History will come to life beneath the surface this Easter as the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker in Nantwich stages its Cold War Living History Weekend.
The popular event, on Saturday and Sunday April 4-5th, invites visitors to step back in time and experience life on both sides of one of history’s most tense global standoffs.
Set in the underground complex on Hack House Lane, the former Government headquarters – once primed to operate during a nuclear conflict – will transform into a living, breathing Cold War landscape.
Re-enactors in full military uniform will patrol the site with Western and Eastern military camps within the bunker grounds.
Visitors will navigate checkpoints and explore opposing sides of the conflict, offering an interactive insight into daily life during the Cold War.
Across the site, engaging displays will showcase the realities of the period, from military operations to civilian preparedness.
The bunker itself, spanning more than 35,000 square feet, offers a fascinating self-guided tour lasting around 90 minutes to two hours.
Highlights include one of Europe’s largest public collections of decommissioned nuclear weapons, realistic nuclear strike simulations, and access to preserved government rooms such as communications centres and decontamination facilities.
Guests can also watch screenings of The War Game, the once-banned BBC production depicting the devastating effects of nuclear war.
Younger visitors are able to follow the popular Soviet Spy Mouse Trail, while the on-site Bunker Bistro (N.A.A.F.I.) serves themed “survival rations” alongside hot and cold refreshments.
The venue is also pet-friendly, welcoming animals throughout the museum and canteen.
Originally modernised in the 1950s as part of the secret ‘ROTOR’ radar network, the bunker remained a key piece of Britain’s nuclear defence strategy until it was declassified in 1993.
Today, it stands as one of the country’s most unique museums dedicated to Cold War history.
The event runs from 10am on both days, with last entry at 3.30pm. Visitors are encouraged to allow plenty of time to explore the extensive site.
Tickets are issued as annual passes, allowing unlimited return visits for 12 months from the first visit—making it the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into this hidden chapter of history.
For more information visit http://www.hackgreen.co.uk/ and https://www.facebook.com/HGsecretbunker
I’m sure everyone involved with the weekend will agree that it was another great success, despite storm Dave trying to spoil the proceedings. I was able to attend and display my 1951 Landrover and a collection of Cold war equipment.(photo above) I chatted to several people over the weekend some of whom had relatives that served at the bunker when it was operational, they all seemed happy to have been able to see where there relatives had been based during the cold War period. The bunker is a fascinating place to visit, I’ve been several times since the covid lockdown and I’m still finding things I didn’t notice during my previous visits. Here’s hoping the bunker remains open for future generations to visit and enjoy.