January 31st 2025.
Have you heard the exciting news? A hidden network of underground tunnels in London is being transformed into a major tourist attraction for the first time ever! These tunnels, known as the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels, were originally built during World War II as a shelter for Londoners during the Blitz. However, they were never actually used as the war ended before they were completed. Now, after nearly 80 years of secrecy, the tunnels will finally be open to the public as "The London Tunnels".
Construction on the tunnels began in 1940 and was done entirely by hand. In fact, some sections are so deep that they could fit a double-decker bus inside! They were originally meant to serve as an air raid shelter, providing protection for citizens during the war. However, by the time they were finished in 1942, the threat of bombing had diminished and people were seeking refuge in the underground instead. As a result, the tunnels were never used for their intended purpose.
Instead, the government repurposed the tunnels as a telecommunications center and base for the Special Operations Executive, a secret organization responsible for espionage and sabotage during Nazi-occupied Europe. Even Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels, worked in the tunnels during his time in naval intelligence. The location is said to have inspired Q Branch, the fictional division of the Secret Service where Bond goes to get his specialized equipment.
After the war, the tunnels were taken over by British Telecom and remained in their control until the early 1980s. They were home to the UK's deepest underground bar and canteen for workers. For nearly 70 years, the tunnels were kept secret under the Official Secrets Act until 2007 when BT put them up for sale. And now, after some time, the tunnels are set to open as a unique and immersive tourist attraction.
So what can visitors expect from The London Tunnels? According to former investment banker Angus Murray, who is spearheading the project, there will be a museum, exhibits, and entertainment spaces that pay tribute to the Blitz. One of the most exciting features will be the "deepest licensed bar in the United Kingdom", where visitors can enjoy a Vesper Martini just like Bond. The website also claims that the tunnels could potentially attract up to two million visitors annually, making it one of the most thrilling destinations in the world.
Although the plans for The London Tunnels have been approved by authorities and the estimated cost is around £120 million, there is still a lot of work to be done before it can open to the public. Murray compares the expected impact of the tunnels to that of the London Eye, which opened in 2000 and has been a popular attraction ever since. Unfortunately, tourists will have to wait a bit longer to experience the historic tunnels as they are not expected to open until late 2027 or early 2028.
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