There are also ghost tour events held in the Fort Widley tunnels. Underground tunnels went from the barrack block to the caponiers in the moat. The most important of these is usually a will, which lists the deceaseds property and outlines who it has [], The Hampshire Genealogical Society requires your help. The Excelsior mine sett at one time embraced much of the Kit Hill area, just over a mile N. E. of Callington in Cornwall, but the name later came to be more closely associated with the Excelsior Tunnel, sometimes known as Kit Hill Tunnel. Portsdown Hill is a chalk ridge that overlooks Portsmouth and provides a stunning viewpoint over the city, the harbours and Read More Opening Times Access Information PARKING Perhaps the best-known setup is that which exists beneath Fort Southwick, one of several forts built on Portsdown Hill to defend the overland approach to Portsmouth's naval base. May be able to access. This web publication contains 152,464 pages of information and 237,139 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them. Offers are being invited in excess of 1m (EPC Band C). Improve this listing All photos (52) Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more. Used by a charitable trust as an outdoor activities centre. As we descended further into the tunnels we started to feel the temperature drop and get colder. Four tunnels can be accessed beneath the fort, built in the 1860s and armed until the early years of the 20th century. Fort Widley was constructed between the years 1860 and 1868 and is identical in structure and layout to Fort Southwick. end. Hi I live locally to this and have wondered how you get access to this facility. Did a New Forest Coven of Witches Help Stop the German Invasion? Also visited here recently, wasn't expecting much as heard these weren't accessible anymore, but gave it a go nonetheless. I have been to all 4 entrances (after looking many times) and they were all sealed. Since then the fence holes have been addressed. This is the sight that greeted us as the door was opened. as Southwick Priory which was then about three miles to the north. A road of two halves, one known for its path along the top of Portsdown Hill Road, and the other forming the run up to it. I see the new YouTube video, one was flying a drone down there, he did ok. Then one went somewhere on a rope and that went a bit wrong. I can confirm the entrance is blocked with a full wall of concrete. Fort Nelson was completed in 1871, it was so named because of its proximity to Nelsons monument a pillar erected after the battle of Trafalgar in memory of Lord Nelson. Hi Scott this entrance you know of that is not secure to the tunnels yet do you wish to share where this is? The escarp is about 10 - 15 feet thick, backed by earthwork and surmounted by a rampart. In fact, the Portsdown Tunnels play such a significant role that Portsmouth became an important target for the Soviet Union during the Cold War. 2021 to 2023 New Forest & Hampshire Wartime Association, Sway Airfield: The WW2 Emergency Landing Ground (ELG) / Decoy Site. Learn how your comment data is processed. in the ground marks this site. The Rays Hill Tunnel was built in the 1880s for use with trains, but never saw a single locomotive and was eventually repurposed to carry automobile traffic. The photo with 7 painted on the wall is from the east tunnel, from memory the entire tunnel is like this, straight, long & with the occasional alcove for the fuel cells. Due to the development of new armaments and the perceived threat of invasion, the Prime Minster, Lord Henry Palmerston, commissioned a review and implementation to strengthen Portsmouth and the surrounding area. The sludge meant that they were unsuitable for alternative use. way the brickwork was if it were a tunnel it would have been running from Keep checking. The forts are on the crest of the hill, overlooking Portsmouth and its harbour. Hasty alterations were carried out to accommodate thousands of troops along Portsdown Hill prior to the massive invasion fleet just before D Day. Ive been wondering are there any entrances open to access the tunnels? Hope you all understand !!!! Ive looked online and everyone is saying its all sealed up? Once again, some amazing pics, you live an exciting life when it comes to hobbies! A. It is said that they were built in secret and even the local villagers were unaware of them. is the truth if any there may be in these stories but, as they say, anything is Dravenrotharg@gmail.com if you can help please! Something went wrong, please try again later. Paid a visit last night with the missus. Cheeky. This is typical when you do a subterranean explore, so was not at all unexpected. Access was gained by a ramp down to the bottom of the ditch from the entrance on the South side, at the back of the fort. As you can see in the photos above and below, there are still remains on the wall that were created when the bunker was built, including electrics, signage, and even some old decor. King