Hello, my name is Steve from the UK and I have always been fascinated by modern world history. My key areas of interest are World War 1, 2 and the Soviet Union. I am interested in finding artefacts around the UK relating to WW2 to explore. I was wondering if anyone knew of any cement bunkers, remnants of abandoned buildings relating to the war in the UK that I can explore. I am looking on Google but it is difficult to find places outside of museums (I will look around museums too but there's a charm about exploring abandoned places). Apologies if this is in the wrong place of the forum (its my first thread). Any help is greatly appreciated of any known areas that may be of interest Stay safe and have a great day. Steve.
Do a Facebook search for WW2 military buildings. Gordon has a private group dedicated to these places. I'm sure you'll find many that meet your interests.
Welcome Steve, Have you tried doing a search on the forum? I'm pretty sure we have several posts about local England military sites to see and visit, bunkers included. If you are interested in Bunkers see if you can find a copy of "Pillboxes - a Study of UK Defenses 1940" by Henry Wills. There are maps showing defense positions scattered all over the countryside. There is mention of maps from the Ordnance Survey Routeplanner Map. Might give them try at Her Majesty's Stationary Office. Our good friend Urgh gave me a copy a few years back and there is a lot of interesting reading in it.
Did someone ring? Hi Steven, Welcome to the forums. My own group's called WW1 & WWII Memories History Group, and it's more dedicated to stories than actual sites, but feel free to take a look. WWI & WWII Memories History group-Facebook Groups These sites are good places to start- The Pillbox Study Group Website. Airfield Research Group - Home Forgotten airfields europe Home Page | Fortress Study Group Use these databases to expand your knowledge- Home Front Legacy 1914-18 Defence of Britain Archive Repatriated Landscape Home – Subterranea Britannica The Drill Hall Project> Introduction & Homepage Frontline Ulster - Frontline Ulster 20th Century Cumbrian Defence Introductory Page Orkney Defence Interest Network - Welcome Secret Scotland And then enjoy these FB groups- PoW Underground-Facebook Groups (this is also mine) WW2 Military Buildings-Facebook Groups Pillbox Appreciation Society-Facebook Groups Modern Conflict Archaeology World War 2 Remains and Sites throughout Scotland ( I help moderate this one) WW2 Civil Defence (ARP) Re-enactors.-Facebook Groups UK Second World War Heritage Edinburgh and Lothians at War Aviation Memorials Worldwide-Facebook Groups And there's a lot more I can't remember. A couple of urbex sites have a good military content- Derelict Places 28DaysLater.co.uk If you need any more help, give me a shout.
Welcome to the Forum Steve. I've had a lifelong fascination with 'derelict WW2 buildings' ( as a friend once unkindly described it ) and have spent countless happy hours researching and visiting them. Gordon (GRW) is hugely knowledgeable and can help you a lot. I'd also recommend many of the magazines and books published over the years by 'After The Battle' publishing. I wish you all the best - the atmosphere of such places - especially some of the old airfields - can be quite overwhelming.
Amazing, responses! Thanks to everyone who took the time to help me out I will take all of these into account and look at all the links provided! Apologies it took me so long to respond, been very busy lately. I'd love to make video blogs for myself visiting these places just so I have more than images to reflect on these places as my memories.
I have been planning a trip to Bristol this May to look at general old abandoned places and wondered if anyone knew of any remnants from the wars that may be around?
I scanned the map from the book I mentioned in post# 6. Hope this helps. The red dots are pillboxes and defences (one or more) ps: Don't forget pictures