Visiting - Information
Western Approaches
1-3 Rumford Street, Exchange Flags, Liverpool, Merseyside L2 8SZ
Read our updated visitors guide here
Opening times
Monday - 10am - 6pm
Tuesday - 10am to 6pm
Wednesday - 10am - 6pm
Thursday - 10am - 6pm
Friday - 10am - 6pm
Saturday - 10am - 6pm
Sunday - 10am - 6pm
Last entry is at 5:00pm
Tickets & prices
We ask that visitors buy tickets in advance where possible, although you can also purchase them on the day.
We do not offer time slots when purchasing tickets but do ask that you select the day of your visit.
We offer an Annual Pass and a Day Pass. These options are available in-person and online
We receive NO funding and all money made through tickets is invested in the continued restoration of the bunker and paying the staff to keep the important building open for people to see.
Please note that Western Approaches is now a cashless museum. We accept all major credit and debit cards (including contactless mobile payments), or you can book online below.
| Admission | Day Pass | Annual Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £16.50 | £19.50 |
| (Students, ex/serving forces)* | £14.50 | |
| Children under 16 | £1.00 | £5.00 |
| Served in The Second World War | Free – with a gift bag | |
| Groups (10 people or more) |
£14.50 per person |
*Students and Serving Personnel/Ex-Forces, emergency services must present a valid ID card.
A personal guided tour of the site is available for groups and individuals for a one-off price of £75 per group of up to 15 people (plus entry fee per person).
Getting Here
Well hidden
As a secret bunker, your first mission will be to find us! We are still very much hidden away and can be difficult to find, but please bear with us, we are worth the effort and we have written some simple instructions to help you on your mission.
Pictured above is the entrance to Western Approaches and you will find us within the basement of Exchange Flags, behind the Town Hall and St Martin’s Bank. The iconic Liver Bird’s can be seen from the window of Western Approaches.
We are opposite the NCP car park on Rumford Street and you can see us from Chapel Street and the corner of Rumford Place (close to Mercure Thistle Hotel, Hotel Indigo and Travelodge on Exchange Street).
Public Transport
We are very lucky to be within a very short walking distance of two main underground train stations, Moorfields and James Street. The mainline Lime Street station is approximately 15 minutes walk away. Our museum is also well serviced by local bus routes, with both major bus stations (Queen Square and Liverpool One) less than a 0.5 mile walk. Pier Head ferry terminal is a few minutes’ walk.
We are also within walking distance of all the city attractions such as 360 Liver Building Tour, Royal Albert Dock, The Beatles Story, The Mersey Tunnel Tour and The Great British Music Experience.
Parking
There is pay and display parking on Rumford Street in front of the museum (this is run by the NCP). There are also a number of other car parks nearby.
Accessibility & Carers Ticket Policy
Above are pictures of the staircases in the building. They are marked with a ‘D’ or ‘U’ to indicate whether they are stairs up or down when following the route. In addition we also have a number of single small steps around the building. The Western Approaches site is across two floors with various staircases and steps in between.
Due to the historic nature of the building, the only way around is via these staircases. Visitors with mobility restrictions preventing them using stairs are able to access some rooms on the upper floor (though not following the intended route, and we do not charge these visitors an entry fee).
There are seats located around the building which can be used by visitors to take a rest.
The toilets are located at the bottom of a ramp near the reception area. These are our only toilet facilities on site at present. Whilst they do not have step access they are not wheelchair accessible.
We do have baby changing facilities but unfortunately are not able to provide a “changing places” facility.
We are pleased to offer Carers a free ticket for each paying member. We ask for the below as proof.
-
- Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 or DLA/Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16-64, either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded, or the actual Allowance book.
- Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Allowance letter of award.
- Incapacity Benefit books, or a letter notifying the recipient that the benefit has been awarded Incapacity Benefit, Employment Support Allowance (ESA). Disability Student’s Allowance (DSA) or DID card (UK Disabled ID Card)
- In the case of visual impairment, a registration card known as the BD8 or a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI).
- Credibility’s Access Card with the carer/companion symbol.
- A card from the council to prove you are a carer