Fan Bay Deep Shelter

Fan Bay Deep Shelter is a Second World War tunnel complex dug 23 metres into the White Cliffs of Dover by the Royal Engineers in the winter of 1940 to 1941, so the gunners of the Fan Bay battery could sleep under bombardment. Filled in during the 1970s and dug out again by National Trust volunteers, it opened in 2015. Visitors are issued a hard hat and head torch, then descend the original 125 concrete steps for a guided tour of the accommodation tunnels and two First World War sound mirrors on the cliff face, one of which detected an air raid in 1917. A self-guided look round Gun Emplacement no. 3, excavated in 2023, is included. Dogs cannot enter the tunnels but are welcome on the surrounding clifftop under close control. Reviewers praise the volunteer guides and the atmosphere underground. Tips from visitors: there is no vehicle access, so park at the White Cliffs visitor centre and allow 40 minutes each way on foot; tickets are first come, first served at the tunnel entrance; the tunnels are cool and damp, so wear proper shoes.