Step Inside Brighton’s Secret WWII Shelter
Brighton’s Downs Junior School is unveiling a hidden gem: a fully restored World War II air raid shelter tucked away on its grounds. The Take Shelter tour plunges visitors back to the 1940s, immersing them in the gritty reality faced by schoolchildren during the Blitz.
From Forgotten Bunker to Living Museum
Built in 1939, this robust shelter once protected up to 300 pupils and staff from deadly air raids. It was sealed off and forgotten after the war—until rediscovered in 1983 during a routine inspection. Since then, devoted volunteers have transformed the site into an interactive time capsule packed with authentic wartime artefacts, dioramas, films, and immersive sound effects.
“It’s like stepping back in time,” says one volunteer. “Visitors can truly feel what it was like to take refuge and live through the war.”
Educational, Engaging, and Accessible
Take Shelter offers a 40-minute guided experience that’s both educational and gripping. Visitors learn about evacuation, rationing, and the everyday life of children during wartime, hearing firsthand accounts from veterans who were once pupils themselves. Schools can book special interactive sessions, bringing history to life for the next generation.
- Level access and handrails make it easy for everyone to explore
- Tours available year-round by appointment
- Special open days during Brighton Fringe and Heritage Open Days
Don’t Miss This Unique Blast from the Past
Whether you’re a Brighton local or just visiting, the Take Shelter tour is a rare chance to walk through living history and honour the resilience of those who faced the horrors of war firsthand.
For details and bookings, visit the Take Shelter website now.
