I built £50k doomsday bunker after being inspired by iconic film – now I'm forking out another £10k in case of WW3
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A DAD with a £50k underground bunker has splashed out an extra £10k on upgrades in case World War Three breaks out.
Dave Billings, 44, began the bizarre project at his Derbyshire home more than a decade ago.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
8
A 35 ft tunnel extends under Dave's garden leading into a 140 ft room
Credit: SWNS
8
Dave's latest plans will see food supply, air filtration, water supply and blast doors installed.
Credit: SWNS
He was inspired to build the underground bunker by the iconic film The Great Escape.
With rising global tensions Dave has since decided to spend an eye watering £10,000 to prep the shelter to become a "survival place."
While the bonkers dad-of-one has admitted that the project will not be "nuclear proof" he has installed blast doors.
Dave lives with his wife Beth, and seven-year-old son Oliver, his goal is to have a secure underground space for his family if things take a turn for the worse.
He said: "With the way things are changing, I'm prepping it to be more of a survival place. It won't necessarily be nuclear-proof, but if you need to hide away, you'll be able to survive."
Dave, an engineer and content creator, estimated that the bunker has so far cost him a whopping £50,000.
Starting life as a disused well, the bunker now consists of a 35 ft tunnel leading into a room that measures 140 ft in total.
The underground hideout features a handcrafted Great Escape tunnel, gym, toilet, sink - and even a beer lift disguised as a keg to carry drinks down to the bunker.
Dave's latest upgrades to the bunker will see food supply, air filtration, water supply and blast doors installed.
Dave said: "I'm going to have to have emergency supplies of food. I'm going to guarantee a source of water. I think the idea is to make a water filtration unit so we can safely use the well water.
World's most luxurious apocalypse-proof bunkers
"I want to make blast doors in the bunker so if a big explosion went off outside, it would hold the door shut better.
"As long as you've got food, you can stay here indefinitely.
"If it starts getting bad outside, you've got somewhere to hide away, kind of like what they used to have in World War Two with Anderson shelters.
"People think we're going to get a direct hit, but I'm in the middle of nowhere, it's not really somewhere you get a bomb, is it?"
8
The mad dad has spent an estimated £50,000 on the bunker
Credit: SWNS
8
He has decked out the interior as a "survival place"
Credit: SWNS
8
The bunker is an ongoing project
Credit: SWNS
Dave doesn't claim to be a 'prepper' - people who stockpile in case of disasters or wars - but said the recent government warnings made him realise how far ahead he is in terms of readiness.
He said: "When I saw it on the news and it said you've got to be prepared for war, I thought, 'what are you preparing for?'
"Because having somewhere underground with a food supply where you can lock yourself in is quite prepared, really.
"I don't think anyone could really be more prepared than I am."
Despite the extensive and seemingly well planned work Dave has put into his bunker, he claims he is making it up as he goes.
He said: "I'm winging it myself really. None of us have got a big plan here of what's going to happen. No one can see into the future."
Adding: "You've got to keep some basic supplies around in your house. When things go wrong there isn't going to be a shop to go to for a start.
"So people should at least get some basic foods and stuff that lasts a long time that will keep them going. Food and water supply, that's the main thing you need.
"If people have got to stay in their houses, you've got to be prepared. Have enough stuff in your house to last you two or three weeks if you can't go out the door. It's always better to be a bit prepared."
Offering advice to others Dave has suggested prepping a supply of food to keep in your house.
Updates on Dave's progress can be found on his social media channels (@Tornado_Dave).
