LONDON — Hidden beneath the bustling streets of London lies a network of tunnels steeped in history, awaiting discovery by both locals and tourists alike. These secret passageways, which have remained largely unseen for decades, have witnessed the city’s preparation for the Blitz, inspired the creative mind behind James Bond, and facilitated covert communications during the Cold War. Now, these tunnels are poised to become one of London’s most intriguing tourist attractions. Plans have been officially approved to transform the 90,000 square-foot space into a museum of intelligence, a tribute to World War II, and the site for one of the deepest bars in the world.
“Incredible space, incredible city,” expressed Angus Murray, the head of The London Tunnels project, while standing under the rumbling subway trains. “It unfolds a fascinating tale.”
This vast underground space lies directly beneath the Central Line of the London Underground in Holborn. Work on this clandestine project started in 1940 amid fears of a German invasion. Intended to protect up to 8,000 individuals, the twin tunnels measured 16½ feet wide and stretched 1,300 feet long. However, by their completion in 1942, the threat had diminished, and Londoners had started using subway stations as air raid shelters instead.
The tunnels found a new role as a government communications center and a base for the Special Operations Executive (SOE), a secretive group tasked with carrying out sabotage missions in Nazi-occupied regions under the direction of Winston Churchill. Among them was Ian Fleming, who, as a naval officer, was a liaison to the SOE and later drew inspiration from this environment to create the world of 007. “In essence, it’s James Bond’s Q Branch,” Murray explained, referencing the fictional gadget expert from the famous series.
Post-war expansions turned the tunnels into a secure telephone exchange and the terminus for the first trans-Atlantic undersea telephone cable. Following the Cuban Missile Crisis and the resulting near-nuclear catastrophe of 1962, the Pentagon and the Kremlin established a “red telephone” hotline that ran through these tunnels.
About 200 people worked in this subterranean space, bound by secrecy but enjoying amenities like a canteen and a bar. For a time, it also served as a governmental bunker in the case of nuclear conflict. With advances in technology, British Telecom vacated the site in the 1980s, leaving the tunnels forgotten until 2023, when they were sold to Murray’s investment group.
The new project envisions a space featuring a memorial to the over 40,000 civilians who fell victim to German bombings, cultural exhibitions, and a unique nightspot that Murray proudly touts as “the world’s deepest bar in a metropolis.”
Additionally, the tunnels will become the new home for Britain’s Military Intelligence Museum, currently located on a restricted access military base. The move will provide greater exposure for a collection spanning 300 years. “We aim to engage more than just those with an existing interest in military topics,” said the museum’s chairperson, who identified himself only as Alistair. “The central theme will explore how military intelligence distinguishes truth from deception, a topic as relevant today as ever.”
Moreover, the museum will illuminate the secretive stories of the SOE, showcasing messages, equipment, and artifacts from the organization’s wartime undertakings. “Many SOE operatives remained silent about their work, both at the time and later, and numerous documents have disappeared. We know a lot about SOE, but not everything—and we probably never will,” remarked Alistair.
Presently, entrance to the tunnel is through an unmarked door in an alleyway. Strolling through the dim passageways offers the exhilaration of unveiling a hidden historical gem. Inside, remnants of the past, like outdated generators and telecommunications paraphernalia, as well as a preserved staff canteen, tell stories from days gone by. The bar, with its 1960s flair reminiscent of “Austin Powers,” awaits visitors.
Some adventurous explorers have left their marks over time, with graffiti and peculiar items, including a set of bowling pins and, surprisingly, a bear costume, found in the depths. The London Tunnels project aims to open to the public in 2028 and attract around 4.2 million visitors annually. Murray is confident that the combination of “history, heritage, and novelty” will make it a standout attraction. “If visitors leave saying, ‘I explored an extraordinary tunnel today,’ we’ve succeeded halfway. If they’re equally impressed with what’s inside, they’ll likely exclaim, ‘That was remarkable!’” he shared.