London's WWII Tunnels Set to Open as Major Tourist Attraction

A network of World War II tunnels in London, originally built to protect civilians during the Blitz, is set to undergo a £120 million transformation into a major tourist attraction by late 2027 or early 2028. Spanning 1.6 km beneath Holborn, these tunnels served multiple purposes post-war, including as a base for the Special Operations Executive, an intelligence unit that inspired the creation of James Bond's Q Branch. The redevelopment aims to create an immersive experience that combines historical exhibits, a museum, and entertainment, with an expected annual visitor count of three million and entry fees exceeding £30. Angus Murray, CEO of The London Tunnels, emphasizes the project's potential to significantly boost tourism in London, likening it to the impact of the London Eye. The site will also feature a bar serving Vesper Martinis, linking it to its espionage history. The tunnels have remained largely unused since the 1970s, making this redevelopment a highly anticipated reopening of a significant piece of wartime history.