Landguard Fort
ð–¡¡ Felixstowe, Suffolk
‘Explore the Cold War past of Landguard Fort, a historic coastal defence site at the entrance to Harwich Harbour. While the fort has protected Britain for centuries, its role continued into the Cold War, preparing for a potential Soviet naval invasion.
As part of Cold War Heritage Week, join our Rooftop Tours, which include a full guided fort tour. Discover the Signal Station, a key Cold War installation for monitoring naval activity, and the Seaward Defence Headquarters, built post-WWII to strengthen Britain’s coastal defences.’
Open on the 16th, 17th, 18th, 22nd and 23rd of May
With tour dates TBC
Orford Ness
ð–¡¡ Orford, Suffolk
‘Used by the military as a top secret test site from 1913-1993, this corner of Suffolk’s coast saw element of Britain’s atomic bomb tested during the cold war. We will have displays from the International Research Group on Orford Ness, an early showing of the results of our robotic survey of one of the Cold War test cells and one of the few places in the country you can see an actual atomic bomb! On the Sunday there’s the chance to book a space on our Island of Secrets walk beyond the usual ‘no entry’ signs into the heart of the former Atomic Weapons Research Establishment Area. Spaces are limited and advance booking is recommended. Island of Secrets Walk tickets are on sale now and general admission tickets for the weekend will go on sale Thursday 1 May’
17th & 18th May – General Admission 10-5 (timed boat crossings to Orford Ness need booking from 1 May)
Saturday 17th May – Island of Secrets Walk (limited spaces) 09:30-12:30 tickets on sale now.
© National Trust Images
Alconbury Weald
ð–¡¡ Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
‘Alconbury Weald is rich in military heritage and offers an abundance of stories spanning its time as an RAF airbase. Several historic landmarks remain on the site and Urban&Civic has worked on their retention and conservation, integrating them into the newly created mixed-use development. Take a tour around the unique Cold-War-era military bunker which was designed to survive chemical and biological attack. The Grade II building was completed in 1989 and it was one of the largest in the UK. Built to process intelligence data collected by the TR1 reconnaissance aircraft, it is one of the UK’s most sophisticated buildings of its kind.’
23rd May from 10am
Upper Heyford
ð–¡¡ Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire
‘Step back in time at Upper Heyford, once a vital Cold War airbase and home to the USAF. Discover the base’s role in nuclear deterrence, its strategic importance during tensions between East and West, and the daily lives of those stationed here.
Explore the Heritage Centre, where exhibits, artifacts, and veteran stories bring the Cold War era to life. From aircraft operations to underground command facilities, uncover the legacy of one of Britain’s most significant military sites.’
Saturday 17th May – 11:00 am Guided Tour of the Battle Command Post and history film (approx 1 hour pre-booked event). £7.50.
2:00 pm Guided Tour of the Battle Command Post and history film (approx 1 hour pre-booked event). £7.50.
Craft Market & Military/ Aviation Book Sale at the Heritage Centre. Admission free.
Sunday 18th May – Heritage Centre open 10:00 am – 4:30 pm. Admission free
Wednesday 21st May – Airbase Tour 10am 3+ hours
Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker
ð–¡¡ Nantwich, Cheshire
‘Hack Green Nuclear Bunker will be welcoming visitors to explore its vast underground facility through self-guided tours. This once-secret government site played a crucial role in Britain’s Cold War defence strategy and is now one of the most significant Cold War heritage sites in the UK. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to step inside its reinforced bunkers, uncover the realities of nuclear preparedness, and explore an extensive collection of Cold War artefacts. Hack Green is home to the largest collection of decommissioned nuclear weapons in Europe, offering an unparalleled insight into the era’s military history, intelligence operations, and the threat of nuclear conflict.’
The bunker will be open during its usual hours, with general admission tickets available for purchase online or at the door.
© Grant Harper Photography
MI5: Official Secrets, at The National Archives
ð–¡¡ Richmond, Surrey
‘For the first time, MI5’s history will go on display to the public in a major new exhibition, made possible through an unprecedented partnership between the Security Service and The National Archives. Explore the ever-changing world of espionage and security threats through original case files, photographs and papers, alongside the real equipment used by spies and spy-catchers over MI5’s 115-year history. From counter-espionage and daring double-agents, chilling Cold War confessions and intrigue, and the counter-terrorism of recent times, this historic exhibition will take you behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most iconic institutions.’
Saturday 17th May 9am-5pm
Sunday 18th May 11am-4pm
Tuesday 20th May 9am-7pm
Wednesday 21st May 9am-5pm
Thursday 22nd May 9am-7pm
Friday 23rd May 9am-5pm
Dover Castle
ð–¡¡ Dover, Kent
‘Discover the secret Cold War history beneath Dover Castle with this exclusive guided tour of its rarely seen underground tunnels. Selected as one of 12 Regional Seats of Government, Dover Castle was a crucial stronghold in Britain’s nuclear war preparations. Venture deep into the abandoned Dumpy level, where plans were once in place to govern the nation in the event of catastrophe. Left untouched since the late 1980s, these tunnels offer a fascinating glimpse into a hidden chapter of Cold War history.’
