Ramsgate Tunnels is a mix of two tunnels. A Victorian railway tunnel built in 1863 by the Kent Coast Railway to serve Ramsgate Harbour Station, and a 1939 wartime Air Raid Precaution shelter roughly 3 miles long capable of holding up to 65,000 people.
The ARP Tunnel was in the shape of a horseshoe under the town with 12 entrances throughout the town. It opened in 1939 it saved the lives of countless people who sheltered from the bombing and shelling of the town during World War 2. Over 1,000 people made the tunnels their home for years, and the children who lived down there, known as 'The Tunnel Rats', even had their lessons underground.
As well as the fun of wearing a hard hat children love the stories of the wartime conditions people had to make do with as our guides take them on a tour of the underground world, some of which is lit only by torches. There's some nice reconstructions of some of the accommodation in 'Tunnel Town' and the small museum has displays of toys, clothes and all sorts of other things from the war years.
Historic Periods
Victorian (1837-1901)
Edwardian (1901-1914)
World Wars (1914-1945)
Post-War (1945+)
Opening Times
**October – March:**
Daily, 10.30am to 3.00pm
Tunnel tours: 11.00am, 1.00pm, (Booking required)
**April – September:**
Daily, 9.30am to 4.00pm
Tunnel tours 10.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 4.00pm (Booking required)
Reopening on 7th January 2023.
Cost
Adult £9.00
Senior 60+ £7.00
Child under 16 accompanied by adult £6.00
Under 3s Free
Family Ticket 2 adults + 2 children £22.00
More information
Telephone:01843 588123
Website: https://www.ramsgatetunnels.org/
Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/RamsgateTunnels/
Facilities
Public toilets nearby
Shop
Café
Parking nearby
Wheelchair accessible
Address
Marina Esplanade, Ramsgate
CT11 8FH