Ramsgate Tunnels
Explore a vast underground network of Victorian railway tunnels and WWII shelters, brought to life by passionate volunteer guides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More tours available
Ramsgate Tunnels
Best Time
More tours available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vast underground network of Victorian railway tunnels and WWII shelters, brought to life by passionate volunteer guides.
"Brilliant tour, informative, with humour, giving a flavour of wartime life. "
Book Explorer Tour in Advance
The Explorer Tour is popular! Book tickets online to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. 🎟️
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet for about 1.5 hours. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring the tunnels. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 2,721 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
WWII Air Raid Shelters
Underground
Step back in time and discover the vast network of tunnels that sheltered thousands during WWII air raids.
Victorian Railway Tunnel
Entrance section
Explore the historic 150-year-old Victorian railway tunnel, a testament to Ramsgate's engineering past.
Volunteer-Led Tours
Throughout the tunnels
Gain unique insights from passionate volunteer guides who share personal stories and historical facts with humor.
Model Railway Exhibition
Designated area
Discover intricate model railways, a hit with enthusiasts and families alike, showcasing railway history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Tours
Dress for a Cool Climate
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Explorer Tour in Advance
The Explorer Tour is popular! Book tickets online to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. 🎟️
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet for about 1.5 hours. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring the tunnels. :athletic_shoe:
Bring a Light Jacket
The tunnels are a cool 11°C year-round. A light layer will keep you comfortable during the tour. ☁️
Ask Your Guide Questions
Volunteer guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Don't hesitate to ask them anything! :speech_balloon:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Explorer Tour in Advance
The Explorer Tour is popular! Book tickets online to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. 🎟️
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet for about 1.5 hours. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring the tunnels. :athletic_shoe:
Bring a Light Jacket
The tunnels are a cool 11°C year-round. A light layer will keep you comfortable during the tour. ☁️
Ask Your Guide Questions
Volunteer guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Don't hesitate to ask them anything! :speech_balloon:
Check for Special Events
The tunnels sometimes host events like model railway exhibitions. Check their schedule before you visit! 📅
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ramsgate Tunnels for their fascinating history and the exceptional quality of the volunteer-led tours. Guides are frequently highlighted for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and humor, making the experience both informative and enjoyable. The reasonable ticket prices and the unique underground setting are also significant draws, though the cool temperature requires preparation.
"My sister and I paid a visit to the secluded war time tunnels in Ramsgate, we booked our places on the tour about an hour before. Then went for a walk.
We paid £9 per adult which I think was a reasonable amount.
The tour starts with a short video.
Clive our main guide/volunteer was very informative with a sense of humour and the other 2 volunteers (I think were Trevor and ?Kevin?) were extremely patient & helpful, pointing out markings on the walls, lighting up areas with their torches so we could get better photographs .
The tour was approx. 2 hrs. I would advise sensible footwear as in places it was a bit wet & slippery, some mats/boards were down so that your feet wouldn't get too wet.
We enjoyed our tour and the museum.
They also had a little cafe area at the entrance which we did not make the use of on this occasion.
I would highly recommend a visit 👍🏻"
Ann-marie Young
"Me and a friend turned up a little late for the last tour of the day, however thankfully we were let in anyway. Both tour guides Luke and Martin were very friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend this tour to anyone in the area, tour ticket prices are about £9 per adult and well worth it !"
Dan Taylor
"We did the tour of Ramsgate Tunnels. Our tour guide was Gill. The tour was brilliant. It was done at a nice pace, very informative and with humour. You really get a flavour of what life was like during war time. The history of the tunnels was fascinating . The staff are all volunteers. I highly recommend this tour. Thanks Gill, you are a star!"
Julie Bowler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ramsgate Tunnels are easily accessible. You can reach Ramsgate by train from London St Pancras in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the station, it's a short walk or taxi ride to the tunnel entrance. Parking is also available nearby.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the Ramsgate Tunnels. It's advisable to check local signage for the most convenient options upon arrival.
The walk from Ramsgate train station to the tunnels is manageable, taking around 15-20 minutes. It's a pleasant stroll through the town.
Absolutely! Ramsgate is well-connected by train, making it a convenient day trip destination. Local buses also serve the area.
Taking the train from London St Pancras to Ramsgate is the quickest and most convenient option, taking just over an hour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are very reasonable, around £9 per adult, offering excellent value for the historical experience. Check their official website for the most current pricing and any concessions.
Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for the popular Explorer Tour, to guarantee your spot. This helps avoid disappointment, as tours can sell out.
Opening hours can vary, and tours are typically scheduled throughout the day. It's best to check the official Ramsgate Tunnels website for the most up-to-date tour times and availability.
Yes, the Explorer Tour is a comprehensive experience that delves into the history of both the Victorian railway and WWII shelters.
While it's possible to get tickets on the day, it's not guaranteed, especially for the last tour. Turning up a little late for the last tour has sometimes resulted in being allowed in, but booking ahead is always safer.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main tour, the Explorer Tour, typically lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes. This allows ample time to explore the different sections and learn about their history.
The tunnels maintain a consistent cool temperature of approximately 11°C (52°F) year-round. It's advisable to wear layers.
Yes, Ramsgate Tunnels are generally considered a family-friendly attraction.
Yes, the site often hosts special events, such as model railway exhibitions, which are a hit with families and train enthusiasts.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll be on your feet for the duration of the tour.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the tunnels for personal use.
Look for unique perspectives, like looking up towards manhole covers to see daylight, or capturing the atmospheric lighting within the tunnels.
It's best to check with your tour guide regarding flash photography, as it can sometimes disrupt the atmosphere or other visitors.
While tripods might be cumbersome in the narrow tunnels, generally, handheld cameras and phones are fine.
Expect atmospheric shots with interesting lighting, historical details, and unique underground perspectives.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit