A little known gem situated within Liverpool’s city centre, just off of Church Street, The Western Approaches WWII Museum is an interactive time capsule that will take you from the familiar streets of new Liverpool, down some stairs and in to the real life bunker that ensured the modern city’s very existence as we know it.
The bunker served as the location for the planning and co-ordination of The Battle of the Atlantic and ‘Big Heritage’, the company that has custodianship over the building are passionate about its history and sharing it with people all over the world.
Step back in time and see the map room preserved in all of its glory, remaining exactly how it was left when the doors were closed on 15 August 1945.
The original map upon the wall is a captivating site to behold. Used to monitor convoy routes, vital shipping lines and pin-point enemy locations in order to defeat the opposition, many have claimed that it was in fact responsible for the allies eventual victory, making it not only an important piece of Liverpool’s history, but the history of this country.
We spoke to Head of visitor services and merchandise, Kate Chadwick, who had this to say:
“Our visitors can walk in the footsteps of the great people who worked here, as well as Winston Churchill. Western Approaches is quite easily one of the most important buildings in Liverpool. We strive to keep its story alive.”
At the end of your tour, sit down and relax with some complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits and reminisce over lost civilian Liverpool by enjoying nostalgic archive footage of scousers talking about their experiences living in wartime Britain. There’s fun for all ages, as 1940’s board games, trinkets and crayons cover every table.
Finally, treat yourself to a themed memento from the gift shop, like a quirky ration book or identity card, perfect for any future WWII inspired fancy dress ensembles.
For more information visit: www.liverpoolwarmuseum.co.uk
