Wartime Tunnel Visits over Easter
A Journey Beneath MGGS: Wartime Tunnel Tours with Mary Smith
Over the Easter holidays, MGGS opened its doors for a very special series of Wartime Tunnel Tours, led by Mary Smith, author of A Schoolgirl’s War. Across three sessions — all completely sold out — visitors were taken on a powerful and immersive journey into the school’s past.
Each 2-hour experience began in the Visitor Centre, where guests stepped into a carefully recreated wartime classroom. Seated at their desks, they were transported back to the 1940s as Mary Smith took back her role of teacher, bringing to life the story of MGGS during the Second World War. Through vivid storytelling, she shared what daily life was like for students, the challenges they faced, and the inspiration behind her book.
Visitors then split into smaller groups and were guided down into the historic tunnels themselves — a hidden world beneath the school that once served as an air raid shelter. For many, this was the highlight of the experience: walking through the tunnels, imagining the sounds, emotions, and resilience of those who once took refuge there.
After exploring underground, guests returned to the Visitor Centre for refreshments, rounding off the experience with time to reflect, ask questions, and continue conversations sparked by the tour.
The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. One visitor shared, “I had no idea something like this existed beneath the school — it’s absolutely fascinating.” Another said, “Mary Smith brought history to life in such a vivid way. It felt like we were really there.” Alumni were especially struck by the experience, with one commenting, “I walked these grounds for years and never knew what was beneath my feet. It’s incredible to finally see it.”
The tours attracted a wide range of visitors — from former students discovering a new side of their school, to members of the public intrigued by the story of the tunnels. Many were quick to book as soon as they heard about the experience, and with limited spaces available, all three sessions filled rapidly.
At the end of each visit, guests also had the opportunity to purchase merchandise, including A Schoolgirl’s War, taking home a piece of MGGS history and a lasting memory of their visit.
Following the success of these Easter tours, we are now preparing to welcome primary schools (KS2 students) during Terms 5 and 6. Plans are also underway to release further dates for public visits later in the summer.
If these first tours are anything to go by, the MGGS Wartime Tunnels offer an unforgettable experience — one that continues to spark curiosity, conversation, and a deeper connection to the past. Keep an eye out… there is more to come.
If you would like to purchase your copy of A Schoolgirl’s War, please click here.