8
The tunnel extends 35 ft under Dave's garden
Credit: SWNS
8
Dave was inspired by The Great Escape
Credit: SWNS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I've been holidaying naked for 25 years – I quit Derbyshire for the Canary Islands & now only wear clothes to the shops
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DIVORCEE who has been holidaying naked for 25 years and owns her own naturist resort, has opened up on loving life in the buff. Karie Jane, 58, a former theatre producer from Derbyshire, began holidaying nude back in 2000, with her and her ex-husband buying a second home in Costa Calma, Fuerteventura, the following year to strip down as often as possible. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 A naturist resort owner has spilled the tea on holidaying naked Credit: PA Real Life 8 Karie Jane, 58, owns the BHH Naturist Resort in Canary Islands Credit: PA Real Life 8 She barely ever wears clothes and has recently introduced live demonstrations on how to apply aloe vera to soothe sunburn, which she described as 'miraculous' Credit: PA 8 Her resort is now almost always fully booked, with guests even booking two years in advance Credit: PA Real Life After their divorce in 2013, she moved into the property permanently, turning it into the BHH Naturist Resort in 2019 and officially opening it the following year. The resort is now almost always fully booked, with guests even booking two years in advance and now, Karie only wears clothes when she goes to the shops. Not only this, but it also featured on Channel 5's The Canary Islands with presenter Jane McDonald last year. Karie welcomes a range of guests, hosting LGBTQ+, ladies and ramblers events, and has recently introduced live demonstrations on how to apply aloe vera to soothe sunburn, which she described as 'miraculous'. Karie is celebrating the resort's fifth anniversary this year by attending a nudist festival, where she is planning on turning up in her bright pink Ford Ka, dubbed the 'Barbie car', and handing out 'bum towels' for fellow naturists to sit on. She thinks naturism is getting more popular each year and has witnessed guests working from the resort since lockdown, wearing nothing but a shirt and tie to take business calls. Speaking about her naked lifestyle, Karie told PA Real Life: 'When I need to go out for something, I go as quickly as possible so I can come back home and take my clothes off. 'I know I'm living a life that's less ordinary, that's for sure. 'I've effectively been naked for the last five years besides going out in public!' Soothing sunburn Since many of her guests get 'lots of sunburn in places you shouldn't get sunburn', Karie has started doing a demonstration for them on how to soothe it. I've been fat shamed my whole life but I don't cover up and I wear less clothes than ever before, I even teach yoga naked Karie discussed her new live demonstrations, as she explained: 'I take some aloe vera and tell them, and show them, to slather on aloe vera on their bits and it's miraculous. 'We get a lot of bald heads, actually, a lot of sunburnt bald heads, that's quite memorable.' After visiting her first naturist beach in 2000 in Spain, Karie was hooked and continued going on vacation in the buff. The following year, she and her husband bought a holiday home in Fuerteventura, made up of five apartments. When I need to go out for something, I go as quickly as possible so I can come back home and take my clothes off Karie Jane Karie and her husband divorced in 2013 and she decided to move into the holiday home permanently that same year to mark her new chapter. She often rented out the apartments to families and surfers, and then, in 2020, she started offering naturist holidays to adults. The resort is already 'quite booked up' for next year and has even received bookings for 2027. 8 Karie is celebrating the resort's fifth anniversary this year by attending a nudist festival Credit: PA Real Life 8 She is passionate about getting more people into naturism Credit: PA Real Life Getting more people into naturism Karie is passionate about getting more people into naturism, especially women, and holds multiple ladies' retreats throughout the year. In May, she held her first LGBTQ+ event – including naked sailing on a yacht – and has even had naturist ramblers come and stay. She has also upgraded the resort this year, adding in additional accommodation pods – the Hooters Nest for women and the Peckers Nest for men. What is Naturism? Naturism, also known as nudism, is a cultural and lifestyle movement that advocates for and practices social nudity in both private and public spaces. The philosophy behind naturism emphasises harmony with nature, self-respect, respect for others, and a sense of community. Naturism is a diverse and inclusive lifestyle choice that encourages individuals to embrace their natural state, foster a deeper connection with nature, and build a community based on mutual respect and equality. Naturists believe that naturism promotes a healthy and accepting attitude toward the human body, regardless of shape, size, or imperfections. Many naturists are also advocates for environmental conservation and sustainable living, believing in a close connection with nature. Naturism also fosters a sense of equality, as clothing often signifies social status, and its absence can help break down these barriers. She beamed: 'They've each got a private hot tub for two people, which I call the bird bath! 