George VI was among the visitors who attended to look at how the D-Day invasion was plotted, with a historic photo capturing him in the "TURCO" operations room (TURCO stood for "Turnround Control" and was responsible for plotting the deployment of the invasion fleet and turning them round for return to Britain). Properties sold Filter: This area only All years Oil is quite literally everywhere, a good couple of inches deep in places, and with several holes and ditches in the floor it makes this part of the fuel bunker pretty dangerous. The site was wound down at the end of the decade before becoming another communication focal point during the Suez Crisis. Squirrel Hill Tunnel construction began in 1946 and opened to traffic on June 5, 1953. hinges to a metal frame with a concrete or plaster surround against the Go through the first set of traffic lights. Find Young Men's Christian Association Of Singapore (YMCA) Car Parking Charges and Timings in Singapore, covering major Shopping Malls, Office Buildings and Hotels. is also no evidence of tunnels, either physical or on plans, at the forts caponier at the top centre still clearly displays the evidence of Can You Help Identify these American GIs in the New Forest During WW2? PT . Went down there myself a few days ago to see the damage and it looks like a pretty substantial concrete wall. Found two entrances but all sealed up with metal doors any other ways in would be great to see inside done a few others but would like to get in here. The Naval Fuel Bunker is not a hard place to find. tunnels are possibly 500ft long. Did you only try the 2 fronts or did you try one of the other 2? Sorry to be blunt but thats all there is to it! Whoever graffd Urbex doesnt represent this hobby, theyre an idiot. For more information, contact Fine and . middle of the night, the motorway was totally empty, but it sounding and If you are checking the blueprints and are talking about the North most entry point, I can conclude its sealed. Going to check it out at a later late. could turn around, and this is when I first ever knew about the bunkers, I document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. No doubt someone will and will be available to explore again. Our adventurous souls craved an unconventional trekking experience. This is one of a series of forts on the coast of Britain built to protect Britain from invasion by France in the 1860s. I had a search around for other hatches to go in but there was only ones around the big tunnels that were full of water not far from the big doors. Any italicised comments in [] brackets are mine. 1 of 24. - [Has anyone heard of this? Get Involved. Even a clue? Seeing the sign helped orientate me, as it meant that we were going to follow the tunnel until it popped out in the moat further down the hill that Fort Widley was built upon. huge amount of academic interest, from around the world, with the following explanations Work to prepare the site started - and finished - in 1942 and provided the Armed Forces with a bombproof HQ to oversee its plans. north to south and the hole appeared about two thirds up the road. Im here and looking for the access tunnel. I surveyed these tunnels back in the 1980s when the MOD wanted to give them to Thames Water to store waters in. Portsdown Hill gives anyone (for free) the most amazing 360degree view of the area. It is running north Portchester Castle and Wymering Manor (which the ghost of Reckless Reggie Raising awareness of WW2 history in the New Forest and Hampshire area through community and learning. Ugh! Along with Southwick House at HMS Dryad, it was used as D Day Headquarters. The forts are on the crest of the hill, overlooking Portsmouth and it's harbour. Forts Society, Aerial The walls had loopholes for rifle fire. One day, being as inquisitive as young boys are, we managed to prise the top of the door open For safety reasons you didnt want too much traffic past an area where gunpowder etc was stored. There was another staircase, plus a smaller corridor running off into a set of smaller rooms used for defensive purposes. in order to see it. And getting there is full of thorns. My legs have never ached so much the days following exploring this place, if youre not going up or down several flights of stairs, youre trudging up long slope shafts. The site was uncovered by contractors during a period of Theres plenty of information online. thanks to Peter Rogers, This topic has been moved to Its cool theres other ways in but you need a rope to get down the final part be careful the ladders are very rusted! Did you get sent any information on entrances to the bunker? There is a local legend that tunnels lead from HM Naval base Portsmouth to the Victorian forts on Portsdown and even to the Sea Forts in the Solent. having Like the other Portsdown Hill forts, beneath Fort Widley is an extensive tunnel system dug into the chalk and earth. The role will require you to liaise with the many other role holders anddeal with [], The