Defensible Locations in a Zombie Apocalypse

Admit it; you've all thought about it at least once. Maybe you haven't planned strategically, but the thought of what to do and where to go should humanity be overwhelmed by swarms of the undead has definitely occupied an idle hour or two.

Admittedly, I have been reading World War Z this week, so my paranoia is definitely at an elevated level, but one can never be too prepared. Luckily, I both live and work in environments where a discussion of how to fortify our current location or where to retreat to is considered perfectly valid and sparked some very interesting debate.

Thus, I have come up with my top 5 locations (some from personal experience, some from strategic evaluation) to hole up should the zombie apocalypse occur anytime soon.

5. Chateau Queribus, Languedoc, France

The main merits of this location lie in its strength as a short-term defensive position.

About 1.5 miles from the nearest main road, and with a hell of a trek to the top (I've done it!), Queribus could easily be reinforced and stocked for a reasonably prolonged standoff. Sheer cliffs on 3 sides - and a gravel path that could easily be blown on the 4th side - and virtually windowless, smooth walls mean that Queribus can withstand hoardes of your average Zs.

Unfortunately, once the smoke clears and the reality of settling in for the long term arises, then problems present themselves. While Queribus was undoubtedly designed to withstand siege, I imagine this was in terms of months, and not years. I don't recall seeing a well there, and what little soil there was (the terrain is very rocky) was not within the defensive perimeter and unlikely to be able to sustain a crop. On the bright side, it is a bit of a distance from the larger population centres, and is less likely to see large swarms of Zs.

4. Bunratty Castle, Co. Clare, Ireland

This 'castle' (actually a fortified house) has been completely restored and is ready to use, in case of attack! With windows starting 5 metres above the ground, no Z is going to be able to work out a way of getting in.

The castle also has a small courtyard attached, which is fully surrounded by a high wall and could potentially be adapted to produce food or house animals.

As it is a public attraction, the castle is already equipped with electricity - which would be good until the power stations went down - and is very well stocked with turf which would ensure plenty of roaring fires.

Big disadvantages to this location are its proximity to a big motorway - lots of Zs reanimating in their cars - and its position between two large population centres and near the Shannon Estuary and Airport; a likely congregation point for refugees and thus Zs. It is, however, near Limerick city - a massive source of gun crime and therefore plentiful available weapons.

3. Freemason's Hall, London

Freemason's Hall is a very eerie place to walk past. It is a massive building with windowless, blank external walls and no indication of what it is or why it is there.

It is the ideal location for a short-term standoff in London as it is very central, has a massive capacity and boasts two 1.25 tonne bronze Z-proof doors.

Having hardly any windows at all means that it would require little initial reinforcement. Its lack of long term usability is obvious - crowding, lack of supplies, being slap bag in the middle of a city with the potential for up to 7.5 million reanimated Zs.

However, if you're caught in London when the dead rise; this is where I'll be running and I'd advise you to follow!

Here is more detailed information, should you need it.

2. USS anything at all...

United States aircraft carriers are powered by nuclear reactors - the most recently built of which can go for up to 2 years without stopping to refuel.

With a capacity for up to 5,000 crew, these ships are equipped to look after a large volume of people for a prolonged amount of time.

Being at sea means only having to deal with the ocean hoardes - none of which will be able to scale the hull.

Blagging your way on to one could be a different issue though...

1. Carcassonne, France

This is it, my friends. The jewel in the crown. Z-free paradise.

With a double ring of ramparts enclosing an entire city (size relative to medieval standards), Carcassonne - while not restored to its original defensive glory - is perfectly equipped to shelter and sustain a considerable population through the worst of the zombie apocalypse.

Though currently a haven for tourists and thus adequately riddled with trinket shops, the Cité contains several hotels and a surprising number of residential dwellings. Many of the houses have adequate gardens and the city could be easily stocked from the surrounding areas.

The disadvantage would be the crowds of Zs from the ville basse - the modern area of Carcassonne - but I can testify to the fact that the cité is very well equipped with swords and other fantastic weaponry!

So folks, where should I be writing to you when the undead swarm across the earth??