ROC Post Windscombe

Concrete bunkers dot the Mendip Hills like wartime scars, and this Cold War monitoring post near Winscombe tells a proper fascinating story. Built in the 1960s to track nuclear fallout, ROC Post Windscombe is one of hundreds that once formed Britain's eyes and ears during the atomic age. The reinforced structure sits largely underground, designed to house three volunteers who would have measured radiation levels if the unthinkable happened. Walking around the site today, you'll spot the distinctive square entrance hatch and ventilation equipment poking above ground level. It's not much to look at, frankly, but history buffs will find it genuinely compelling. The post operated until 1991 when the Royal Observer Corps was disbanded, making these sites relics of a very particular kind of British paranoia. Kids might lose interest quickly unless they're already keen on military history. Most visitors combine it with walks across the surrounding countryside - the Mendips offer cracking views once you're up there. Access appears to be free, though the interior isn't open to the public. Allow about 20 minutes unless you're planning a longer hike. Several campsites including Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa and Mendip Basecamp sit within easy reach, making this a decent detour during a Somerset break.