Did you know that hundreds of families from Ramsgate, Kent, once called a vast network of underground tunnels their home during World War II? They lived a subterranean life beneath Ramsgate as the war raged on above them. This incredible story is a true-life tale of survival that helped save many lives in wartime England. During our family visit to the Ramsgate Tunnels, we got a first-hand look at this hidden underground world.
Today, the Ramsgate Tunnels are one of the best things to do in Ramsgate and have become one of Kent’s top attractions, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into Britain’s wartime past. In this guide, you’ll discover what you can see at the tunnels and everything you need to know for your own visit.
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A visit to Ramsgate Tunnels
Your journey through the Ramsgate Tunnels begins in a 150-year-old Victorian tunnel. The walls are adorned with black-and-white photos, and cabinets display wartime memorabilia, offering a glimpse into the history of this underground town.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by our guide, who introduced us to the fascinating history of the Ramsgate Tunnels with a short film. It’s essential to understand why these tunnels were constructed and their vital role in ensuring the safety of Ramsgate’s residents before embarking on the tour.
After the film, we were provided with safety equipment, including hard hats and torches, and then we were ready to explore.
Although the Ramsgate Tunnels stretch across approximately five miles, the guided tour covers just 1.25 km, offering a compact yet comprehensive experience. Along the way, our guide made several stops to share intriguing facts about the tunnels and compelling wartime stories of those who once lived in them.
The history of Ramsgate Tunnels
You might be wondering, why did Ramsgate become home to the UK’s largest network of civilian wartime tunnels? The answer lies in the town’s location and the availability of resources.
Originally built to serve the Kent Coast Railway in 1863, the tunnels were designed to transport Victorian holidaymakers to Ramsgate’s beautiful seaside. However, after the railway’s decline, the tunnels were repurposed in 1936 to connect visitors to the “Merrie England” amusement park, becoming known as the “World Scenic Railway.”
However, with the increasing threat of World War II, the local authorities, led by Ramsgate’s “Top Hat Mayor” Arthur Kempe, decided to repurpose the tunnels as a massive air-raid shelter to protect the townspeople from bomb attacks.
Located on the Kent coast, directly across from Dunkirk, France, Ramsgate was a prime target for enemy aircraft. The mayor knew his townsfolk would be under threat from bomb attack and wanted somewhere where they could reside safely overnight.
The mayor’s foresight led to the creation of what would become a hidden underground town. Initially intended as a temporary air-raid shelter, the tunnels eventually housed over 1,000 people!
What can you see in the Ramsgate Tunnels?
Although it was only intended as temporary accommodation, many people eventually lived in the air raid shelter permanently. Families adapted the tunnels as living spaces, using sheets and towels to create private zones and bringing in home comforts.
In the main entrance tunnel, you’ll see replica living spaces so you can imagine what life in the tunnels would have been like. The inhabitants created a community in which everyday activities such as cooking, socialising and school still took place. Life inside the tunnels was far from bleak; they had water and electricity and even had a barber, doctor, and postman.
As we ventured deeper into the labyrinth of caves, we gained a true understanding of what life must have been like for those who lived there. The guide shared stories of the daily lives of the tunnel’s residents, bringing the past to life. One powerful moment during the tour was when we all turned off our torches. It was almost complete darkness – an eerie reminder of how it must have felt during air raids.
After the war
After the war, the Ramsgate Tunnels were abandoned and forgotten, used as a dumping ground. You can still see the remnants of dodgem cars and other debris in the tunnels today.
The tunnels became a playground for local youths in the 1970s and 80s, leaving behind graffiti that adds to the tunnels’ storied past. Eventually bricked up, the tunnels were sealed until 2011, when they were reopened as a tourist attraction.
Today, a visit to the Ramsgate Tunnels is an opportunity to appreciate the clever engineering behind the tunnels’ design and learn about their remarkable history. The tunnels remain a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the people of Ramsgate during one of the most tumultuous times in history.
Useful information for your visit
Plan your visit to Ramsgate Tunnels
If you’re planning a trip to the Kent coast, make sure you add the Ramsgate Tunnels to your itinerary. As one of the best things to do in Ramsgate and one of Kent’s top attractions, it offers a unique glimpse into Britain’s wartime past.
You’ll get to explore the hidden underground town, discover the fascinating stories of those who lived there, and gain a deeper understanding of wartime life in this remarkable historical site. Here is some practical information for your visit:
How to get to the Ramsgate Tunnels
Located on the seafront near Ramsgate Harbour, the Ramsgate Tunnels are easy to find and make for a fantastic day out on the Kent coast. Ramsgate itself is a charming seaside town in South-East England, nestled between the coastal towns of Broadstairs and Sandwich.
By Car
If you’re driving, the Ramsgate Tunnels are easily accessible from London, taking just under two hours via the M25/M2. There is convenient parking available along Marina Esplanade, just a short walk from the tunnels. Use postcode CT11 8NB for your sat nav.
By Train
For those traveling by train, direct services run from London via Charing Cross and St Pancras International. The fastest train from London to Ramsgate takes just 1 hour 14 minutes, making it a quick and easy journey for a day trip or weekend visit.
Opening times and what to bring
The Ramsgate Tunnels are open all year, seven days a week, making them a fantastic attraction no matter the season.
If you’re looking for things to do on a rainy day in Ramsgate, this is an excellent choice, as the entire experience is underground and fully sheltered!
For those visiting in the summer, it’s worth noting that the tunnels maintain a constant temperature of 11°C, so bringing an extra layer, like a light jacket or jumper, as it can get chilly.
How long does a visit to Ramsgate Tunnels take?
You should allow about 1.5 hours for your visit.
How much does it cost?
Admission is good value at £25 for a family of four.
Click here for current admission prices to Ramsgate Tunnels.
Are the tunnels accessible?
Due to the nature of the tour, it’s important to note that accessibility is limited. The tunnels are not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs, as the underground pathways can be uneven and narrow in places. If you have concerns, it’s best to check with the attraction in advance.
Have you been to the Ramsgate Tunnels? We’d love to hear your comments below.
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