National Cold War Heritage Week 2026

The second annual National Cold War Heritage Week – led by The Cold War Network and supported by The National Lottery Community Fund – returns from 18 to 24 May 2026 with a nationwide celebration of one of the most fascinating chapters in modern history. Across the week, sites and museums around the UK will open their doors for guided bunker and airbase tours, special exhibitions, film screenings, expert talks, and hands on displays. Whether you’re curious about the hidden world of ROTOR radar stations, intrigued by regional government bunkers, or drawn to the drama of missile technology and Cold War aviation, there’s something for every age and level of interest. According to collection content and availability, venues will also showcase distinctive vehicles of the era – from Trabants and Series Land Rovers to the specialist engineering and communications vehicles that kept Britain’s deterrent infrastructure moving. If you own a Cold War era vehicle, we warmly encourage you to contact a participating venue near you; your vehicle could play a valuable part in bringing the period to life for visitors. National Cold War Heritage Week shines a spotlight on the remarkable variety of the UK’s Cold War story – from secrecy and civil defence to innovation, preparedness, and the everyday experiences of people who lived through it. It’s an opportunity to explore extraordinary places, meet passionate experts, and discover how the Cold War shaped the world we know today.