cold War history, Drakelow is well worth a visit. Our guide was friendly and an absolute mine of information about the site. From the Rover shadow factory explored with torches (an absolute must if you plan on visiting) to the nuclear bunker of the Cold War, there is so much to learn. Covering three and a half miles of tunnels, the Drakelow site is so interesting and worth every penny of the admission charge. Definitely recommended for any history buff or in fact anyone interested in learning about the local area. Wear warm clothing and suitable footwear, hard hats are provided and enjoy the experience!
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Zoe D
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
Me and my daughter have been twice now...about time I left a review! Really local to us and been wanting to get in there for years! We chose to do the tour 1st then go back for the photography wander and have a proper explore.
It's an unusual, vast place and the history is really interesting. Crazy to think of all the people wandering over kinver Edge above our heads. When you stand in there and think of the work that must have gone into carving those tunnels out it's just amazing!
Staff are fab and really helpful.
If you fancy something a bit different then this is for you!
Also, Kinver is a beautiful village with some lovely walks and cool caves to see. One of my favourite places to be👍
Highly recommended!
It's an unusual, vast place and the history is really interesting. Crazy to think of all the people wandering over kinver Edge above our heads. When you stand in there and think of the work that must have gone into carving those tunnels out it's just amazing!
Staff are fab and really helpful.
If you fancy something a bit different then this is for you!
Also, Kinver is a beautiful village with some lovely walks and cool caves to see. One of my favourite places to be👍
Highly recommended!
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jen
1 contribution
Jan 2021 • Friends
Absolutely shocking behaviour from the staff. A booking was made for a ghost hunt, with myself and several others. This unfortunately wasn't able to go ahead due to Covid. I had to chase the return of the deposit SEVERAL times, no one was getting back to me. I had emailed numerous times over 2wks after the week I was told it would be returned and WASNT. More emails, I was then insulted and threatend after informing them I would escalate this. I was told that I hadn't sent the correct bank details to which I showed proof I had. Then magically it appears in the bank. And after I emailed to thank I have had nothing but insulting emails in return. Anyone thinking of booking DONT
Written April 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your comments.
We do not share the reviewer's comments as we are unable to confirm the details of this transaction. This is due to the commercial booking for the tunnels was being dealt with by a 3rd party agent not connected to this TripAdvisor listing.
Thank you from the Drakelow Team
Written August 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HiggyBristol
Bristol, UK492 contributions
May 2022
Went for a tour on an open day. It was nice to see what's changed in the tunnel since it closed to events. The museum is now sealed off from the vast majority of the tunnels, but the museum is coming together, which is nice to see.
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your kind comments. We are pleased you have enjoyed the tour and the efforts of the volunteers to get to this stage.
We would welcome you in the future to explore the changes we continue to make.
Thank you from the Drakelow Team
Written August 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AnnaBob1
Leamington Spa, UK16 contributions
Jan 2020
I can easily imagine that dog walkers, picnic- ers, runners and walkers in the park above the Drakelow Tunnels could easily know nothing about what is going on up to 300 feet beneath them. Extraordinary experience. Get a Photographic Pass, take a short safety briefing and off you go into three and half miles of tunnels. Some lit, some pitch black, never knowing what is around the corner. If you don't feel up to that take a Discovery Tour and be guided on your exploration. A must!
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cookiescot
Halesowen, UK679 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We went on a group tour of the tunnels, it is fascinating and full of history. It was £20 each for 2hour tour. Found it difficult to hear the guide who took us round, he was very quietly spoken. Need to wrap up warm and take torches, not all tunnels have lighting.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Phil Who
Bedworth38 contributions
Jun 2019
From a very early age I knew that my 'Engineer' Grandad worked amongst the maize of tunnels that was once known as a Shadow Factory, and during my late teens spent a great deal of time close by just wondering what was inside, even jumping the fence once in a while, as kids do.
So in June 2019 not only did I have the opportunity to go and see, I took my father to see the place that his father worked as an engineer all those years ago. Our visit satisfied our thoughts, and then some.
All this was made possible due to the hard work and commitment by a handful of volunteers, what great work and passion they all share.
So, from my father and myself thank you very much indeed. You have made something that we never thought was possible, possible.
Many thanks
Phil & Ed
So in June 2019 not only did I have the opportunity to go and see, I took my father to see the place that his father worked as an engineer all those years ago. Our visit satisfied our thoughts, and then some.
