Landmark
Box Tunnel
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Box Tunnel is a remarkable feat of 19th-century engineering, carved through Box Hill near Castle Combe. Built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel for the Great Western Railway, it was the longest railway tunnel in the world at its completion in 1841. The tunnel's straight alignment and precise gradient showcase Brunel's innovative design. While not open to pedestrians, visitors can appreciate its grandeur from viewpoints near the eastern portal or by taking a train through it. The tunnel remains in active use today, a testament to Brunel's enduring legacy.
Don't miss
- View the imposing eastern portal from the nearby footpath
- Ride a train through the tunnel to experience its scale
- Learn about Brunel's engineering techniques at the local heritage centre
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Box Tunnel
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inLancaster Walks - Guided Walking Tours4.9★ · 88 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$24 per personSee dates →
Best full dayStonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock4.5★ · 8,382 travelers~13 hoursFree cancellationFrom$108 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleLacock and Castle Combe - Afternoon Private Tour5★ · 60 travelers~5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$252 per personSee dates →More attractions in Castle Combe