Name: York Cold War Bunker
Rating: 5.0

York Cold War Bunker

Monument Close, Holgate, York YO24 4HT, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

English Heritage’s most modern site, this semi-subterranean bunker would have monitored nuclear explosions and fallout across the Yorkshire region if the Cold War had turned hot. In the windowless interior you’ll see a control room equipped with original monitoring devices; a ‘hot bed’ dormitory where 50-60 staff took turns to sleep; plant and communications rooms; and a sewage ejector unit. The air-filtering system, water and supplies could hold out for just 30 days.

It was closed in 1992 and restored by English Heritage between 2000 and 2006. To commemorate 100 years of the Royal Observer Corps, ‘Forewarned is Forearmed’ is a project that celebrates a nationwide community of civilian volunteers who monitored Britain’s skies for sign of attack.

Price starts from £10.00 for Adults, £6.00 for Children(5-17 years) and £16.00 for Family(1 adult, up to 3 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of York Cold War Bunker: The York Cold War Bunker, known historically as No. 20 Group Headquarters or Group Control, was constructed in 1961 as part of Britain’s defence against the impact of a nuclear strike. The site operated within a national network of bunkers whose role was to observe and locate nuclear explosions, report on power and altitude, and track ensuing radiation.
This network came under the aegis of the United Kingdom Warning and Monitoring Organisation (UKWMO), part of the Home Office, but it was operated by the Royal Observer Corps (ROC), a largely voluntary organisation which at the peak of its nuclear reporting role counted over 25,000 members nationally.
Context: The detonation in 1945 of atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki set in train a rapid arms race. Within a decade of those first strikes, thermonuclear devices, with faster and longer-range delivery systems, were capable of yields more than 1,000 times more powerful than those used over Japan.
The UKWMO network: Britain’s own nuclear response entered service in 1953. The following year, UKWMO – responsible for warning the public of an attack and its aftermath – began work on a network of bunkers in an attempt to mitigate the worst effects of a nuclear strike. The ROC was co-opted from the War Office to operate and maintain the network, gathering data for Home Office scientists to analyse.
The York Headquarters: 20 Group Control was constructed on government ground on the western side of York, accessible to the urban centres of both York and Leeds. Tucked away behind a Victorian villa, its existence was an open secret throughout its operational life. The semi-sunken, mass concrete structure was not designed to withstand a direct hit. Instead the UKWMO system relied on a concept of redundancy – that roles, equipment and data were replicated across many sites and could be picked up if another site went down.

Facilities

Parking: Very limited free site parking (only spaces for 3 cars). Ample free roadside parking on Acomb Road (2 minutes’ walk away.)
Toilets: Male, female and unisex disabled toilets, with baby-changing facilities.
Dogs: No dogs allowed, but assistance dogs welcome.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Advance online tickets:

Adult: £10.00 with donation & £9.00 without donation.
Child (5–17 years): £6.00 with donation & £5.40 without donation.
Concession: £9.00 with donation & £8.10 without donation.
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children): £26.00 with donation & £23.40 without donation.
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children): £16.00 with donation & £14.40 without donation.
Member: Free.

On the day tickets:

Adult: £12.00 with donation & £10.90 without donation.
Child (5–17 years): £7.50 with donation & £6.80 without donation.
Concession: £11.00 with donation & £10.00 without donation.
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children): £31.50 with donation & £28.60 without donation.
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children): £19.50 with donation & £17.70 without donation.
Member: Free.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/york-cold-war-bunker/prices-and-opening-times-for-york-cold-war-bunker/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

York Cold War Bunker is open by guided tour only.

Address: Monument Close, Holgate, York YO24 4HT, UK

Post Code: YO24 4HT

Council: York

County: North Yorkshire

Road Access: The York Cold War Bunker is in Monument Close , off Acomb Road (B1224). About 2 miles from York city centre.
Bus Access: First in York service 1; Arriva 412; Eddie Brown service 142 & 413.
Train Access: York Station is 1 ½ miles from the York Cold War Bunker.
Bicycle Access: Find your cycling route to the York Cold War Bunker at sustrans.org.uk, the National Cycle Network.
Parking: Very limited free site parking (only spaces for 3 cars). Ample free roadside parking on Acomb Road (2 minutes’ walk away.)