A Historic Journey Underground
A hidden network of World War II tunnels beneath London is set to become the city’s latest and deepest tourist attraction. The Kingsway Exchange Tunnels, located 30 meters (98 feet) below the streets, have remained closed since the 1940s. However, a $149 million project has been approved to transform them into an immersive museum and exhibition space, promising visitors a rare glimpse into wartime history.
From Wartime Shelter to Secret Operations
Built during the Blitz, the tunnels originally served as bomb shelters for Londoners seeking refuge from German air raids. They later became the headquarters of Britain’s top-secret Special Operations Executive, an intelligence agency that played a crucial role in covert wartime activities. The organization inspired the legendary “Q Branch” in James Bond films.
Angus Murray, chief executive of the London Tunnels, explained the project’s vision: “The new attraction will be a memorial to the Blitz, part museum, part exhibition, and part entertainment space.” The initiative seeks to educate visitors while preserving an essential part of the UK’s wartime history.
Opening Timeline and Alternative Tours
The ambitious restoration plan aims to welcome visitors by late 2027 or early 2028. Until then, history enthusiasts can explore London’s underground heritage through exclusive guided tours offered by the London Transport Museum. These tours include visits to abandoned tube stations like Down Street, which once functioned as a top-secret underground bunker.
Experience History in a Unique Way
The reopening of the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels will offer an unparalleled look into the hidden stories of World War II, combining history with modern-day interactive experiences. As the project unfolds, it promises to be one of London’s most anticipated attractions, drawing visitors worldwide to witness a forgotten history chapter.