'They've got an ensuite bathroom, bar, double beds and people are loving it.' When upgrading the accommodation, one of her most challenging moments was having to explain the premise of a naturist resort to an electrician who turned up to carry out some work. 'When the man came round, he had all these naked bodies that he had to sort of go through, I think he was more surprised than I was. 'I was trying to explain to him but that was a funny day,' Karie recalled. This year, she is celebrating five years of the resort by attending British Naturism's NudeFest, the biggest naturist festival in the UK from July 7 to July 13. She confessed: 'I want to try naked basket weaving. It can be a liberating experience and we don't care what labels you wear, where you come from Karie Jane 'I'll be driving my bright pink Ford Ka, my Barbie car, and it'll be full of BHH stickers, and I'll be handing out bum towels, which is the naturist etiquette that you sit on a towel. 'That's the number one etiquette, actually, over and above the non-sexual social nudity, it's the fact that you always sit on a towel. 'I've sponsored the event in previous years, but I've never actually attended in person so I'm hoping that there'll be hundreds of guests that have stayed here and we can meet up there. 'I'll be taking Canary honey rum as well!' 8 She has also upgraded the resort this year, adding in additional accommodation pods Credit: PA Real Life 8 Karie thinks more people are embracing the naturist lifestyle, especially after lockdown Credit: PA Real Life Embracing the nude lifestyle In comparison to when the resort first opened, Karie thinks more people are embracing the naturist lifestyle, especially after lockdown. She explained: 'A lot of people started the lifestyle in lockdown when you didn't need to wear clothes or go to work. 'Some people come and work from here, which is quite peculiar, to see a man in a shirt and tie and then nothing below every day! 'I think the age is coming down – when I started, it was kind of die-hard naturists who've been naturists for their whole lives. 'Lately, it's more and more people that are in their 30s or 40s and are just trying it for the first time and loving the freedom of it.' In terms of her personal life, Karie remains 'happily single' and enjoys the company of her two pet dogs, Snoopy, a labradoodle, and Milo, a Spanish water dog. To people wanting to try naturism, she shared: 'I suppose it's become totally normal to me, which I forget when I'm in the company of textiles, which are people who wear clothes. 'People are much more liberated – when you're talking to a group of naturists, they seem to be more open. 'It can be a liberating experience and we don't care what labels you wear, where you come from.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I gave my house an extra room with NO planning permission thanks to a 1970s caravan I bought on Facebook for £300
Read on to see how much caravan life really costs WHEEL NICE I gave my house an extra room with NO planning permission thanks to a 1970s caravan I bought on Facebook for £300 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SAVVY woman has been able to extend her home without needing any planning permission. Sarah, from the UK, decided to buy herself a cheap caravan to create an extra room for her house instead of doing an extension. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Sarah transformed this old stinky caravan she bought off Facebook Marketplace Credit: tiktok/@imtheproblem 3 Despite having no previous experience, she transformed it into a luxe spare room Credit: tiktok/@imtheproblem Taking to social media, Sarah revealed that she purchased a pre-loved 1970s caravan from Facebook Marketplace for just £300. She said: "It only cost me 300 quid but it smelled really bad. "Practically everything was broken. But I could still see the potential, even though I could smell urine." Sarah got to work over the next week chucking out the old interiors and giving it a spruce-up. The foldable caravan was in dire shape when she got it, even the brakes had rusted and fallen out, but it didn't put her off. The benches inside the caravan were just as bad, in fact, they couldn't