Sunday 18th – 11am and 1pm
Tuesday 20th – 11am and 1 pm
18+ only
These exclusive Cold War tunnel tours are free; however, visitors must purchase a standard Dover Castle ticket or be English Heritage members for entry. Pre-booking is recommended to secure a spot, but limited walk-in spaces may be available on the day. Please note that access restrictions apply, and visitors will be required to sign a disclaimer.
Booking details will be available soon.
Barnton Bunker
ð–¡¡ Edinburgh, Scotland
‘Discover the hidden history of Barnton Bunker’s R4 Bunker in Edinburgh with a guided tour of this Cold War-era underground facility. Originally built in the 1950s as an Air Defence Operations Centre, it later became a Regional Seat of Government, prepared for use in a nuclear conflict. Explore its original rooms, command areas, and communications spaces while learning about its secretive role during the Cold War and the people who worked within its walls.’
Saturday 17th – 1pm
Scotland’s Secret Bunker
ð–¡¡ Troywood, St Andrews
‘Scotland’s Secret Bunker will be participating throughout Cold War Heritage Week, offering museum displays, in-depth walking tours, and immersive living history re-enactments. Visitors can explore the bunker at their own pace, discovering its Cold War history through newly curated exhibitions based on the latest research by Dr. Sean L. Kinnear. Special guided tours will provide deeper insight into the site’s role during its 40 years of operation, while re-enactors in 1950s RAF uniforms will bring history to life, highlighting the bunker’s origins as a radar station defending Britain’s airspace.’
Self-guided visits available daily from 10am to 5pm.
In-depth walking tours available Friday the 16th, Saturday 17th & Friday the 23rd.
National Trust Needles New Battery
ð–¡¡ Alum Bay, Isle of Wight
‘To celebrate Cold War Heritage Week, the National Trust Needles New Battery on the Isle of Wight will offer exclusive access to its Rocket Exhibition rooms, which are usually closed to the public. Visitors can explore the Highdown Rocket Test Site and learn about its Cold War significance through special interpretation materials. In addition, there will be four bookable history walks focusing on the site’s Cold War history and technology, offering an in-depth experience led by expert guides.’
Needles New Battery Rocket Exhibition Opening
17th, 19th, 21st and 22nd of May – 11:00-15:00
Discover the Secrets of The Needles – Guided Walks
Friday, 16th May & Friday, 23rd May
11:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 14:00
Nothe Fort
ð–¡¡ Weymouth, Dorset
‘Step back in time and experience the chilling reality of the Cold War at Nothe Fort’s Nuclear Bunker. Hidden beneath the historic fort, this once-secret bunker was designed to withstand the unthinkable—a nuclear attack. Join our Cold War Bunker Tours for an exclusive look at the strategic planning, technology, and emergency measures that would have been implemented to ensure survival in a time of crisis.
Discover how the bunker was equipped to function as a wartime command centre, providing a safe haven for select military and government personnel. Explore original features, hear gripping stories of Cold War preparedness, and gain a rare insight into Britain’s defence strategies during one of the most tense periods in modern history.’
Tour Information
Ticketing: Free with price of admission
Date & Time: Saturday 17th May, 10:30am – 4:00pm (within usual opening times)
Nuclear Bunker Talks: 11:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:00pm
Book your Talk ticket on arrival at the Shop desk.
Royal Signals Museum
ð–¡¡ Royal Signals Museum, Blandford
‘Explore Cold War Comms – A Free Digital Collection (Available from 16 May 2025)!
To mark Cold War Heritage Week 2025, the Royal Signals Museum is unveiling a brand-new digital oral history collection on its free Bloomberg Connects guide!
Step into the hidden world of Cold War cryptography, signals intelligence (SIGINT), and military communications, as told by those who lived it. Hear compelling first-hand accounts from Royal Signals soldiers and officers who worked on the frontlines—where encrypted messages, deception, and surveillance shaped global security.’
Want to experience it in person? Visit the Royal Signals Museum in Blandford, where you can:
- Drive an armoured vehicle through a virtual battlefield
- Set up a satellite network
- Practice Morse code in interactive galleries
A family ticket is just £28, and the museum offers free parking, an onsite café, and engaging exhibits for all ages.
RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
ð–¡¡ Neatishead, Norfolk
‘To mark Cold War Heritage Week, the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum will host daily live Q&A sessions with former service personnel, offering visitors the rare opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of life during the Cold War—from underground operations at RAF Neatishead to missile command and overseas service.
Visitors can also experience the museum’s authentic Cold War-era RAF Operations Room, explore Cold War missile systems, and climb into the cockpits of Jaguar and Tornado jets. Regular talks and interactive displays will run throughout the day.’
17th–24th May (Tuesday–Saturday)
• Museum Open: 10:00am–5:00pm
• Daily Talks: From 10:30am
• Live Q&A with Cold War Veterans: 1:00pm
Talks and Q&As included with standard museum entry. All admission tickets valid for 12 months from purchase.
Facilities: Free parking (including accessible bays), Crumbs Café (10am–4pm), toilets, and baby changing.
Accessibility: Family-friendly. Due to the historic nature of the 1942 building, some areas may have limited accessibility—please speak to the team on arrival for assistance.
And that’s just the beginning! stay curious, and get ready to discover history like never before!
