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Step back in time to discover a unique part of Brighton's wartime history with one of our air raid shelter tours.
During the war, every school would have had its own air raid shelter, now one of the only surviving examples in the UK is under the playground at Downs Junior School.
There is lots to do and see during your visit to Take Shelter: Tour the shelter with one of our knowledgeable guides (ticketed). Tours last about 40 minutes and in addition to exploring the shelter you will see themed displays, films and audio on evacuation, rationing, air raids and wartime Brighton.
After you tour you can browse our World War II themed museum, chat with our veterans about their experiences of the war as children, soak up the vintage sounds while enjoying a cup of tea and bite to eat from Mrs Button's Tea Room and take home a souvenir from the Take Shelter shop.
Opening Times:
We are open to the public on our monthly open days, (typically first Sunday of the month), take part in Brighton Fringe Festival in May and Heritage Open Days in September. We also run a popular schools programme throughout the year on typically on a Tuesday or Thursday. All visits are bookable via our website takeshelter.org.uk
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Facilities
Other
- Step-free access to all or most areas: There is step-free access to all or most areas. This may include access by ramp or lift. As a minimum, there is step-free access to an accessible toilet and at least one food and beverage outlet, where available.
- Step-free entrance: There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance. This may be via a ramp or lift.
GENERAL
- Emergency alarm with flashing lights: There is an emergency alarm with flashing lights, to alert deaf guests to a fire or other emergency scenario.
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet in public areas: A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users, and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements, is available within the main public areas.
PARKING
- Step-free route with firm surface from car park to entrance: There is a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.
RESTAURANT / DINING ROOM / BAR
- Dietary requirements catered for: A selection of food is offered for a range of dietary requirements.
- Table service as standard or on request: Table service is available as standard or on request.
- Wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet: There is at least one wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet on site.
Opening Times
| 2026 (1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026) |
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* We are open to the public on our monthly open days, (typically second Sunday of the month), take part in Brighton Fringe in May and Heritage Open Days in September. We also run a popular schools programme throughout the year typically on a Tuesday or Thursday. All visits are bookable via our website takeshelter.org.uk
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