even be sat on as there was nothing to let them hold weight. "Things often fell on me and at times I couldn't tell if it was going to be any good, because at some points it actually looked worse than it did at the beginning," she added. "I'd pretty much trashed it. And somehow I also managed to trash my parents' garden in the process." Sarah was almost ready to give up on the transformation but after being encouraged by her TikTok followers managed to pull through. And it seems to have paid off, the caravan looked incredible once she was done. 3 People were floored by her skills Credit: tiktok/@imtheproblem I bought a £26k caravan, trolls say it's a mistake but my bank account disagrees She stuck with the 1970s theme, using a mix of warm woods and orange hues inside. She was able to fix the benches with some extra foam from Dunelm and some curtains from Home Sense that she stapled onto the seats. Sarah ripped out the floor and used some vinyl flooring for a more modern touch before adding a lick of coral paint to the walls. For final touches, she added a wooden scalloped table, a 70s-style mushroom lamp and some rattan storage. She finished the video saying: "I never in a million years thought I'd be capable of doing all of this work myself." The clip soon went viral on her TikTok account @imtheproblem with over 72k views and people were quick to praise her DIY skills. One person wrote: "You've done a stellar job. It's a dream caravan." How much does it cost to live in a caravan? LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs: Initial Costs Caravan Purchase: £8,000 - £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition) £8,000 - £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition) Caravan Insurance: £200 - £800 per year Ongoing Monthly Costs Pitch Fees: £150 - £600 (varies by location and facilities) £150 - £600 (varies by location and facilities) Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 - £120 £40 - £120 Maintenance and Repairs: £20 - £80 £20 - £80 Internet and TV: £20 - £50 £20 - £50 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 - £40 Other Potential Costs Waste Disposal Fees: £8 - £25 £8 - £25 Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance Variable, depending on distance Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 - £1,600 (one-time) Sample Monthly Budget Pitch Fees: £400 £400 Utilities: £80 £80 Maintenance and Repairs: £40 £40 Internet and TV: £40 £40 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25 £25 Total: £585 Annual Estimated Cost Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020 £585 x 12 = £7,020 Insurance: £500 £500 Maintenance and Repairs: £480 £480 Total Annual Cost: £8,000 Tips to Save Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons. Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons. DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself. Handle minor repairs yourself. Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs. While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK. Another commented: "Caravan goals, seriously." "Looks fab, great job and I love the lamp," penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "Wow, this is such a beautiful glow up!" "That looks absolutely stunning! You've done an amazing job,' claimed a fifth Someone else added: "I'm suitably impressed."
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I helped Princess Eugenie with her summer glow up – the salty water trick which ensured she looked so good at Ascot
Plus, how stretching in front of the TV can help ROYAL MAKEOVER I helped Princess Eugenie with her summer glow up – the salty water trick which ensured she looked so good at Ascot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PRINCESS Eugenie was the picture of elegance at Royal Ascot, despite the sweltering heat. The woman behind her glowing and radiant appearance is society nutritionist Gabriela Peacock, who also counts Princess Beatrice, Jodie Kidd and Billie Piper, among her A-list clients. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Princess Eugenie looked sensational at Royal Ascot Credit: Getty 9 Princess Eugenie turned heads in a striking red outfit on day five of Royal Ascot Credit: PA 9 The royal mum-of-two looked radiant for the famous racing event Credit: Getty 9 Princess Eugenie in 2019 Credit: Getty 9 Gabriela is the go-to for nutrition for the York sisters Credit: 2016 David M. Benett Fans were quick to comment on the royal's impeccable Ascot looks, with one saying: "Princess Eugenie looks so lovely", and another added: "Absolutely beautiful." With summer upon us, many people want to look and feel their best for the beach, weddings or holidays. Gabriela has revealed there are some easy steps everyone from royalty to the public can take to achieve this. Gabriela, 45, who is godmother to Beatrice's three-year-old daughter Sienna, told Fabulous: 'As a nutritionist working with everyone from royalty to red carpet regulars, my philosophy is all about realistic wellness. 