WW2 & air raid shelter
WW2 Air Raid Shelter Tour-
Join Bristol’s only true subterranean walking tour and explore the city’s largest WW2 air raid shelter. This unique 75‑minute Bristol Blitz experience takes you beneath the streets of Bristol’s Old Town, giving you exclusive access to one of the city’s best‑kept secrets — a complete wartime time capsule hidden underground for more than 85 years.
Your WW2 walking tour begins above ground outside the main entrance of the Corn Exchange on Corn Street, right in the heart of Bristol’s historic Old Town. Here, your local guide — acting as your personal WW2 air raid warden — will reveal Blitz damage still visible above the street and describe life in Bristol during the 1940s.
You’ll see images of lost buildings and landmarks before descending into Bristol’s most spectacular air raid shelter. This vast underground refuge once protected more than 200 Bristolians and now stands as one of the best‑preserved WW2 air raid shelters in the UK, offering a powerful and poignant insight into Bristol’s wartime resilience.
As you explore beneath the city, your WW2 air raid warden will guide you through untouched rooms dating back to the 1940s. You’ll see original A.R.P. posters, wartime drawings left on the walls during the raids, and hear personal stories from Bristolians who lived through the Blitz.
Your Bristol Blitz tour concludes with a 25‑minute demonstration of our extensive collection of WW2 artefacts — a rare opportunity to see authentic wartime objects up close before you re‑emerge into the 21st century.
This exclusive Bristol walking tour is one of the most unique things to do in the city, offering unforgettable Bristol tourist activities for families, history lovers, and visitors seeking a truly immersive experience. After your subterranean adventure, explore the famous St Nicholas Market where you’ll find Bristol’s best food stalls and independent traders.
If you’re visiting Bristol, make sure you join Bristol Guided to discover the city’s most extraordinary hidden secret — the only genuine subterranean WW2 air raid shelter tour in Bristol.
Duncan McKellar is the founder of our air raid shelter tours and museum space. Duncan has battled hard for 6 years to preserve and open the space to the public. His perseverance has paid off and now Bristol has another world class heritage attraction for all to enjoy!
Owen is a trained Actor with a passion for history! Owen has been head warden at our air raid shelter for two years and is a weath of knowledge for all things WW2.
Theresa has many years experience guiding in both Bristol and Bath. She is a trained actor with a history degree and particular interest in WW2 and the French Resistance. She has performed on stage and T.V and currently teaches Georgian dance classes!
Want something a little more exclusive? Perfect for celebrations, team building, days out or just because – book a private tour that’s been made just for you.
