Abbey House Museum 2026
Yorkshire
York Cold War Bunker 2026
English Heritage’s most modern site, this semi-subterranean bunker would have monitored nuclear explosions and fallout across the Yorkshire region if the Cold War had turned hot. In the windowless interior you will see a control room equipped with original monitoring devices; a ‘hot bed’ dormitory where 50-60 staff took turns to sleep; plant and communications rooms; and a sewage ejector unit. The air-filtering system, water and supplies could hold out for just 30 days.
Contacts
Operator: English Heritage
Address: Monument Close off Acomb Road York Yorkshire YO24 4HT
- Telephone: 0370 333 1181
- Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
- Website: View website
Open Days & Times
28 Mar-24 Oct Fri-Sun 1000-1700. Visit website for more details with advance booking essential.
Travel
- By Bus: 1, 412, 142, 413
- By Rail: York / 1.5 miles
Facilities
- Souvenir Shop
The Bunker, known historically as No.20 Group Headquarters or Group Control, was constructed in 1961 as part of Britain’s defence against the impact of a nuclear strike, should the Cold War escalate. The site operated within a national network of bunkers whose role was to observe and locate nuclear explosions, report on power and altitude, and track ensuing radiation.
This network came under the aegis of the UK Warning & Monitoring Organisation, part of the Home Office, but it was operated by the Royal Observer Corps, a largely voluntary organisation which at the peak of its nuclear reporting role counted over 25,000 members nationally.
