Western Approaches Museum

During the Second World War, a secret war command centre in Liverpool was responsible for combating German U-boats and protecting Atlantic convoys during the Battle of the Atlantic.

It is a large complex with around 100 rooms set over two levels and during wartime, the bunker was a workplace for over 300 people. Although not all the rooms are open to the public, there is a lot to see here and a visit will give you a great insight into a pivotal period of European history.

What to see at the Western Approaches Museum

The museum is set in the original Second World War command centre and a visit lets you see the complex much as it would have appeared in the 1940s. You can see the central operations room (also known as the map room), a cypher room and a NAAFI canteen.

It is a similar attraction to the Churchill War Rooms in London but without the high prices and the long queue to get in. In contrast to the Churchill War Rooms, in many areas of this museum, you can go into the rooms and touch artefacts such as telephones and typewriters.

At the beginning of your visit, there is a recreated 1940s street scene and a room where you can watch newsreel footage from the Second World War.

One of the museum’s highlights is the original Gaumont Kalee Dragon projector used to show Winston Churchill’s secret war footage, although Churchill’s bathtub is probably a bigger drawcard for many visitors. 

The museum also includes displays about the work of the Western Approaches Command and life in wartime Liverpool. There is also an excellent exhibit, a museum within a museum really, about the Wrens and their important role in winning the war.

Visiting the Western Approaches Museum

The Western Approaches Museum is in the heart of the city centre and both Moorfields and James Street stations are less than a five-minute walk away. It is also close to many other points of interest including the Cavern Club, the Liverpool Beatles Museum, the Museum of Liverpool, the British Music Experience and the Royal Liver Building, which are all under a 10-minute walk from the museum.

The museum is open every day between 10am and 6pm and the entry fee is £14.50, which is much less than what you would pay at the Churchill War Rooms.

Due to the historic nature of the building (and the fact that care has been taken to keep everything looking exactly as it did during the war), the museum is not wheelchair accessible.

If you liked this museum, you will enjoy the Churchill War Rooms and HMS Belfast in London, the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker in Essex and Bletchley Park near Milton Keynes.

Visitors to the museum usually spend around two hours here.