Western Approaches Museum
1-3 Rumford St, Liverpool, England
The Western Approaches Museum, housed in a former World War II bunker in Liverpool, serves as both a memorial and a museum. Once the Western Approaches Command headquarters, this top-secret underground facility was crucial in the Battle of the Atlantic. Visitors can explore its labyrinth of rooms and uncover the strategies and secrets that were pivotal to the British Armed Forces' success.
The basics
The best way to explore the Western Approaches Museum is through a self-guided tour, which allows you to navigate the rooms and uncover the British Armed Forces' stories at your own pace. Follow a map, take time to sit at desks, and interact with exhibits such as the typewriters for an engaging and educational visit. Many self-guided tours offer audio commentary or immersive treasure hunt games for an even richer experience. Group tours are available by appointment only.
Things to know before you go
The museum is spread across two floors, with lots of staircases and small steps taking visitors from one exhibit to the next. Those unable to use stairs can visit a number of rooms on the ground-level floor for free.
If opting for a self-guided tour, it usually takes around 1.5 to two hours to see, depending on how fast you explore the site.
The museum is cashless, so if you want to buy souvenirs or tickets, be sure to bring a credit or debit card.
The bathrooms are located near the reception area; there are no baby-changing facilities.
How to get there
To find the Western Approaches Museum—which itself is well-hidden—head to the basement of Exchange Flags, located behind the Liverpool Town Hall and Martins Bank Building. Look for the entrance opposite the NCP parking lot on Rumford Street, visible from Chapel Street and Rumford Place. Accessible by public transport, the museum is a short walk from Moorfields and James Street railway stations and 15 minutes from Lime Street station.
When to get there
The museum is open daily year-round. Hours are typically from mid-morning until early evening, with the last entry usually at 5pm; however, it's advisable to check the opening schedule before visiting in case there are public holiday hours or special events. To avoid the biggest crowds, come on a weekday morning or in the late afternoon.
Must-see exhibits at the Western Approaches Museum
The Western Approaches Museum has several enticing exhibits for any WWII history buff, including the preserved Operations Room, where British Armed Forces strategists monitored convoy routes and enemy positions. There’s also a 1940s street scene and one of only two surviving wartime phones directly linked to the London War Cabinet.
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