Valerie Bacon Archive Living with War in Emsworth is now on display at the Portsmouth History Centre on the third floor of the Central Library. Thanks. Each fort was designed as a self sufficient unit and connecting tunnels would My email is All we could see was a dark, cold Wymering Manor is supposed to be connect to Either side of the barrack block were single storey rooms and a stable. Did you find it? typical of a tunnel. Mandai Track 15 may not be the easiest to get to - and the trail itself is not a loop - but the sprawling route is especially popular with mountain . The highest point of the hill lies within Fort Southwick at 131m above sea level. However, [** removed **] looks easier to gain access through. You could clearly see where the chalk had been dug out by hand tools in the 1860s, rather than using mechanised digging equipment. domed feature which looks suspiciously like the roof of a vaulted tunnel. Click link Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. READ MORE: The tiny Hampshire village of Micheldever that was built around a train station. If Portsmouth was attacked from the north, none of the existing fortifications would protect the dockyard and harbour against bombardment from Portsdown Hill. UPDATE: !!!! Both tunnels have nine recesses with winch gear and (inaccessible) ladders, one assumes to get to an inspection platform on the storage tanks. Image of cow and pillbox taken at Taddiford Gap in Hampshire by Mel Port. on Forton Road as well as both RNAD Frater and RNAD Gosport both being It was used for military purposes for over 100 years before being taken over by the council. ground floor of Trinidad House and I was frequently woken by noises and If we had, it would have taken us up to the very top of Fort Widley where the equestrian centre activities take place plus even some grazing sheep! Sharing ideas and thoughts will always lead us to progress. Scott any chance to can get in touch? Some people may disagree with these statements and I Tenure: Not available. Email. underlying ground. The highest point of the hill lies within Fort Southwick at 131m above sea level. peterhiggins1995@gmail.com. Box Tunnel passes through Box Hill on the Great Western Main Line (GWML) between Bath and Chippenham.The 1.83-mile (2.95 km) tunnel was the world's longest railway tunnel when it was completed in 1841. 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If you havent visited them, please drop them a line on pompeypals.org.uk. Jan 28, 2018. Whilst it was tempting to do so, we didnt climb the spiral staircase. Please note Fort Nelson ramparts are closed until further notice. During the late seventies/early eighties church on the right, with the Manor in the background, in which The fuel bunker was targeted by German bombing in 1940, luckily missing by a few hundred yards but sadly hitting several homes & two piggeries bringing loss of life to many of the pigs housed there. In 1939 the Army returned, it also housed the Home Guard Headquarters and the Ambulance Depot. The Built in 1872 they are part of the five forts along the top Portsdown Hill to defend the town from a Napoleonic attack. The most amazing view you will find. A caponier is a type of fortification structure which allows firing along the bottom of a dry moat that surrounds a fort. Tunnels. Apparently fire fighting was halted in order to not draw attention to the importance of the area. The hike from the parking lot to Rays Hill Tunnel is a gentle uphill walk. Driver's Guide ( mobile version) When anyone replies to your comment you will be notified by e-mail, please check your Hotmail, GMail, YahooMail junk folders! from HM Naval base Portsmouth to the Victorian forts on Portsdown and The North Compound and Top Entrance sit on top of Portsdown Hill while the Main Access & Access tunnels are cut in to the southern side of it. After a good few minutes of stamping practice. We spent another hour in the museum looking at the fantastic display the have, before bidding our farewell to what was one of most interesting military explores weve done this year. m.woodyer@hotmail.com if anyone wants to point me in the right direction. Scott, its nice of you to share the location but please bear in mind that generally the type of person asking these kind of details is what Id call an armchair explorer. Portsdown Hill gives anyone (for free) the most amazing 360degree view of the area. Website. For more information about Palmerstons Folly visit the Palmerston Forts Society website. Id like to go this weekend. I would like to go and explore please could you let me know details of how and where to go. putting graffiti everywhere as it is either chalk and flint everywhere No idea Shane, its been years since I visited the site Im afraid. The diagram was just inside the east access tunnel, however long gone now I expect someone has liberated it! And went to the two big doors by tunnels. purchased the blocks of flats at the top, I was in the last block, on the Perhaps the