Clifford Road Air Raid Shelter Museum
Step into a preserved WWII air raid shelter beneath a school playground, offering a unique glimpse into Ipswich's Home Front history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience history firsthand
Clifford Road Air Raid Shelter Museum
Best Time
Experience history firsthand
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a preserved WWII air raid shelter beneath a school playground, offering a unique glimpse into Ipswich's Home Front history.
"A proper little Aladdin's Cave, hidden underneath the school, which is why it was built there in the first place!"
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Limited opening days mean tickets sell out fast! Check their website and book in advance.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be exploring underground tunnels, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Restored Air Raid Shelter
Under Clifford Road Primary School
Step into a preserved WWII air raid shelter, offering a tangible connection to the Home Front experience.
Wartime Memorabilia Collection
Museum exhibits
Discover a treasure trove of artifacts, documents, and personal items from the World War II era.
Interactive Exhibits & Siren
Throughout the museum
Engage with history through hands-on displays, including the chance to crank an air raid siren!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for This Hidden Gem
Embrace the Underground Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Limited opening days mean tickets sell out fast! Check their website and book in advance.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be exploring underground tunnels, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🙋 Chat with Volunteers
The enthusiastic volunteers are a wealth of knowledge and add so much to the visit.
🧐 Don't Miss the Quiz
A fun quiz encourages engagement with the exhibits and information.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Limited opening days mean tickets sell out fast! Check their website and book in advance.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be exploring underground tunnels, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🙋 Chat with Volunteers
The enthusiastic volunteers are a wealth of knowledge and add so much to the visit.
🧐 Don't Miss the Quiz
A fun quiz encourages engagement with the exhibits and information.
🍰 Enjoy Tea & Cake
After your underground tour, relax with refreshments and chat about your experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Clifford Road Air Raid Shelter Museum as a 'best small museum' and a 'thoroughly worthwhile trip.' The enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers are a standout feature, making the experience engaging and informative. Many appreciate the interactive elements, like the air raid siren, and the chance to handle artifacts. The museum is described as a 'proper little Aladdin's Cave,' packed with fascinating wartime memorabilia hidden beneath a school playground.
"Have wanted to visit since reading about them some time ago. As well as seeing the tunnels themselves hidden below the school playground there is an amazing collection of wartime memorabilia, attended by enthusiastic volunteers ready to answer any questions with lots of information and a touch of humour. A nostalgic and thoroughly worthwhile trip!"
John Harvey
"Best small museum around, definitely worth a visit!
Enthusiastic volunteers, the chance to look and handle things, cranking the air raid siren was a treat, and the little quiz was a brilliant idea because it encouraged me to climb into the information.
Proper little Aladdin's Cave, hidden underneath the school, which is why it was built there in the first place!"
Dusty Jackson
"Brilliant place to visit and they have just opened it! I can't wait for more to come, the place is extremely interesting. After a nice walk underground we had very tasty cakes and teas, read some old newspapers and chatted. Staff is really polite and well informed about the place. I will come back with my friends and family 😊"
Paulina Kopysc
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located beneath Clifford Road Primary School in Ipswich. It's accessible by public transport and car. Parking may be limited, so consider local bus routes.
Parking can be challenging as it's located under a school. It's advisable to check for local public parking options or use public transport.
The museum typically opens on specific monthly dates, often a weekend. It's crucial to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening schedule and book tickets in advance.
It's highly recommended to book tickets in advance as the museum has limited opening days and capacity. Walk-in availability is not guaranteed.
Yes, the museum is generally suitable for all ages. Families with young children have found it to be an excellent and welcoming experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are usually very reasonable, reflecting its status as a small, volunteer-run museum. Check their website for current pricing and booking information.
Tickets are typically purchased online through the museum's official website. This is the best way to secure your spot for their limited open days.
Information on discounts for specific groups like children or seniors is usually available on their booking page. It's always worth checking their website for any special offers.
Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour exploring the tunnels and exhibits, but you can take your time to absorb the history.
The museum encourages interaction with some exhibits, including the chance to handle items and even crank the air raid siren, making it a very engaging experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a well-preserved WWII air raid shelter, packed with wartime memorabilia, historical information, and interactive displays that bring the Home Front experience to life.
While not formal guided tours, the enthusiastic volunteers are on hand to share their knowledge, answer questions, and provide context for the exhibits.
As the museum is located underground in a historic shelter, accessibility may be limited. It's best to contact the museum directly to discuss specific needs.
The 'Aladdin's Cave' description refers to how the shelter is packed with a surprising amount of fascinating historical items and information, all hidden beneath the school.
While the museum itself is focused on the shelter experience, visitors often mention enjoying tea and cakes after their visit, suggesting nearby amenities or a small offering on-site.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask a volunteer if you're unsure.
The unique atmosphere of the underground shelter, the displays of wartime artifacts, and the interactive elements like the siren offer great photo opportunities.
To protect the artifacts and maintain the atmosphere, flash photography might be discouraged. Be mindful of your surroundings and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great way to introduce children to history in a hands-on and memorable way. The quiz is a brilliant addition that keeps them entertained while they learn. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the tunnels, and be prepared for a fascinating journey into the past that the whole family will enjoy.
🤓 History Buffs & Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to engage with the volunteers; their stories and explanations can elevate your understanding of the period. The museum's commitment to preserving and presenting this local history is commendable, making it a valuable stop for any history enthusiast exploring Ipswich.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Clifford Road Air Raid Shelter
+1The restoration and opening of these shelters as a museum represent a significant community effort. Enthusiastic volunteers have dedicated their time and passion to excavating, preserving, and curating the site, transforming it into an engaging educational resource. This initiative not only educates visitors about the past but also honors the resilience and spirit of the community during the war.
Visitors can expect to see the original structure of the shelter, complete with authentic wartime memorabilia. This includes personal items, documents, and equipment that paint a vivid picture of life on the Home Front. The museum aims to provide an immersive experience, allowing people to understand the realities of living under the threat of air raids and the importance of these underground sanctuaries.
Experiencing the Home Front
The collection of wartime memorabilia is a highlight, featuring everything from personal letters and photographs to essential equipment used during the war. Visitors can get up close with these artifacts, and in some cases, even handle them, which adds a powerful tactile dimension to the learning experience. The chance to crank an air raid siren is a particularly memorable interactive element that resonates with many visitors.
Beyond the physical exhibits, the museum fosters a sense of community and shared history. The volunteers are eager to share stories and answer questions, making the visit both informative and personal. The addition of a quiz further encourages engagement, prompting visitors to delve deeper into the information presented and truly absorb the historical context.
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