Visiting Bletchley Park – Home of the Codebreakers

At first glance, Bletchley Park seems like an ordinary stately home. Yet behind its doors, some of the most important work of the Second World War was carried out in complete secrecy.

Thousands of people, referred to as ‘the codebreakers’ worked here around the clock and dramatically affected the outcome of the war. In fact, it is estimated that their work, combined with the invention of the Enigma machine by Alan Turing, shortened the duration of the war by at least two years. There is no telling how many lives these dedicated, hard-working people saved. 

For years, Bletchley Park was somewhere I longed to visit. Standing there at last, it was impossible not to feel the weight of the history of this amazing place. 

Touring Bletchley Park

We started by taking a walking tour round the grounds. The incredibly knowledgeable guide really gave us a feel for what it must be like to have worked at Bletchley during the war.

The conditions were far from ideal. By 1943 there were nearly ten thousand people working 24/7 on eight hour shifts. There was no central heating, and with rationing in effect food was scarce. Nearly everyone smoked in those days which would have created very unpleasant working conditions. In the huts containing the Bombe machines (used to help decipher the codes) and Colossus machines (the world’s first computer) the noise would have been relentless. The blackout meant that as soon as night began to fall lights had to be kept to an absolute minimum.

Step Back in Time at Bletchley Park

Visiting Bletchley Park really is like stepping back in time. Great care has been taken to help you immerse yourself in the experience. Small speakers are situated throughout the grounds. More than once I stepped out of the way of a truck I thought was behind me. In reality, no vehicles allowed on the grounds. We also heard Spitfire aircraft and the sound of voices outside. You can see – and hear – the codebreaking machines at work. Patient guides spend ages explaining exactly how the machines were designed and set up so the codes could be broken.

Immersive films and interactive experiences help bring the experience to life. When I visited, the buildings were dressed to make it look as though it was still wartime – and as if the people working there had simply stepped away for a moment. A handbag sat by the leg of a desk, a coat was draped over a chair, and a coffee cup sat beside a typewriter. Posters on the walls caution that “Lose lips sink ships” and “Careless talk costs lives”.

Everyone who worked at Bletchley had signed the Official Secrets Act, meaning that if they spoke of what they were doing to anyone that they would be charged with treason. Many remained silent even after the important work done at Bletchley Park became public knowledge, keeping their work secret for the whole of their lives. Many women worked at Bletchley and you can read some of their stories in The Bletchley Girls (affiliate link).

What seems like miles of corridor – all of it identical – stretches through the many huts built to house the codebreakers and their equipment. Recorded telephone conversations (voiced by actors) play out, and the room looks as though its inhabitants have merely stepped away, leaving a cup of tea and a shawl behind them. It feels like you are actually back in the 1940’s, in a Britain ravaged by war and fighting desperately for victory.

The Imitation Game

The movie The Imitation Game was filmed on site. It’s the story of a story about the work carried out at Bletchley Park, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. There’s a fascinating exhibit of memorabilia from the film available to look at. One of the sets – of the bar at Bletchley – was still intact when we visited. I highly recommend seeing the film before visiting Bletchley. It helps you to feel more connected to the people who worked there, especially Alan Turing. Alan was pivotal in the development of the Bombe machines and who also was one of the people responsible for the development of the first computers.

A Fascinating Visit

We were so enthralled with Bletchley Park that we almost forgot to stop for lunch. When 5.00pm rolled around we were startled to see the guides begin to encourage us to finish our visit. We simply couldn’t believe the time had flown by so fast.

Visiting Bletchley Park is a wonderful way to learn more about the history of World War 2 as well as life in 1940’s Britain. The exhibits are set up so that they are accessible for everyone – so it’s a great place to bring children too. (In my opinion, it is best suited to children of primary school age and older.)

Bletchley Park is located just outside Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire. Open daily except 24, 25 and 26th December, opening hours vary according to season. Please see the Bletchley Park website for more details.

This post shares my honest opinions and the advice I’d give to friends. Nothing was gifted and we paid all our own expenses.

Information is correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing, but details like opening hours, prices and availability can change. Please check official websites directly before making plans; I can’t be responsible for changes or individual experiences.

More Places To Explore British History

Step Back in Time at Nuffield Place

Grey’s Court

Windsor Castle

Burghley House – An Elizabethan Castle Like No Other