The Transmitter Bunker - a World War II bunker holiday on the Dorset coast

The Transmitter Bunker in Ringstead, Dorset

Have you ever thought about taking a holiday in a World War II concrete bunker? The chances are the answer to that question is no! Well, that is exactly what we’ve just done… The Transmitter Bunker can be found on the Dorset coast, with great views over the sea.

The Transmitter Bunker sleeps 4 people, and has a twin bedroom, and a bunk bedroom. This World War II bunker has been carefully modernized to create a lovely holiday home. The stark concrete structure has been kept inside and out. This may not sound like somewhere you’d like to stay, but the bunker really has been refurbished with style. The side of the bunker - the side which looks out over the sea - has been knocked out, with the patio doors offering those spectacular views over the field to the sea.

The heating is provided by a ground-source underfloor system. The electrical installation has an industrial feel, with the cables being surface mounted in galvanized metal pipes; all of which very much suits the accommodation.

What's going on around The Transmitter Bunker

Ringstead Beach is within walking distance of the Transmitter Bunker (about one mile). The South West Coastal Path runs through this part of the world, so you can walk west to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove (about 5 miles) or East to Osmington Mills (1 mile) and Weymouth (5 miles). We drove to Durdle Door (which has a large carpark) and to Weymouth.

The Tank Museum in Bovington is only 10 miles from the Transmitter Bunker, and makes for a brilliant day out – you also get a free annual pass with your day ticket, so if you don’t get your fill of tanks in one day, you can always go back later in the week.

A bit of history about the Transmitter Bunker

The Transmitter Bunker was built in the early 1940s as part of the Chain Home Radar network. There are another two Chain Home Radar bunkers in the area (both of which are in their neglected state, as was the Transmitter Bunker until a couple of years ago). A signal would have been sent by one of these bunkers, with this wave bouncing off an enemy plane and being received by another bunker. Should you stay at the Transmitter Bunker there are more details provided of how this bunker fitted into the radar setup.

Should I stay at the Transmitter Bunker

The Transmitter Bunker is a lovely place take a holiday, and for all those with an interest in World War II history, this place is definitely worth a stay (especially is you visit the Tank Museum, D-Day Museum on Portland and the Nothe Fort in Weymouth).

Those fantastic views from the patio at The Transmitter Bunker

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