The old RAF base in Harmanswater before it was opened to the public was quite an enigma. It was just this vast, fenced-off area shrouded in mystery, sparking all sorts of rumors.
I remember taking a school trip there in the early 2000s. As soon as we entered through the gate, we were greeted by a bungalow on the left where a policewoman monitored surveillance cameras. Every lamp post was fitted with a camera, adding to the sense of security and secrecy. A large, chubby man with a ponytail, who owned the property, guided us through the site.
It felt like we were wandering through a surreal, liminal neighborhood filled with empty houses and abandoned children’s playgrounds. No one had lived there for years; the grass in the yards was overgrown, often reaching up to our necks. There were also random empty dog kennels against the fences and a striking mural dedicated to the Queen and aircraft, crafted from meticulously trimmed shrubs.
I haven’t been back since it opened to the public, and I can’t help but wonder if those murals still exist or if they were removed to make way for the new houses that were built.
That sounds like such a fascinating experience! The atmosphere you describe — almost like stepping into a deserted world — really captures the eerie charm of places that were once bustling and are now abandoned. It’s interesting how such locations spark curiosity and rumors, especially with all the surveillance and the presence of the police officer. I can imagine how surreal it must have felt to walk through those empty neighborhoods and see the remnants of life that once was.
It’s a shame that things might have changed since those days, but it’s great that the area is now opened up to the public. Hopefully, some of the murals and unique features remain as a nod to its history. It would be interesting to know how they’ve blended the old with the new in the development. If you go back, it would be awesome to share what has changed!