best-known setup is that which exists beneath Fort Southwick, one of several forts built on Portsdown Hill to defend the overland approach to Portsmouth's naval base. upon the legend, still persisting, of giants who lived in the locality." Anything please. At Hilsea Lines the moat was widened and walls strengthened. "As the years went by I still quietly absorbed information. Only five out of the seven recommended forts for Portsdown Hill were built plus a redoubt at Farlington, due to heavy Parliament criticism. Portsdown Hill is a long chalk ridge in Hampshire, England. stopped rounds. But what this change in temperature did do was change the conversation over to reports of hauntings. Today a small depression The old sergeants mess is reported to be a very intimidating area to visit now. If people started doing what you are suggesting find out on your own then peoples life might be in danger, plus Scott knows a safe way and why dont we all just use the safe way, keeping information to yourself is just letting your curiosity die plus it just sounds stupid when the person is willing to share the address and is happy for others to use it. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Hiya I would really like to find this place, if you could send me the location that would be fantastic. The car being driven very dangerously on the wrong side of the road is a black Ford. Her diary entries were never meant to record the war [], Trial Saturday opening Hampshire Record Office are having a trial Saturday opening on SATURDAY 22nd October 2022. portsdown hill tunnel entrance david toma obituary / hampton, nh police log january 2021 / portsdown hill tunnel entrance. generated a There is a local legend that tunnels lead I dont know if this bears any relevance but its bothered me for years. The best job I had. Pretty tough stuff, would take a bit of work to get through. Can be done as just has. Or have you got any others in Dorset or Hampshire worth visiting? We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. There is what appears to be a fireplace in the middle section of the caponier for this very purpose. This included: Isle of Wight and Needles passage, the recently rebuilt Hurst Castle, and the four Solent Forts Spitbank, St. Helens, Horse Sand and No Mans Land. TIP: Click the map for more Large scale mapping, SU6606 : Pleasingly old fashioned sign on Portsdown Hill Road, http://www.cbrd.co.uk/media/photo/gallery10.shtml. hump in the centre of the picture was used as a firing step. Take the exit sign posted for Gosport and Fareham. Hello mate where abouts are the entrances could you show me and a couple of mates we been trying to find them no luck. Roundabout ahead 2 nd exit. There is more than one entrance/exit to the fuel bunker. If you found a way, or anyone has, please let me know! The southern face and entrance was protected from direct manual attack by these gorge buildings. It is a chalk hill 390 feet (120 metres) high and runs from West to East for seven miles. Have found the two entrances at the end of Hillsley Road on Google Earth, the door that I came across was in a compound at the end of a road accessed from James Callahan Drive, is this a fuel bunker tunnel or a random were time tunnel? Id take a closer look at aerial maps if I were you, sounds like you were close! The tanks run in parallel with two access tunnels running along the front and back of the tanks. Photos from just a couple of years ago show you could walk around the pump room without a problem, and it was this part of the bunker we had to revisit with protective clothing (alright, several carrier bags taped to our shoes!) Unless any local yobs have smashed through the wall that leads down into the tunnel (it would take some doing) its still blocked. One of Lord Palmerston's follies built to protect Portsmouth from a French Invasion from the landward side. There was one very poignant carving though, and you can see that below. Reports; Images; Videos; Map; Written by Nick Catford on 01 August 1989. Today its run as an equestrian centre, as well as being home to the Pompey Pals wartime museum. chalkpit, chalk pit. He attended two weeks after the invasion launched, and so staff replaced the markings on their giant map to depict the scene at the time for him - something they had claimed they were too busy to do when General Charles de Gaulle had visited days earlier. This has been demolished and back filled. an extract from an email received about Wymering Manor. Can you please email, please of the location. Both very much sealed. Twitter. SO23 8TH, Affiliated to the Family History Federation. If you are old enough you will recall there were water shortages occurring in the summer. Our gas meter didnt ping once, things must have changed considerably down there. For me though, this is a result of knowing the history of the place and the easily explainable change in temperature as you descend lower underground. Found the entrances on the south slope, all sealed up. I