A Nuclear Bunker, A Historic Pub and Cheese in Nantwich

In Brief. 

For something completely different from a day trip to a civilised National Trust property, the Hack Green Nuclear Bunker in the Cheshire countryside provides a glimpse into the somewhat bygone age of the Cold War and the threat of nuclear devastation. Hack Green was to have been a government regional headquarters in the event of a nuclear war, and contains the minimum infrastructure for communication, coordination and life support for 160 civil servants. It's a stark reminder of how very bleak everything could quickly have become. Afterwards, the historic town of Nantwich is close by, with an opportunity to have lunch in a 400 year old hostelry and to both find out about and take home some Cheshire cheese.

British air-dropped nuclear weapon.

What's Here?

Hack Green is approached down typical country lanes, and is a large, windowless concrete building, designed to withstand some measure of bomb damage.  Inside it is substantial, hosting among other things a canteen and a museum on the ground floor, and underground a variety of plant rooms, many kinds of communication equipment and sleeping quarters for staff.

As a secret facility, Hack Green could not be considered for architectural awards.

Overall, the site currently balances educational displays that discuss the Cold War and the associated threat of mutually assured destruction with the preserved infrastructure of the bunker. The museum elements include displays of nuclear weapons, a mock-up of a Soviet Union missile launch station, and displays on the use of nuclear weapons in the Second World War. The preserved infrastructure includes a sizeable plant room for providing life support to the staff, infrastructure for sending out the four minute warning, a radio studio (television was assumed to be down) and a variety of means of communicating with military and civilian centres. Probably it is good that there was this investment in providing some form of ongoing government, but overall it is quite a sobering place to visit.

In contrast, nearby Nantwich is a pleasant market town, with historic buildings, a 14th century church and a range of shopping opportunities. The compact Nantwich Museum provides a glimpse into the town's history, which includes salt production from local springs, a major fire in Elizabethan times, and a thriving cheese industry that is reflected in a dedicated Cheese Room. On the same street as the museum is a Cheese Shop with a wide range of local cheeses if you want to take some home, which is recommended.

The Grade 1 listed Crown Hotel.

After the Great Fire of Nantwich in 1853, which destroyed much of the town, there was a substantial rebuild, which included the The Crown Hotel, which provides a historic setting for a pub or restaurant lunch with local retirees. 

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 47 miles

Drive Time: 1 hour 10 mins

Price: Hack Green: $$

Parking: Hack Green: There is free on site parking.

Food and Drink: There is a friendly canteen at Hack Green, doing canteen-like coffee and cakes.

Retail Therapy: The shopping opportunities are in Nantwich.

Child Friendly: Hack Green is not really designed for younger kids, but as three coach loads of teenagers turned up during my visit, there must be some educational value for secondary school pupils!

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: 90 minutes.

Inside-Outside: 100:0

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