Inside secret nuclear bunker hidden beneath a bungalow 'to keep country running'

 Originally built during the Cold War era, it appears to be an ordinary cottage from street level, yet conceals a massive subterranean bunker designed to shield government personnel from potential attacks.

Hidden beneath Brentwood in the Essex countryside sits a disused underground facility. Today recognised as the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker, it has been transformed into a visitor attraction and museum, though its roots stem from far more sinister purposes.

This structure was designed to serve as a prospective regional government command centre throughout the Cold War period. Being a charter member of NATO, Britain held a crucial position in the conflict as a fundamental partner to America.

The facility was a specially constructed bunker, capable of accommodating hundreds of military and civilian staff should a nuclear attack occur. In such circumstances, it would function as a coordination centre where regional government would operate to orchestrate population survival and maintain essential governmental functions.

Exploring the bunker

Currently accessible to visitors, you can venture through these passages on a self-directed tour and discover what activities would have taken place below ground during a nuclear conflict.

The bunker extends 125 feet beneath the surface, and most remarkably, access is gained through what looks like an unremarkable bungalow. The gatehouse nestles among woodland and guides you into a 100-yard-long corridor.

Considering logistics and preparation, the underground facility was designed to support several hundred staff members for a maximum of three months - naturally requiring sophisticated air conditioning and heating systems, an independent water source, and backup power generators.

Furthermore, it came fully fitted with radio apparatus, secure telecommunications networks, and an array of military technology. The entirety of this communications and technical equipment was housed on the initial floor, approximately 80 feet beneath ground level.

This same floor also contained the absolutely crucial 'plotting room', where personnel continuously monitored and tracked aircraft around the clock, whilst conducting any blast analysis required.

In contrast, the upper level served as the living quarters for those stationed there. This area featured a compact yet well-designed medical facility, multiple washrooms, sleeping quarters, and even a substantial mess hall - the very same dining area that welcomes visitors nowadays.

All essential provisions for survival would be exhausted after three months, with the assumption that this timeframe would prove sufficient for any crisis to resolve. This would subsequently permit restricted ventures outside to gather additional supplies.

The second tier of this subterranean complex was designated for governmental use. Indeed, during the original construction phase, this level connected to the plotting room through a substantial opening in the floor. This arrangement enabled senior RAF officials to monitor developments as they unfolded.

The bunker today

In 1992 the bunker was decommissioned, when it was no longer needed, and its contents and the land were sold back to the original landowners.

The Parish family transformed the facility, converting it into a museum and visitor attraction that chronicles Cold War history.

Nowadays, however, it's hardly operating as much of a secret and is rather ironically signposted throughout the vicinity. Brown tourist signs directing visitors to the attraction read 'Secret Nuclear Bunker', which isn't particularly covert thanks to the prominent advertising.

This captivating location welcomes explorers without requiring advance reservations; visitors can simply rock up on the day and purchase tickets.

Entry costs £15 for adults, whilst youngsters between five and 16 pay £13. Family passes are priced at £38, with additional group discount rates on offer.

The subterranean experience operates from Thursdays through Sundays, plus during all school holidays and half-term breaks.

To guarantee sufficient time for a thorough visit, final admission typically occurs one hour before closing - 4pm on weekdays and 5pm at weekends, though these times may vary.