A place we had been wanting to visit for a few years became our spontaneous day trip and we were not disappointed. Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker is more than a day of discovery, there is so much to take in throughout the complex that we are planning to return with the rest of the family. We were invited to join our son and grandson on a trip to the site and instantly jumped to the opportunity.
This underground complex remained a secret for more than 50 years and was only declassified in 1993. The 35,000 sq. ft underground secret nuclear bunker was rebuilt in the 1980’s with a price tag of over £32 million. In the event of nuclear war breaking out, it would have been the centre for Regional Government.
Personal Experience
Entering through the giant heavy blast doors, it felt like a time warp going back into the Cold War era. The history is still alive behind the doors of this three-level complex, in the many corridors and operations rooms. There is a fully kitted system for survival underground and a BBC reporting studio set up in the event of conflict.
There are numerous radio rooms and surveillance equipment rooms including information videos and there is an interactive tour available to use with mobile phones.
Our grandson followed the soviet mouse trail and counted the mice hiding in the multiple rooms, we joined in the spy mission too. Those cheeky little soviet spy mice were hiding all over the place and somehow, we still missed a few of them. Spies are tricky.
There is so much to take in at the secret bunker, it is vaster than you first imagine when arriving.
I personally felt that the experience is an unbelievably valuable lesson in our world history. It is interesting to be able to see what it means to be on the inside of a secure nuclear bunker and what facilities are available, the tactical and monitoring centre for instance plus the control and communication equipment I found really fascinating.
Of course, what you are seeing is like a time capsule with real equipment, real weaponry apart from being declassified and not live of course.
I tried to take everything in, there is lots to be learned from this experience.
For younger visitors there are parental advice information panels on each area door to advise whether it is suitable for them. This helped our son to guide our little grandson through the many corridors and operations rooms without experiencing the more intense rooms with video footage and the simulated reality.
Guide to the Secret Nuclear Bunker above and below ground levels
Starting from the entrance point as you step through the blast doors there is a display on the right-hand side showing various equipment items and decommissioned missiles, all apart from one item in the display that has to remain covered over until the notice is granted from the government allowing it to be made public when it gets fully declassified.
There is a dog in the display wearing a gas mask, and that immediately got our attention. Behind the dog is the real shocker, a WE 177 B 400 Kiloton Strategic Thermo nuclear weapon. Without any more spoilers, there is much more to see and take in before you even reach the entrance point to pay for your ticket.
Prices:
Adult £15.80
Child £10.80
Family ticket 2 adults and 2 children £45
Disabled wheelchair user and carer £11.50 (no access to the lower floor)
Disabled child £3.50
Upper level of Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker
What can you expect to find on the upper level?
Firstly, on entering you reach the N.A.A.F.I Canteen and get the chance to stop for refreshments before you get any further inside the complex. It is excellent value for money, and it is a clever way to begin the trip. You may as well be refreshed before you start exploring.
The Royal Observer Corps were a key factor in UK defence and there is a remarkably interesting display at Hack Green, I found it fascinating to learn more about this civil defence organisation.
The ROC were operating from 1925 through till 1995 in the United Kingdom for the purpose of visual detection of aircraft, identification, tracking and reporting. The ROC was made up primarily of part time volunteers who wore uniform similar to the RAF and towards the end of their time were under admin control by the RAF Strike Command.
Their main roll being aircraft identification, and reporting from 1925 – 1955 and nuclear warfare analysis and fallout warning service 1955 – 1996. They were awarded the title Royal for services to the Battle of Britain by King George VI.
On the upper level you will also discover the essential decontamination room, and radar operations room.
The female dormitory is on this level, fully equipped with beds and a mock-up of how it was used, a hot bed rotation, as one shift ended, the next shift would have woken up and gone on duty, hence leaving a hot bed for the returning shift each time.
Sick Bay can be found on the upper level too but is not suitable for young children due to the graphic nature of nuclear warfare injuries.
There is a great collection of UK Radiac and Geiger counters. You will also discover the bunker control room, and weapons of mass destruction, including a very comprehensive information video that is well worth taking in.
Also not forgetting the remarkably interesting radar and military communications museum. Through each area as you work your way around the bunker, do not forget to use the downloadable audible tour guide and look out for those pesky little soviet spy mice if you are doing the spy mission with your kids.
Lower level
As you step down into the lower level, you will discover the all-important military radio room and some fascinating history. The soviet threat exhibition shows some of the soviet equipment from history, uniforms and weapons and made more intense with the background of Russian music.
Life support systems are found on this level and are of course integral to life in a nuclear bunker. The air handling units are used to move air around the 30,000 sq. Ft of the complex and giant air-cooling units. Each of these specialist equipment units are in duplicate as a precaution of any failure. The water tank contains enough water for everyone in the bunker for three months, 15,000 litres of water, the equivalent of 1,088,000 glasses of water.
Government departments, attack warning room, minister of state office and the BBC Studio can all be explored here too, each with its own eye-opening information and real equipment ready for any threats that may have come our way prior to it being decommissioned.
The ballistic missile detection system is on this level showing the threat level and world clocks amongst the screens, phones, and equipment.
