A general view of one of the tunnels during a press tour in London, June 19, 2025. AP Photo
Deep beneath London’s bustling streets lies a secret world few have seen — until now. A vast network of wartime tunnels, once hidden from public view, is set to become the city’s next must-visit attraction.
Used during World War II and the Cold War, these historic tunnels will open in 2028 as a combined museum, memorial, and underground bar — possibly the world’s deepest. With echoes of espionage and the spirit of James Bond, the experience promises to be unlike anything above ground.
Where History Meets Espionage
Carved out in 1940 under Holborn, these tunnels were originally designed as a bomb shelter for 8,000 people. But by the time they were completed in 1942, the worst of the Blitz had passed. The public instead took shelter in subway stations, and the tunnels found a new purpose.
They became home to the Special Operations Executive (SOE), a secretive government unit created under Winston Churchill. From these tunnels, agents — many of them women — were sent on dangerous missions into Nazi-occupied Europe. Their job: sabotage and resistance.
A young naval officer named Ian Fleming worked as a liaison here. These very corridors may have planted the seed for his most famous creation — James Bond.
Cold War Secrets Beneath the Surface
After World War II, the tunnel complex grew. It evolved into a major telecommunications hub and became part of the first trans-Atlantic undersea cable system.
By the 1960s, the Cuban Missile Crisis had gripped the world. A hotline between Washington and Moscow — the “red telephone” — ran right through these tunnels. Up to 200 people worked below ground in complete secrecy, supported by an on-site bar and canteen.
For a time, it even housed a government bunker for potential nuclear conflict.
A Forgotten World, Rediscovered
British Telecom vacated the tunnels in the 1980s. Then came decades of silence. That is, until 2023, when a private equity-backed firm led by Angus Murray acquired the site. Now, plans are underway to turn this forgotten Cold War relic into a top-tier tourist destination.
What’s Coming in 2028
Visitors will soon explore more than just history. Plans include:
- A Military Intelligence Museum covering 300+ years of spycraft
- An interactive WWII memorial honouring 40,000 civilians lost to bombing
- The world’s deepest bar, complete with original 1960s decor
The museum will feature rare gear, spy tools, and messages from the SOE’s covert missions. Many of these agents never spoke of their work. Their secrets, buried for decades, will finally come to light.
Skittles left in one of the tunnels are seen during a press tour in London, June 19, 2025. AP Photo
Underground Adventure Awaits
For now, access to the tunnels is via an unmarked alley door. Inside are decaying telecom systems, graffiti left by explorers, a kitchen still intact — and even a bear costume.
By 2028, this hidden labyrinth hopes to welcome over four million visitors a year. Murray believes its charm lies in its mystery.
“If you come out thinking, ‘That was incredible,’ we’ve done our job,” he said.
From wartime missions to Cold War messages — London’s best-kept secret is ready to be revealed.
