The Bunker; A Paranormal Investigator’s Preview of Kelvedon Hatch
- Dr Iain M Lightfoot
- Jun 16
- 4 min read

On Saturday 26th July, I’ll be returning to one of the most captivating and mysterious locations I’ve ever investigated: Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker in Essex, for one of our group it is their number 1 favourite location (Marc!).
For those who know it, you’ll understand the significance. For those who don’t, this isn't your typical ghost hunt.
Over 125,000 square feet of concrete and steel sit silently beneath the Essex countryside, once a classified government facility prepared to house key personnel in the event of nuclear war. Today, in it's stillness, the location echoes with something else entirely, stories, shadows, and spirits that seem to have refused to leave.
It’s been over a year since my last visit, and yet, I can still recall the unique energy of the place. Kelvedon Hatch is more than an eerie bunker; it’s a multi-layered labyrinth with over 30 rooms spanning three vast levels. The size and isolation make it ideal for deep, structured paranormal investigation, exactly why I consider it one of the crown jewels of my investigation calendar.
What Makes Kelvedon Hatch So Intriguing?
Kelvedon Hatch is rich with history and folklore. While the Cold War utility of the bunker is widely known, it’s the unofficial stories that draw paranormal teams from across the UK.
There’s the tale of the foreman’s burial, where a hard hat was found floating in concrete and the man himself was never seen again. Then there’s the ancient burial ground said to have been disturbed during construction, an event believed by some to have stirred ancestral energies.
The suicide in the stairwell, frequent reports of apparitions, growls, EVPs, and even a black entity crawling and sprinting upright add to the intrigue.
All these stories are not just talk. During previous investigations, we’ve experienced:
Unexplainable footsteps and doors slamming in empty corridors
String orbs floating and weaving with intent
EVP responses that aligned with our questions
Apparitions and a chilling shadow figure
Team member being told to “leave” during many a lone vigil
It is this blend of intelligent response and residual phenomena that makes the bunker so compelling, and frankly, unpredictable.
What Will This Investigation Look Like?
This time, I’m again joining forces with Barry Depp of ParanormalHunters UK and DS Haunts, an experienced and committed team of investigators. Together, we’ll explore the depths of the bunker from evening through until early morning, utilising a wide array of equipment, from EMF meters and spirit boxes to REM pods and dowsing rods.
Unfortunately, due to the structure of the bunker, live cameras and Wi-Fi-enabled tools are off the table, but this only forces us to lean into traditional techniques and real-time observation.
Some sessions will be done as a group, while others will allow for solo or small-team exploration, especially in the more active areas like the sick bay, service tunnels, and the notorious main stairwell.

What Do I Hope to Find?
While every investigator hopes for clear evidence, I go into Kelvedon Hatch with tempered expectations and deep respect. My goal is not to provoke or sensationalise but to gather, document, and interpret the experience as it unfolds.
That said, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious. The stories of “Edward”, who came through via EVP on my last visit, still sit with me. His use of French and German, his reference to another name, Mary, and the tone of his messages hinted at something both personal and tragic. I’d like to understand more. Was Edward part of something darker, even experimental? Or is he connected to one of us, through time, memory, or something deeper?
Then there’s the energy shift we experienced in the male accommodation area, a space so stifling it seemed to steal the breath from the room. These aren't just physical sensations; they are echoes of something past, a residue that deserves attention.
Why Share This?
The world of paranormal investigation can sometimes seem closed off, even elitist. I don’t believe it should be. Investigating the possibility of life after death is something anyone can do, and in fact, the more open-minded people we bring into this field, the more evidence we uncover.
Some readers may only follow from afar, and that’s perfectly fine. Others may feel the nudge to take part. Either way, sharing the journey is part of the work. It’s not just about evidence; it’s about connecting, understanding, and asking the questions we all share: What comes next? Are we truly alone? And can the past reach out to the present?
If this blog helps even one person feel curious enough to explore, or reassured enough to believe that there may be something beyond this life then it’s done its job.
Looking Ahead
As I pack my gear, review maps of the location, and prepare for another long night in the cold concrete belly of Kelvedon Hatch, I do so with both anticipation and caution. You never quite know what you’re going to find there or what might find you.
This location is not just an old government facility it is a space steeped in emotion, tragedy, and unseen presence. Yet, while evidence is never guaranteed, the atmosphere, history, and personal experiences make each visit meaningful.
We’ll return to the stories, to the whispers in the stairwell, and to the cold dark rooms where the past still lingers.
Join the Journey
If you’d like to follow this investigation, please like and share this blog. I’ll be posting updates on my social channels and sharing the evidence we collect, whether it’s whispers caught on EVP, sudden spikes on the REM pod, or simply the chilling feel of being watched.
Kelvedon Hatch is a location that deserves attention not just for its history, but for what it may still have to say.
To explore other investigations, learn more, or even join us in the field, please get in touch with DS Haunts or follow my work across social platforms. Everyone’s welcome.
We investigate the unknown not to chase ghosts, but to understand what still lingers and perhaps, to give a voice to those long forgotten.

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