Jersey War Tunnels is an underground museum in St. Lawrence, at Les Charrières Malorey, telling the story of Jersey under German occupation during the Second World War. The complex was dug by forced labourers and later used as an emergency hospital. Walk its corridors to follow the occupation through personal accounts, photographs, wartime footage and interactive displays. The material explores the experiences of islanders, occupiers and labourers, giving the site a human focus as well as a historical one. There is also a café and gift shop at the visitor centre.
How the tunnels were built and used
German forces began building the underground complex during their occupation of Jersey in the Second World War. Forced labourers dug the passages into the hillside. The tunnels were intended to protect troops from air raids and bombardment, and the complex was later used as an emergency hospital in 1943.
The scale of the site is part of the visit: its chambers and corridors extend for more than a kilometre. The museum sits within the tunnels, so the setting itself connects the exhibits to the history of the complex. Accounts of the labourers’ treatment are part of the story, alongside the military purpose of the construction.
Following the occupation through personal accounts
The displays take visitors through Jersey’s occupation from 1940 to 1945. Photographs, household objects, wartime footage and recorded accounts help explain how the occupation affected daily life. Exhibits cover food shortages, restrictions and the uncertainty faced by islanders, as well as the experiences of people brought to Jersey for forced labour.
Personal stories give the history a close human perspective. One activity uses an identity card based on a real island resident: visitors can look for that person’s story as they move through the museum. Interactive displays and audio material add further accounts to the information panels. There is a great deal to read, so the visit can take longer if you want to follow each section in detail.
Planning time for the visit
The museum is an indoor option for wet weather, and the tunnels can also offer relief on a hot day because they remain cool. A visit can be shorter if you move quickly through the displays, but setting aside a few hours gives you time to read the panels and explore the different rooms.
The visitor centre has toilets, a café and a gift shop. Free on-site parking is listed, though spaces may be limited, and the venue recommends arranging tickets in advance. An audio tour is available for visitors who want another way to follow the exhibits.
Perguntas frequentes
How long do you need at Jersey War Tunnels?
Allow around 2 to 4 hours to explore the displays and read the accounts. A quicker visit is possible if you move through the exhibits without stopping for every panel.
What is inside Jersey War Tunnels?
The underground museum has historical displays, photographs, household objects, wartime footage, recorded accounts and interactive exhibits about Jersey during the German occupation.
Are Jersey War Tunnels suitable for a rainy day?
Yes. The museum is indoors, making it an option when the weather is wet. The tunnels also stay cool on hot days.
Is there parking at Jersey War Tunnels?
Free on-site parking is available, but spaces can be limited. Booking tickets in advance is recommended.
