From Roman legions and Viking raids to the bombs of World War II, Britain is full of places that are reminders of what some might call a dark past. Nonetheless, interest in our sometimes gruesome history is certainly growing in the form of dark tourism. Many travellers are now on the look out for some eerie places that are full of chilling tales from years gone by.
One of them happens to be the Victoria Tunnel in Newcastle, which runs for 2.4 miles beneath the city. It was first built in the 1800s to carry coal from a colliery at the Town Moor down to the River Tyne. Because of the slope, full wagons rolled downhill on their own while empty ones were hauled back up by a steam engine.
The tunnel closed in 1860 after the colliery shut, but it was brought back into use decades later. In 1939, just before the Second World War, it was turned into an air-raid shelter for around 9,000 people.
The walls were whitewashed, lighting was added, and hundreds of benches and bunk beds were installed.
New entrances were also built, including one on Ouse Street, which is now the main way in for tours.
Today, visitors can explore the tunnel as part of a guided tour. There are two options – a 75-minute introduction or a longer two-hour version.
Both are run by volunteers from the Ouseburn Trust and give people the chance to walk through a preserved stretch of tunnel and hear the stories behind it.
One of the most popular parts of the tour is the sound effects. Guests hear the rumble of coal wagons from the 1800s and the chilling sounds of air raids, including sirens, planes flying overhead, and bombs falling.
Tour guides also point out key wartime features. These include the old bunk beds, a wooden crucifix, a roll of honour, and a section that runs directly beneath Hadrian’s Wall.
Visitors also learn how people lived through bombing raids underground, sitting in the dark with family and neighbours, waiting for the all-clear.
There are also special events in the tunnel throughout the year. These include live music shows and even wine tastings with a local hotel called Tipple in the Tunnel.
The Victoria Tunnel reopened to the public in 2010 and is now one of Newcastle’s top attractions. It’s open all year round, but tours are limited and booking is advised.
