Underground Manchester

Look down, you might never know what you’re missing. A whole world lies under your feet deep below the city. Underground rivers, remains of the Little Ireland slums, an abandoned tube line, the infamous nuclear bunker and Second World War air-raid shelters – hundreds of them.

The Underground Manchester walk drops down, down, deeper and down into the biggest of those shelters, built into the long-disused tunnel of the Manchester and Salford Junction Canal where thousands huddled in safety from the Nazi bombs inside its vast chasmic chambers under the most imposing and imperious brick work you'll ever see. Then it's off along the tunnels to find the canal’s waters.

NMW’s Underground Manchester tour differs from the other tunnel tours by telling the best stories about what’s below your feet in the city, revealing tales of the 1950s atomic bunker under Chinatown, going along the Manchester and Salford Junction Canal, from its picturesque confluence and chic setting by the Bridgewater Hall, right into the path of where it ducks and dives under Lower Mosley Street and Central Station.

The highlight is heading underground into the 511-yard tunnel between Watson Street and Grape Street to explore the vast chasms and caverns, and recall the horrors of the Blitz. Once the down under bit done, return to civilisation and follow the route at street levelas far as possible.

Bring a torch and stout footwear. There are uneven surfaces and slippery steps in the tunnels, and it would be better if you didn't slip on the steps, stumble around in the dark or fall into the canal. NMW will make every effort to ensure safe passage for everyone on the walk but will not be held responsible for any injuries sustained.

The walk is not suitable for persons under the age of 9 years old.