How to plan your tour to Western Approaches WWII Museum in Liverpool

If you’re a history buff or someone just looking to learn more about World War II, Liverpool’s Western Approaches Museum is a must-visit. Located in the heart of the city, this museum is a perfect destination for anyone keen on exploring Liverpool’s wartime history. Here’s a guide on how to plan your tour to Western Approaches WWII Museum in Liverpool.

Experience

The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore a secret WWII bunker hidden beneath the streets of Liverpool. Visitors can walk through more than 50 hidden rooms spread across three floors and discover the importance of the operations undertaken here during World War II. From where the commanders, the Women’s Royal Naval Service, and Women’s Auxiliary Air Force personnel worked day and night in the Operations Room to where the air raid wardens monitored the skies of Liverpool, this visit is both informative and engaging.

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of the Western Approaches WWII Museum tour:

• Explore a secret WWII bunker hidden beneath the streets of Liverpool
• Walk through more than 50 hidden rooms to discover the importance of the operations undertaken here during World War II
• See where Commanders, the Women’s Royal Naval Service, and Women’s Auxiliary Air Force personnel worked day and night in the Operations Room
• Discover a recreated war-torn street with shops, a pub, and an unexploded bomb
• See the documents and tools which were used to monitor enemy convoys and subsequently inform the British government
• Discover one of only two surviving wartime phones which had a direct connection to the London War Cabinet.

Full description

The Western Approaches HQ was a top-secret bunker vital to the war effort during WWII. Over 300 people secretly worked at Western Approaches HQ during the war years. The museum is located in the very building from which Britain’s war at sea was directed. The underground bunker is hidden beneath the busy streets of Liverpool and has now been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

All guided tours are led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the history of this bunker. This tour will give you the opportunity to experience the intensity of war and the incredible efforts that were made to keep Britain safe from the German invasion during World War II.

You start in the main entrance room, where you’ll find exhibits set up to orient visitors to the location and purpose of the bunker. Then, we’ll walk through the different offices and departments where the people who worked in the bunker carried out their essential duties. In the plotting rooms, for example, you’ll learn how the Navy tracked U-Boats and convoy movements, and in the teleprinters room, you’ll see evidence of the more mundane, everyday activities carried out in the bunker alongside the high-intensity war work.

During the tour, you will walk through various reconstructed rooms representing life during WWII. From the recreated war-torn street and its many shops, including a butchers, a chemist, a grocery, and a milk bar, to the pub and the bomb-damaged house, you’ll get a real sense of what life was like for the people of Liverpool during this tumultuous time.

Booking Information

To book your Western Approaches WWII Museum tour in Liverpool, click the following link: book the tour here.

With this informational guide, you’re all set for a fascinating and informative visit to Western Approaches WWII Museum in Liverpool. The combination of history and experience is sure to leave you feeling moved and knowledgeable.

Discover the Fascinating History of the Western Approaches Museum: FAQs

If you are planning to visit Liverpool, be sure not to miss the chance to explore the Western Approaches Museum. This iconic museum offers visitors an unforgettable experience, taking them back to the era of World War II in a unique and interactive way. In this post, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions about the Western Approaches Museum.

What is the Western Approaches Museum?

The Western Approaches Museum is a museum located in Liverpool’s city center, in the basement of the former headquarters of the Western Approaches Command during World War II. This command center was responsible for overseeing the Battle of the Atlantic and was a key location in the fight against Nazi Germany.

What can I expect to see at the Western Approaches Museum?

At the Western Approaches Museum, you will be able to explore the former command center and learn about its role in the war effort. The museum has interactive exhibits, including a virtual tour of the command center and an authentic recreation of the codebreaking room that played a crucial role in the Allied victory. You will also be able to see a range of artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, and personal items that belonged to the soldiers who served there.

How long does it take to tour the Western Approaches Museum?

The length of your visit to the Western Approaches Museum will depend on how much time you want to spend there. Typically, visitors spend between one to two hours exploring the museum exhibits and taking the virtual tour.

What are the opening hours of the Western Approaches Museum?

The Western Approaches Museum is open seven days a week, including bank holidays. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10:30 am to 4 pm on Sundays.

What is the admission fee for the Western Approaches Museum?

The admission fee for the Western Approaches Museum is £11 per adult. Concession tickets are available for £9, while children aged 5 to 16 can visit the museum for just £6. Children under 5 can enter the museum for free. Family tickets are also available, which cost £30 for two adults and up to three children.

Is the Western Approaches Museum accessible?

Yes, the Western Approaches Museum is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities. The museum has wheelchair access, lifts, and disabled toilets available. Assistance dogs are also welcome in the museum.

Can I take photographs or videos inside the Western Approaches Museum?

Yes, visitors are welcome to take photographs and videos inside the Western Approaches Museum. However, flash photography is not allowed, and visitors should not touch any of the artifacts on display.

Is there a gift shop at the Western Approaches Museum?

Yes, the Western Approaches Museum has a gift shop where visitors can purchase an array of souvenirs, including books, DVDs, and other World War II memorabilia. All proceeds from the gift shop go toward supporting the museum’s ongoing preservation efforts.

What other attractions are there near the Western Approaches Museum?

Liverpool is a vibrant and dynamic city with numerous attractions within easy reach of the Western Approaches Museum. Popular destinations include The Beatles Story, the Merseyside Maritime Museum, and the Tate Liverpool art gallery. You can also take a stroll along the city’s famous waterfront or visit the historic Liverpool Cathedral.

Conclusion

Overall, a visit to the Western Approaches Museum is a must-do activity for anyone interested in the history of World War II. You will be able to explore the command center that played a crucial role in the Allied victory, see authentic artifacts from the era, and learn about the brave men and women who served there. We hope this FAQ guide has answered some of your questions and has inspired you to visit the Western Approaches Museum during your next visit to Liverpool.