A vast network of hidden underground tunnels is being turned into one of London’s most exciting new tourist attractions.
Buried 40 metres beneath the capital’s streets, the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels were originally built to protect Londoners during the Blitz in World War II.
However, the deep-level air raid shelter was only completed after the war had ended, meaning it was never actually used for its intended purpose.
Work on the tunnels began in 1940, with labourers digging them by hand. Some sections are so deep that a double-decker bus could fit inside.
By the time construction was finished in 1942, the Blitz had already ended, and the threat of bombing had faded.
With many Londoners having already sought shelter in the underground, the tunnels were no longer needed and remained unused.
Now, for the first time, they will be opened to the public as an immersive new attraction: The London Tunnels.
Former investment banker Angus Murray is leading the project, aiming to turn the tunnels into a Blitz memorial featuring a museum, exhibitions, and entertainment spaces.
There are also plans to open the UK’s deepest licensed bar, where visitors will even be able to sip on Vesper Martinis.
According to the official website, the tunnels could attract up to two million visitors each year, making it “one of the most thrilling destinations in the world.”
Murray compared the attraction’s potential impact to that of the London Eye, which has drawn millions of visitors since opening in 2000.
But those eager to explore will have to wait a little longer, The London Tunnels aren’t expected to open to the public until late 2027 or early 2028.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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