The video theatres are not for the faint hearted but show the reality of nuclear warfare and are very much full of true-life factual reality. The theatres are showing secret government films that were banned by the BBC. This is another area not suitable for children due to the graphic nature.
Before you finish the tour, you will also find the home office radio room, the fallout scientists’ room, and the communications centre.
Other places of interest nearby
If you are visiting the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker in Cheshire, there are several interesting places nearby that you might enjoy exploring:
Nantwich Town
Distance: About 5 miles
Highlights: Nantwich is a charming market town known for its medieval timbered buildings, a beautiful church (St Mary’s), and a fantastic range of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. As we drove through Nantwich town, we thought it had a sense of historic beauty. On our next visit we are planning to explore the town as well as another trip the Secret Nuclear Bunker.
Cholmondeley Castle Gardens
Distance: Approximately 13 miles
Highlights: The gardens here are renowned for their beauty, featuring ornamental ponds, a rose garden, and lovely parkland around the 19th-century castle.
Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
Distance: Roughly 15 miles
Highlights: This historic castle sits atop a craggy hill, offering stunning views across Cheshire. There are also woodlands and trails to explore.
Anderton Boat Lift
Distance: Around 20 miles
Highlights: This impressive Victorian boat lift allows canal boats to move between the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal. The visitor centre offers interactive exhibits.
Tatton Park
Distance: About 25 miles
Highlights: A grand historic estate with a neo-classical mansion, extensive gardens, a deer park, and a working farm. It is perfect for a day of walking and exploring.
Shropshire Union Canal Walks
Nearby: The Hack Green bunker itself is located close to this canal.
Highlights: Enjoy a peaceful walk or cycle along the scenic canal paths, often lined with narrowboats and surrounded by countryside views.
Crewe Heritage Centre
Distance: About 10 miles
Highlights: For railway enthusiasts, this museum highlights Crewe’s rich rail history and features exhibitions on locomotives, railways, and more.
These attractions provide a mix of historical, natural, and recreational activities, complementing your visit to Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker.
Places to stay
Here are some places to stay near Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, offering options to suit a range of preferences:
Location: Nantwich town centre (around 5 miles from Hack Green)
Description: This charming, historic hotel features period décor and modern amenities. It is an excellent choice for those who want to explore the town of Nantwich and its many shops and restaurants.
Type: Hotel
Location: Worleston, Nantwich (about 7 miles away)
Description: A luxurious countryside retreat with elegant rooms, a spa, and beautiful grounds. Ideal for those looking for a touch of luxury after exploring local attractions.
Type: Country House Hotel
Location: Nantwich (approximately 5 miles)
Description: A boutique-style inn with stylish rooms, a popular bar, and a restaurant serving locally sourced dishes. Great for visitors seeking characterful accommodation.
Type: Boutique Inn
Wychwood Park Hotel and Golf Club
Location: Near Crewe (about 10 miles away)
Description: Set in a beautiful parkland, this hotel is great for golfers and visitors seeking modern accommodation with lovely views.
Type: Hotel and Golf course.
Public transport, postcode and parking facilities
Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker Address
Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8AL
Guide to Local Public Transport
By Train:
The nearest train station is Nantwich Railway Station, which is around 3 miles from Hack Green.
Crewe Railway Station is another option, located around 8 miles away, and offers excellent connections to major cities such as London, Manchester, and Liverpool.
By Bus:
Local Buses from Nantwich: There are no direct bus routes to the bunker itself, but you can take a bus to nearby Nantwich and then use a taxi or arrange for a ride to cover the final few miles.
From Crewe Bus Station or Nantwich Bus Interchange, you can take a taxi to reach the bunker easily.
By Taxi:
Taxi services are available from Nantwich and Crewe. Pre-booking is recommended for convenience, especially for a return journey.
Walking/Cycling:
If you are exploring the nearby Shropshire Union Canal paths, Hack Green is a short distance off the canal. This makes it accessible by bike or a pleasant walk from Nantwich (approximately 3-4 miles).
Public transport options directly to the bunker are limited due to its somewhat remote location, so combining train travel with a taxi ride is typically the most convenient option.
Arriving by car
If you are driving to Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker at Nantwich like our family did, I can set your mind at ease because there is ample parking facilities and parking is free. This worked out to be our best option because we arrived in two cars. We just inputted the postcode into our phone map app and followed the directions. It turned out to be a very scenic and uncomplicated route.
Conclusion
The Secret Nuclear Bunker in Cheshire is more fascinating than I could have imagined. Our family thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the facility, and we learned a great deal about the Cold War and the reality of the nuclear threat through history. We also understand the consequences of governments not learning these historical lessons. It is obvious that this part of our history must be remembered and learned from, never repeated.
What a fabulously well-presented and very impressive piece of preserved history. A time travelling experience. I am looking forward to a return journey through history on our next visit with more family members. The bunker is run by lovely people who are truly knowledgeable and friendly and made our day more enjoyable. We adore the sweet little cat called Goulash as well.
The gifts at the gift counter are brilliant, there is so many great gifts to choose from. On our next visit we are planning to stop at the N.A.A.F.I Canteen for lunch and a cup of tea as well. We enjoyed talking with the staff members at the end of our visit. We stayed until closing time and our grandson helped to close the gigantic, blast doors.