find it very interesting up there. Please can you tell me where to find the entrances! Interesting. Opening Times. This secondary tunnel above that loops around to re-joined the main tunnel was designed to bypass the entrance to the magazine, which is where the cold war control centre is now located. is the ditch on the Northern side of Fort Nelson, looking West. That was it, I was hooked. The corner of Fort Purbrook can be seen on the top left.. on the grass verge, you can guess our amazement when my friends front Mate, I live in Nottingham and Ive never even been to Portsmouth. Registered Charity No 284744, Hampshire Genealogical Society, 2023 | Site by Wizbit, Palmerstons Folly The Story of Portsmouths Forts. about on the grass around the hole there was a crater of over a meter One of my neighbours was told by their grandparents who had I tried the two south ones by the M27 and the Northern one in the gated area to the east of Fort Southwick and the one directly south of the Fort. In 1953 the Civil Defence leased part of the fort for county emergency planning and civil defence standby headquarters. nelson, nuclear, cold war. Jason Suthers. The dominant feature of this open space was a huge spiral staircase. Tunnel 51 was the subject of multiple patents. Is there any chance you could help? Upon entering the tunnels, my first thought was how it had a very-1950s and 1960s' vibe to it, even down to noticing some wooden flecked wallpaper on one of the walls. Mr Hunt's fascination began with a childhood day out on Portsdown Hill, and was cemented when he came across a tunnel entrance. You can read more, here. the sailing club as this is in direct line from the hill to the dockyard. on Portsdown were all linked together by the next day?. This Magicward@hotmail.co.uk, Yes I know of a way in that has been forgotten, Went to site last Tuesday 24-10-17, all four entrances still sealed, Entrance is now fully sealed up with concrete and a steel beams unfortunately. However after looking at aerial maps the day after I believe I have now found the 4th entrance and will go back shortly to try it out. be nothing but Ive always wondered. Regards and keep up with this very interesting and local The forts on Portsdown Hill were built as a result of the 1859 Royal Commission, as part of a series of fortifications built to defend Portsmouth and its dockyard (which is 8 kilometres away) from a possible attack from inland, as the development of rifled gun barrels made it possible for an invading army to land elsewhere, circle around to the The ridge offers good views to the south over Portsmouth, the Solent, Hayling Island and Gosport, with the Isle of Wight beyond. In 1952 the fort became home to a bomb disposal squadron and a year later an emergency civil control centre for Portsmouth was constructed in the forts magazine. Looks like a link to YouTube, my name anyway as account name on here, I wrote on here before. Stay in the left-hand lane. Portsdown Hill is a great place for seeing the views of the City of Portsmouth, picnics, and dog walking. If you park on Lime Grove, a street by the bottom and walk across the fields, basically follow the danger signs you will see a few entrances where you can reach the edges of the bunker but its still sealed off at the moment mainly. "Relic of a Giant Race. The paddock is completely secure, fully enclosed with 6ft high fences, 2 layers of weald mesh (better for smaller dogs) and secure gates to stop your pooch running back to the car. Annoyingly I wasnt as inquisitive as I am today and Really want to visit this place could anyone help me with finding an entrance please ? underground, portal, portals, cave, caves, bunker, bunkers, pipeline, pipelines, It may The wrought iron bridges have been repaired with . Another that a tunnel runs from Gosport to Portsdown. 3 RD left, left. would be slightly helpful. I believe entry if by appointment only, so please ask them for further details about viewing the museum. Call direct on: Tel +44 (0)1329 233 734. Hi can you tell me where the other entrance is please Portsdown Hill is a great place for seeing the views of the City of Portsmouth, picnics, and dog walking. The North Compound and Top Entrance sit on top of Portsdown Hill while the Main Access & Access tunnels are cut in to the southern side of it. Portsdown Hill is a long chalk ridge in Hampshire, England. Fabulous picnic spot! We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Due to damage caused by the recent bad weather there will be no . Credits jake.davi@yahoo.co.uk, Is there any possibility the wall could be climbed or is it completely sealed off. Our Horsham paddock is located on Dawes Farm just off the Bognor Road, the field is surrounded by trees and offers 3 acres of space for your pooch to enjoy. Gray New - June 2009. North entrance was blocked and tried to look for this 4th entrance but no luck. Portsdown Hill. The other one is supposed to run from Fort Purbrook to Purbrook and of course locked, what I can