RAF Barton Hall, Military bunker and air base in Lancashire, England
RAF Barton Hall is an underground military facility between Barton and Broughton villages in Lancashire, consisting of several separate bunker buildings. The complex was equipped with operations rooms, filter rooms, and communications centers, designed to provide protection from attack.
The Royal Air Force established this facility in 1940 to control and coordinate air operations for No. 9 Group RAF across northern England. After the war, the bunker continued to serve air defense purposes and played a role in Cold War defense infrastructure.
The site was a significant workplace for women serving in the Royal Air Force during wartime, who performed critical tasks in different roles. These female personnel were essential to tracking and relaying aircraft information in real time.
The facility sits in a rural area and is difficult to spot from outside since it lies underground. Visitors should note that access may be limited and it is wise to check in advance.
The bunker facility was repurposed after the war as a backup control center for air defense warnings and played a role in managing potential threats. The underground structure was designed to automatically relay alerts to the public.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
