Discover the hidden stories of espionage, codebreaking and courage that helped win World War Two at these fascinating UK attractions.
Bembridge Fort, Isle of Wight
The Bembridge Fort Trust, which took over ownership and operation of the Fort on the Isle of Wight in 2024 is continuing major work to bring the fort back into use.
But in the meantime, it is running group guided tours only including a World War Two option which features new information on the fort’s pioneering role in the development of radar. It includes a visit to the dry ditch to visit the site of the World War Two Canadian radar engineers’ Nissen hut camp.
The fort was used during both of the world wars; during the World War Two the fort became one of the most secret places in the country and was critical for the defence of the island, the development of radar and the operation of anti-submarine loop, ASDIC (sonar) and remote mine systems when it was occupied by the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force at the same time.
Trent Park, Greater London
Trent Park House of Secrets is set to open at Trent Park in Enfield, London, by the summer featuring magnificently restored and furnished rooms that were the backdrop to Sir Philip Sassoon’s socialite and political world. It will tell the extraordinary story of the ‘Secret Listeners’, the intelligence operators hidden in the basement of Trent Park House whose eavesdropping led to some of the most important intelligence breakthroughs of World War Two.
It is said to be an astonishing tale of espionage, courage and creative deception, that has remained hidden in the house for over 70 years. Trent Park is recognised by Historic England as being of national and international significance on a level with Bletchley Park.
Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire
The home of codebreaking, a visit to Bletchley Park immerses groups in the world of interception and intelligence with various fascinating exhibitions. Its largest exhibition space is the Intelligence Factory (pictured top) which includes a recreation of the Plotting Room used by naval intelligence officers, you can even track the movements of wartime ships. The display also features wartime footage captured at nearby Whaddon Hall, the top secret MI6 base where intelligence was sent to allied commanders in the field.
There a host of group benefits at Bletchley Park including the chance to add a guided tour and tailor your visit and free entrance for the group organiser and coach driver.
Beaulieu, Hampshire
Head to the Secret Army exhibition to find out about Beaulieu’s history as a top secret training establishment for special agents of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War Two.
Find out how the agents trained and how their bravery helped to ensure victory. The display features real stories of incredible exploits, artefacts and photographs. Admission tickets for groups includes access to the exhibition as well as the Palace House, National Motor Museum and the stunning grounds and gardens.
Military Intelligence Museum, Bedfordshire
Tucked away in Chicksands, the Military Intelligence Museum tells the story of British military intelligence from the Boer War onwards. You’ll find out about the tactics, techniques and equipment used by the people who have carried out their vitally important tasks across the years.
Items on display include a radio disguised in a suitcase, a dead letter box disguised as a dog ornament and used to leave and collect messages during World War Two and a tiny camera hidden inside a cigarette packet.
Groups of up to 50 are welcome and coach parking is available. Free guided tours are also available to all visitors that are usually led by a military intelligence veteran or museum staff member.
And watch this space…
…The Military Intelligence Museum is partnering with The London Tunnels and will be moving the museum to the major underground attraction set to open in 2028. It’s a huge project which will preserve and transform a mile-long series of tunnels that have been kept secret for almost 70 years.