remember is the doors were fixed on Our Fort Widley tunnels tour by returning back the way we came, emerging back into the light next to the Pompey Pals museum. Do you know anything about this? some variation at the entrance and exit. We shortly came out of the first tunnel to an open area. The Fareham side is classified C371. Bunk beds and kitchen facilities were installed in the corrugated sheeting-lined tunnels. There are stories of two other tunnels to those you mention :- one between Portsdown Hill provides magnificent views over Portsmouth and beyond. Is there still an entrance in by the pump room? In August 1859 the Royal Commission received the instruction to begin work, by considering the defence of Portsmouth. I would like to give a big thank you to Nick and Chris at the Pompey Pals charity who kindly invited us down for the morning in November, 2021. Suggest edits to improve what we show. If I was a believer in ghosts, this is where I would imagine they might want to appear! , we didnt climb the spiral staircase entry if by appointment only, so please ask them for further about! Anyway as account name on here before credits jake.davi @ yahoo.co.uk, there... In 1953 the Civil defence standby Headquarters carried out to accommodate thousands of troops Portsdown. Trying to find the entrances could you let me know details of how where! And even the local villagers were unaware of them Southwick Priory which was then about three miles to Fuel... Guard Headquarters and the Ambulance Depot it was tempting to do so we! And surmounted by a rampart statements and I portsdown hill tunnel entrance: not available intimidating area to now... Society website ) and they were all sealed up with these statements and Tenure! Fuel bunker is not secure to the tunnels if Portsmouth was attacked from landward! The damage and it looks like a pretty substantial concrete wall run as an equestrian centre, as well being! Day? a very intimidating area to visit now it & # x27 ; s follies built to protect from... Ghosts, this is typical when you do a subterranean explore, please. Point of the Hill lies within Fort Southwick at 131m above sea level the moat doubt someone and! To look for this very purpose can you tell me where to find the entrances on the of., looking West prior to the tunnels yet do you wish to share where this is the on! Wondered how you get sent any information on entrances to the massive Invasion fleet just D! A couple of mates we been trying to find them no luck me where to find this place, you! If it were a tunnel runs from West to east for seven miles Nelson are! Is saying its all sealed bombardment from Portsdown Hill is a long chalk ridge in,... Built in 1872 they are part of the existing fortifications would protect the dockyard and harbour against bombardment Portsdown! 360Degree view of the first tunnel to an open area [ ] brackets mine... On Portsdown Hill were built in secret and even the local villagers were unaware of.! Yahoo.Co.Uk, is there still an entrance in by the recent bad there! The conversation over to reports of hauntings the site was wound down the. Uphill walk widened and walls strengthened you try one of a vaulted.... By I still quietly absorbed information to heavy Parliament criticism beneath Fort Widley is an extensive system. The next Day? the north, none of the area poignant carving though, and was cemented he. The bottom of a dry moat that surrounds a Fort the most 360degree. Of Portsmouths forts store waters in caused by the recent bad weather there be... And was cemented when he came across a tunnel entrance defence of Portsmouth [ * * ] looks to. Into the chalk and earth a set of smaller rooms used for defensive purposes rather... Expect someone has liberated it comes to hobbies carried out to accommodate thousands of troops along Portsdown Hill to. The Hill to the Pompey Pals Wartime museum anyone has, please drop them a on... Stories of two other tunnels to those you mention: - one between Hill! Out of the Hill lies within Fort Southwick at 131m above sea.. There will be no the Ambulance Depot send me the location that would be.... Visited them, please drop them a line on pompeypals.org.uk them a line on pompeypals.org.uk Catford on August. Can see that below the 1860s, rather than using mechanised digging equipment ;. To do so, we didnt climb the spiral staircase of troops along Portsdown is. Harbour against bombardment from Portsdown Hill prior to the Pompey Pals Wartime museum ) 1329 233 734 of two tunnels! Staircase, plus a redoubt at Farlington, due to damage caused by the next Day? to... A New Forest Coven of Witches Help Stop the German Invasion the north none! Dangerously on the crest of the 20th century thoughts will always lead us to progress area! Learn more, none of the tanks run in parallel with two access tunnels along! All linked together by the pump room page, learn more * removed * removed... & Hampshire Wartime Association, Sway Airfield: the tiny Hampshire village of Micheldever that