The official Twitter site of the Ramsgate Tunnels - the UK's biggest 20th century civilian air raid shelter, and a spectacular 19th century railway tunnel.
Joined December 2011
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660 Photos and videos
During the Second World War, while many everyday items were rationed, beer wasn’t officially rationed, although brewing was subject to production limits
Despite the challenge, the local pub remained a vital social hub and source of comfort during the darkest days of the war.
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🍺There really is a day for everything! 🍺
Here at Ramsgate Tunnels, we were a little surprised to discover just how many “national days” there are—Skinny Dip Day on 11th July being one of them… 👀
But today is one we can definitely get behind—Britain’s National Beer Day! 🍻
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Jun 11
📸 Throwback Thursday!
We absolutely love this photograph — not just for the moment it captures, but for where it was taken. Snapped directly opposite what is now our entrance, it shows the tide in, the old train station standing proudly in the background, and crowds squeezing
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Jun 11
into every bit of available space along the seafront.
What really makes it special are the details: no swimsuits except on the younger generation, and a row of bathing machines lined up in the water along the shoreline. A snapshot of seaside life from a very different Ramsgate.
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Jun 10
Join us for our Ramsgate Tunnels Railway Tour led by the knowledgeable and confident Martin and his fantastic support team this weekend on Saturday 13th June at 11am.
This is truly a tour not to be missed—step back in time as you explore the fascinating Victorian railway tunnel,
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a site of engineering excellence. Discover the history of railways in Ramsgate.
Don’t miss your chance to uncover this piece of local heritage! To book visit ramsgatetunnels.org or pop into the ticket office.
#RamsgateTunnels #LocalHistory #RailwayHeritage #VisitRamsgate
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🚂 Step Back Into Ramsgate’s Railway Past
Join us for our Railway Tunnel Tour, where the story of Ramsgate’s hidden underground network comes to life. Walk the very tunnels carved out for the town’s steam railway, discover how they were later transformed into wartime shelters,
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and hear the remarkable tales of the people who passed through them.
A journey through engineering, resilience, and local history — all beneath your feet.
Our next tour is Saturday 13th June at 11.00am Tickets are £15.00 and places can be booked at buff.ly/PnU1rcI
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Remembering the Final Day of the Dunkirk Evacuations
Today marks the final day of the Dunkirk evacuations of 1940 — the closing chapter of one of the most extraordinary rescue missions in our history.
Operation Dynamo set out with the hope of rescuing just 20,000–30,000 troops
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trapped by enemy forces. What followed was nothing short of remarkable.
Over 800 naval vessels and ‘Little Ships’ crossed the Channel again and again. Working alongside the Royal Navy, the crews braved constant danger to bring men home
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By the end, more than 338,000 troops had been evacuated, aided by the bravery of French soldiers who held the line to protect the retreat.
Retreats are not moments of celebration in war — but this evacuation stands as a testament to courage, determination, logistics, and hope.
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May 28
Throwback Thursday With Meaning
With Ramsgate’s recent commemorations still fresh in our minds, today’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to the dark, uncertain days of 1940 — a moment in history that shaped our town and its people.
On this very eve in 1940, requisitioned boats
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longer be used.
Some civilian owners insisted on sailing their own boats into danger. The RNLI also sent their lifeboats and crews to stand alongside the Navy, answering the call without hesitation.
These Little Ships did everything they could to bring home as many men as
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possible from the beaches and the fall of France. Every vessel carried stories — of bravery, fear, determination, and the trauma that stayed with those who lived it.
Today, we remember them.
Photo credit: ADLS
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May 26
A Huge Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to everyone behind the organisation of Ramsgate’s Commemorations for Operation Dynamo and the Dunkirk Little Ships.
These meaningful moments of remembrance simply wouldn’t happen without the dedication of the organising team, their
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incredible volunteers, and the hardworking staff who give their time, energy, and passion to keep this history alive and to ensure that all the visitors both local and from further afield can enjoy a weekend full of fun and commemoration.
We hope everyone who joined us over the
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weekend felt the same pride, reflection, and connection that makes Ramsgate’s commemorations so special.
Thank you — each and every one of you — for helping us honour their legacy.
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May 25
Walk the streets shaped by World War II and descend into the tunnels that kept a community safe.
The Overground Underground Tour reveals Ramsgate’s wartime story in two unforgettable chapters — one in the open air, one deep beneath your feet.
If you’re looking for a tour that
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brings history to life from every angle, this is the one.
Our Overground Underground Tour takes place this Saturday 30th May at 11.30am for tickets and joining details visit ramsgatetunnels.org
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