'That means supporting your skin, energy, and mood through smart nutrition, simple lifestyle tweaks, and a little science-backed supplementation. 'No crash diets, no overtraining — just small changes that create long-term glow. 'Here's how I help my clients achieve their ultimate summer glow-up — and how you can too…' 1. NUTRITION Gabriela shared an example summer menu which will help you feel your best… Breakfast Glow Bowl: Try Greek yoghurt or kefir with mixed berries (especially blueberries + strawberries), a tablespoon of chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and a drizzle of manuka honey. Gabriela explained: 'Why? Antioxidants for skin protection, probiotics for gut health, and omega-3s for a dewy, hydrated glow. Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child and shares sweet picture with husband Edoardo 'Hydrating foods such as watermelon, cucumbers and coconut water is the way to really help support the skin health to keep it plump and moisturised.' Lunch Salmon & Avocado Salad: Grilled salmon on a bed of spinach, rocket, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a lemon-olive oil dressing. The nutritionist explained: 'This is rich in collagen-boosting protein, healthy fats, and vitamin C for skin elasticity and radiance.' Dinner Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Roasted Veg: Courgette, peppers, and carrots with garlic and turmeric. She added: 'This has lean protein for hair and nail health, fibre for detoxification, and turmeric to reduce inflammation.' 9 Princess Beatrice also looked radiant at the famous racecourse this month Credit: Getty 9 Gabriela advised adding collagen-boosting salmon into your diet Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 2. FOOD TO AVOID It can be hard to turn down sweet treats in hot weather, but Gabriela said if possible you should avoid excess sugar during the summer. She explained: 'It can contribute to dull skin and breakouts particularly when the weather is hotter like it is now.' Too much caffeine was also a no go as this can 'really dehydrate the skin and as a result reduce that glowy dewy skin.' And finally highly processed foods should be ditched as they are often 'low in nutrients and high in inflammatory oils.' 9 A-list nutritionist Gabriela Peacock, who has worked with Princess Beatrice, shared how you can get a royal glow-up this summer Credit: Getty 3. UNPLUG FROM STRESS Feeling good and looking good go hand in hand and Gabriela said she advises her royal clients to make it a priority to unplug from screens where possible. She explained: 'Get outside every day, even if it's just for 10 minutes, and stick to a regular sleep routine. 'These simple habits help regulate your nervous system, which in turn supports everything from hormone balance to skin clarity. 'Stress can easily show up on your face, whether through dullness, breakouts or sensitivity, so I always encourage my clients to create space in their day for proper rest and mental recovery. 'Whether it's reading, meditating, or just having a quiet cup of tea, finding moments of peace amidst the chaos is essential for glowing-up.' 9 Gabriela has also worked with model Jodie Kidd Credit: Getty 4. ADD SALT TO WATER Most people underestimate how quickly dehydration can affect their energy, skin and focus - but it can be easy to fix. Gabriela shared: 'My trick is to add a pinch of sea salt or electrolytes to my water for better absorption. 'Electrolyte sachets are super convenient to travel with too. I also switch out one coffee for herbal tea or fruit-infused water. Small changes, big difference.' 5. PICK FUN FITNESS You don't need to spend hours in the gym to feel fit and strong, according to the royal nutritionist. She shared: 'I always recommend my clients to opt for a physical activity that they enjoy, so that it doesn't feel like a chore or punishment. 'Whether that's Pilates, yoga, strength training or a brisk walk - keep it short and effective. 'The goal is consistency, not exhaustion. 'It's also so hot in London at the moment so anything quick, easy and light you can do is enough! 'I try to walk after meals, take the stairs when I can, stretch while watching TV, or even use small hand weights when sat in long car journeys.' 6. TAKE SUPPLEMENTS Gabriela advised boosting your health with supplements like RadiantMe - which is a daily sachet formulated to support healthy skin, energy and vitality. She shared: 'It supports healthy skin, hair, and nails, and is such a simple way to get those essential skin-loving vitamins and minerals in one quick daily drink. 'It's my secret weapon for staying consistent when life is full on - plus it tastes amazing too!'
