Take Shelter

Take Shelter Rare underground museum of the fully restored WW2 Air raid shelter, situated underneath Downs Junior

Rare, underground and fully restored WW2 Air Raid Shelter, situated underneath Downs Junior School in Brighton. Tours available privately and for schools wishing to learn more as part of the curriculum.

07/08/2026

We are excited to launch a new podcast series exploring different aspects of everyday life in Brighton and surrounding areas during the Second World War. The podcasts shine a light on the experiences of ordinary people living through extraordinary times.
We have already finished eight episodes and we’ll be publishing one every two weeks from early August 2026 on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/
Our next recording session is already booked in and our plan is to keep sharing fascinating personal stories from wartime Brighton. Rather than focusing on battles and military strategy, these podcasts explore the human side of the war—how families coped with rationing, air raids, community spirit and the many challenges of daily life. Whether you have a personal connection to Brighton, an interest in local history, or simply enjoy discovering the stories behind familiar places, this series offers a fresh and engaging perspective on the city during one of the most significant periods in its history.
We hope these conversations inspire new audiences to discover Brighton's remarkable wartime heritage and encourage listeners to explore the wider collection of stories, photographs and research available through the Take Shelter project.
Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any of our episodes.

So proud to be one of the charities that Battles Through History are supporting this year. Make sure you get your ticket...
18/07/2026

So proud to be one of the charities that Battles Through History are supporting this year. Make sure you get your tickets and join in the fun 🤩

Why not join us this Sunday 12th July at Mrs B’s tearoom at Take Shelter, Downs Junior school for a special Sunday offer...
07/07/2026

Why not join us this Sunday 12th July at Mrs B’s tearoom at Take Shelter, Downs Junior school for a special Sunday offer of a bacon or sausage bap with a specialty tea or coffee for just a fiver!
You can peruse the museum for free whilst you there, chat with our lovely veterans or take a tour of the air raid shelter (charges apply).
Why make breakfast yourself when you can come along and grab yourself a bargain bap!
*Tearoom open 11:00 - 13:40, tours 11:00 - 13:00.

See you Sunday ☕️🫖🥓

27/06/2026

‼️IMPORTANT UPDATE ‼️

Please note the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will now be at 12pm due to the risk of thunderstorms later ✈️

On Saturday 27th June 2026 we will be collaborating with Brighton & Hove City Council to host this years Armed Forces da...
14/06/2026

On Saturday 27th June 2026 we will be collaborating with Brighton & Hove City Council to host this years Armed Forces day 10-4pm.

Current serving and Ex-Service military personnel are invited to come and join us for free fish and chips courtesy of Sussex Freemasons (all the Orders) limited to 50 portions so come at 1pm to guarantee your plate.

It promises to be a fantastic day of events including military vehicles on display, The Routemaster Bus courtesy of Brighton & Hove Buses, Drumhead service from 3pm with HM Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex (deputy) and Mayor of Brighton & Hove, and weather permitting a Battle of Britain memorial flight (time tbc).

Tours of the shelter can be booked via the Take Shelter website https://takeshelter.org.uk/ or simply come and enjoy an afternoon of cadet displays, dancing and refreshments from Mrs B’s tearoom or chat to one of our resident veterans who will tell you what life was like as a wartime child.

It promises to be a spectacular day.

💙 Volunteers’ Week 💙It’s Volunteers’ Week 🎉 and we just want to say a massive thank you 🙌 to all the amazing volunteers ...
04/06/2026

💙 Volunteers’ Week 💙

It’s Volunteers’ Week 🎉 and we just want to say a massive thank you 🙌 to all the amazing volunteers at Take Shelter.

Your time, kindness and commitment mean the world to us 💫. Whether you’re lending a hand 🤝, sharing your skills 🛠️ or just showing up when it counts, you make such a difference.
We honestly couldn’t do this without you 💙

Thank you for being part of Take Shelter and for everything you do 🌟

💙

01/06/2026

🎒📚 Bring WW2 History to Life for Your Pupils 📚🎒
An unforgettable hands‑on school visit in Brighton 🇬🇧
Step back to the 1940s with an immersive experience your class will never forget:
🕯️ Underground Air Raid Shelter Tour
Small‑group guided tours with authentic 1940s reconstructions, rare local photos, interactive audio/video, a bombing simulation 💥 and a fun dressing‑up photo opportunity ✈️📸
📚 Interactive WW2 Workshop
Led (subject to availability) by inspiring volunteer 🧓🎖️ WW2 veterans, exploring evacuation, rationing, women’s roles and life in wartime Brighton.
💬 Live Group Q&A
Pupils ask real questions, hear real stories, and finish with a moving tale of a 🇨🇦 Canadian war bride from Brighton ❤️
✅ Curriculum‑supporting
✅ Highly engaging
✅ Led by expert volunteers
🔗 Find out more & book your visit:
👉 https://takeshelter.org.uk/visit-us/
📩 Message us today to check availability!

We had a great day yesterday in the sunshine and we are doing it all again today! Shelter tours are up and running - tic...
10/05/2026

We had a great day yesterday in the sunshine and we are doing it all again today!

Shelter tours are up and running - tickets available from Brighton Fringe and we will have walk-ins available too - come and see us on the ticket desk.

Stalls and activities open from midday - Smash some china, have your hair styled with Majorie Mayfair, learn some dance moves with DJ Libby Lou and much more!

Explore our WW2 museum and chat to our veterans about their wartime experiences.

Mrs Button’s Tea Room will be keeping everyone topped up with hot tea, barista coffees, delicious cakes and tasty baguettes and toasties.

See you there!

Address

Rugby Road
Brighton
BN16ED

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