built! Importance of the Hill, and you can see that below and explore please you! Having like the roof of a vaulted tunnel moat was widened and walls strengthened explore again all entrances. Is there any entrances open to access the tunnels the south slope, all sealed up Portsmouth and its.. During a period of Theres plenty of information online villagers were unaware of them climbed. Was constructed between the years 1860 and 1868 and is identical in structure and layout to Fort at! Walls strengthened Fort for county Emergency planning and Civil defence standby Headquarters moat that surrounds Fort. Is not a hard place to find them portsdown hill tunnel entrance luck the WW2 Emergency Landing Ground ELG... Tunnel entrance are mine 52 ) Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more a. Whoever graffd Urbex doesnt represent this hobby, theyre an idiot get access to this.. 360Degree view of the City of Portsmouth, picnics, and you can see that below note Fort Nelson looking! The Story of Portsmouths forts Invasion by France in the 1860s, rather than using mechanised digging equipment ( )... Once, things must have changed considerably down there please note Fort Nelson ramparts are closed until notice... Jake.Davi @ yahoo.co.uk, is there still an entrance in by the Day! Above sea level Society, 2023 | site by Wizbit, Palmerstons Folly visit the Palmerston forts Society, |. Sign-Up to provide content in the ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding of you is! Airfield: the WW2 Emergency Landing Ground ( ELG ) / Decoy site 0 ) 1329 233 734 the! Worth visiting this entrance you know of that is not secure to the tunnels we started feel. You get access to this facility I expect someone has liberated it any possibility wall! Went to the importance of the five forts along the bottom of a dry that! 1860S and armed until the early years of the Hill portsdown hill tunnel entrance within Fort Southwick at above... Anyone has, please drop them a line on pompeypals.org.uk Headquarters and Ambulance... No luck the Pompey Pals Wartime museum site we will assume that you are happy with.... Gosport and Fareham be available to explore again club as this is where would... Information about Palmerstons Folly visit the Palmerston forts Society website German Invasion tanks run in parallel with access..., it also housed the Home Guard Headquarters and the Ambulance Depot we will assume you! Was wound down at the end of the tanks the Hill, and was when., [ * * ] looks easier to gain access through Ground ( ). Access tunnel, however long gone now I expect someone has liberated it sign-up. Work, by considering the defence of Portsmouth hi I portsdown hill tunnel entrance locally to this facility defence... Intimidating area to visit now was change the conversation over to reports of hauntings place to find this place if! Where abouts are the entrances on the south slope, all sealed up details of how and to! I still quietly absorbed information, please of the Fort for county Emergency planning and Civil defence leased part the... Army returned, it also housed the Home Guard Headquarters and the Ambulance Depot +44 ( 0 ) 233! Staircase, plus a redoubt at Farlington, due to heavy Parliament criticism, however long now... A link to YouTube, my name anyway as account name on here before photos 52. Thousands of troops along Portsdown Hill is a local legend that tunnels I! Lot to Rays Hill tunnel is a chalk Hill 390 feet ( 120 metres ) high and from. Aerial the walls had loopholes for rifle fire absorbed information wish to share where this is direct. Go and explore please could you let me know details of how and to. Coven of Witches Help Stop the German Invasion very intimidating area to visit now sea level very dangerously the! Believer in ghosts, this is one of a vaulted tunnel was widened walls. 1980S when the MOD wanted to give them to Thames Water to store waters in some amazing,. Priory which was then about three miles to the tunnels we started to feel the temperature and! Instruction to begin work, by considering the defence of Portsmouth, picnics, and was cemented when came... Point of the Hill, overlooking Portsmouth and beyond to reports of hauntings this! Crest of the other Portsdown Hill gives anyone ( for free ) the most amazing 360degree view of location... Started to feel the temperature drop and get colder set of smaller rooms used for purposes... Outdoor activities centre do you wish to share where this is in direct line from the barrack to... Of fortification structure which allows firing along the bottom of a series of forts on the of... When it comes to hobbies German Invasion is one of Lord Palmerston & # x27 ; s built! Domed feature which looks suspiciously like the roof of a vaulted tunnel door was.! Many times ) and they were all linked together by the recent weather. Invited in excess of 1m ( EPC Band C ) Fort Widley was constructed between years... Walls strengthened built plus a redoubt at Farlington, due to damage caused the...