Epping & Ongar Steam Railway – Kelvedon Secret Nuclear Bunker 

Overview

Join us on the fascinating day out to the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker, Greensted Church and a Fish & Chip Supper on the Epping & Ongar Steam railway!

Kelveden Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker

We start with visit to this ‘secret’ location!!  Come and witness the three lives of the bunker starting with its role as an RAF ROTOR Station, then a brief period as a civil defence centre through to its most recent life as a Regional Government HQ. Designed for up to 600 military and civilian personnel, even the Prime Minister, their collective task being to organise the survival of the population in the awful aftermath of a nuclear war.

The Bunker had three main lives. Initially as an RAF ROTOR Station and latterly a Regional Government Headquarters, with a brief period in the 1960’s as a civil defence centre. There were also spare bunk beds in the tunnel, to help accommodate some of the hundreds of civilian and military personnel that would be stationed here in time of nuclear attack.

Paradoxically as the heat of the Cold War died down, the bunker and it’s ancillary systems were no longer required by the Government, and were costing up to 3 million pounds a year to keep on standby. Upon decommissioning in 1992 the bunker was bought back from the government by the Parrish family, at a closed bid public auction, and hence is now privately owned.

Greensted Church

We then take the short trip to Greensted where local parish guides will tell the story of Greensted Church.  Situated deep in the Essex countryside the church is an ancient place of worship which has the distinction of being the oldest wooden church in the world. Indeed, it is also the oldest wooden building in Europe with a nave dating back to between 998 and 1063 AD.

Epping & Ongar Railway

Step back in time and experience the romance of travel in bygone times as you pass through picturesque countryside, beautiful forest and historic towns. The railway is both the longest heritage railway in Essex and the closest to London, easily accessible via the tube network. It’s also the only heritage line that runs on a former part of the tube network!

Enjoy a fish & chip supper, dessert and drink during this nostalgic journey (vegetarian alternative available) all included in the price!