All this was made possible due to the hard work and commitment by a handful of volunteers, what great work and passion they all share.
So, from my father and myself thank you very much indeed. You have made something that we never thought was possible, possible.
Many thanks
Phil & Ed
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lynn Mills
Liverpool, UK559 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
A group of us from the Friends of Williamson's Tunnels, Liverpool headed to Kidderminster to visit our friends at Drakelow. It has been four years since our last visit and all I can say is WOW! You guys have really moved forward, well done lads and lasses.
Our guide was the lovely Jo, friendly and knowledgeable. The rest of the guys are friendly too.
They have moved so much rubbish from there and it looks great. Carry on the fantastic work.
Go with an open mind and a sense of adventure, support these guys and keep them going.
Free car park, on site toilets. You need to be fully mobile and fairly good eyesight. Places are dark, take a flashlight
Our guide was the lovely Jo, friendly and knowledgeable. The rest of the guys are friendly too.
They have moved so much rubbish from there and it looks great. Carry on the fantastic work.
Go with an open mind and a sense of adventure, support these guys and keep them going.
Free car park, on site toilets. You need to be fully mobile and fairly good eyesight. Places are dark, take a flashlight
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Julia J
Solihull, UK31 contributions
Hi - how do you actually get to go and see the tunnels. I have tried to contact them through facebook, on the phone and website - which says via Facebook - and have had nothing back. Any advise would be appreciate, it something I was trying to organise for my husbands Birthday in July
June H
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom4 contributions
Become a member of the Say Yes to the Drakelow Tunnels Museum on facebook. You'll be notified in advance of what date & time tickets will be released. As soon as that date & time is active, just message the group stating how many tickets you require & give names of people who want to attend. You'll be messaged back quite shortly by a volunteer hopefully saying you're on the tour & your given time slot to attend. Tickets sell out VERY fast. I've been trying since March & myself & my husband are going on 6th Oct. This time tickets sold out within 25 mins! If you're interested in the paranormal which I am, get yourself booked on an investigation with Haunted Happenings. Every Sunday. 6 until 20 pm. £20. I've been to the tunnels 4 times with HH. My husband has no interest in ghosts but interested in the history side of the tunnels. Myself included hence going on this tour. Good luck!
Rodgersfamily5
21 contributions
Hello! We are staying in London (Covent Garden area). We'd really like to do the Drakelow Tunnels (the 6 to 10pm tour) but are concerned about transportation there and back. Does any advise against taking the tube? Is this a realistic option or are we pushing our luck?
Funkeh_Munkeh
Birmingham35 contributions
Considering Drakelow Tunnels are near Kidderminster in Worcestershire, 132 miles away, I'd say you are pushing your luck to be honest.
ormonde c
Gloucester, UK4 contributions
Contact details
What it cost pp for group booking
Do they cater for coaches
ColMar
Delfzijl, The Netherlands130 contributions
The cost varies, if you want to go during the day on one of their open days with the lights on visit their Facebook page for details, if you want to visit when the lights go out, search Google for ghost hunts, several groups go there and charge upwards of £18 per person
Amanda W
Tavernspite, UK
are dogs allowed
Funkeh_Munkeh
Birmingham35 contributions
Only guide and assistance dogs.
Deepak D
London, UK15 contributions
How much does it cost for entry?
Tergyficks
Kidderminster, UK135 contributions
You'll need to Google Drakelow Tunnels and contact them. I believe they are only open to the public on "Open Days" or organised group visits. I went in an organised group visit which you may still be able to arrange.
Drakelow Tunnels (Kidderminster) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Drakelow Tunnels
- Hotels near Drakelow Tunnels:
- (1.30 mi) The Stables, Wolverley, Kidderminster, Worcestershire
- (2.49 mi) The Laurels Bed and Breakfast
- (4.28 mi) Kateshill House
- (3.74 mi) Safari Lodges at West Midland Safari Park
- (9.90 mi) Broome Park Farm B&B
- Restaurants near Drakelow Tunnels:
- (1.20 mi) Gil's
- (0.50 mi) The Kingsford Family Public House
- (0.73 mi) Bodenham Arboretum Restaurant
- (2.80 mi) Chefs Kitchen
- (3.26 mi) The Station Inn