History, culture, & food walking tours of Bristol
Bristol walking tours

Bristol Blitz Experience

Step into Bristol’s most dramatic night.

Prepare to be transported straight into the heart of wartime Bristol. This is not a tour. This is a plunge into history—an immersive journey back to the 24th of November 1940, the night the Bristol Blitz began.

Your adventure begins outside the Corn Exchange in the Old City, where you’ll be greeted by Ada or Bill, fully dressed in authentic 1940s clothing and ready to welcome you into their world. As they lead you through Bristol’s historic lanes, they’ll bring the era to life—sharing stories of bustling shops, lively pubs, and the everyday routines of Bristolians before the bombs fell.

You’ll hear about neighbours, friends, and family members who lived through the Blitz, and how the city’s character was shaped by those turbulent times.

Then, without warning, everything changes.

A sharp whistle cuts through the air. An air raid warden rushes in. The sirens are sounding. The raid has begun..

Suddenly you’re swept into the urgency of the moment as your warden guides you to safety beneath the streets. Down in our atmospheric air raid shelter and Bristol Blitz exhibition, you’ll explore original artefacts, hear remarkable accounts of courage, and discover how Bristol played a crucial role in the build‑up to D-Day.

When you finally return to street level, you’ll step back into modern Bristol with a deeper appreciation for the resilience, bravery, and spirit of the generation who endured it all.

Walk the streets. Hear their stories. Feel the night that changed Bristol forever.

When

Saturdays 2pm + 3:30pm

Need to know

Tour duration

90 mins

Distance

1 mile

Group size

20 people

Age restriction

6+

Meeting point

Tours leave from outside the main entrance of the Corn Exchange on Corn Street.

Tour accessibility

Includes steps and stairs
Accessible toilets available
Dark/dimly lit areas
Not suitable for dogs

Tour highlights

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Step back into WW2 Bristol

Meet Ada (or Archie) outside the Corn Exchange and step back in time to 1940s Bristol.
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Life in the Old Town during the 1940s

Immerse yourself in the heart of Bristol Before the Blitz. Hear about the medieval buildings, theatres, and huge department stores which once stood where today we find Castle Park.
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The raid begins!

Suddenly your group is interrupted by an air raid warden blowing his whistle. The raid has begun. It's time to get into the shelter.
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Everyone into the shelter

Time for your subterranean adventure beneath the streets.
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The shelter experience

Step back in time in our incredibly well-preserved air raid shelter. See original posters and even drawings left on the walls.
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WW2 artefacts and D-Day exhibit

Your Blitz Experience concludes with a demonstration of wartime artefacts and a close look at some of our wonderful museum collection.

Meet your tour guides

Duncan McKellar

Founder & Tour Guide

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 Lewis

Tour Guide

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 Roche

Air Raid Shelter guide

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!

Book the Bristol Blitz Experience tour

Private tours & custom experiences

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.

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