Mysterious Underground Tunnels and Bunkers for the Adventurous Traveler

16. The Secret Tunnels of Dover – Smugglers, Spies, and Soldiers

Beneath the iconic White Cliffs of Dover lies a vast and mysterious network of tunnels, steeped in history and intrigue. These subterranean passageways date back centuries, first used by smugglers in the 18th and 19th centuries to secretly transport contraband goods such as brandy, silk, and tobacco from ships anchored off the English coast. The labyrinthine tunnels allowed smugglers to evade customs officers, moving their illicit cargo unseen beneath the cliffs. However, the tunnels' significance didn't end with smuggling. During the Napoleonic Wars, the British military expanded them into a defensive stronghold, creating an underground barracks to house troops. The tunnels saw their most famous use during World War II when they were transformed into a military command center. From here, Operation Dynamo—the daring evacuation of 338,000 Allied troops from Dunkirk in 1940—was orchestrated. The tunnels also housed an underground hospital, providing emergency care to wounded soldiers.