The Churchill War Rooms in London is one of the most fascinating and unique historical attractions in the city. It is an underground complex of rooms that served as the British government’s command center during World War II. Today, visitors can explore this historic site and experience what it was like to be part of the war effort in London during one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history.
The Churchill War Rooms are located beneath the streets of Westminster, and they were originally built to house the government’s emergency wartime headquarters. The complex was completed in 1940, just as the war was starting to intensify, and it remained in use until the end of the war in 1945. The site was largely forgotten in the years that followed, but in the 1980s it was rediscovered and turned into a museum.
Today, visitors to the Churchill War Rooms can explore the underground complex and see where Churchill and his staff worked and lived during the war. The rooms have been restored to their original condition, and visitors can see the map rooms, the Cabinet War Rooms, the telephone exchange, and the Prime Minister’s bedroom. The museum also has a collection of objects and artifacts related to Churchill’s life and career, including personal items like his cigars and his famous bowler hat.
One of the highlights of a visit to the Churchill War Rooms is the chance to see the map rooms. These were the nerve center of the government’s war effort, where Churchill and his advisors made crucial decisions about strategy and tactics. The rooms are filled with maps and charts that were used to track the progress of the war, and visitors can see where Churchill would have stood to address his staff.
The museum also has an excellent audio guide that provides a detailed commentary on the various rooms and exhibits. The guide is narrated by a British actor and historian, and it provides an engaging and informative overview of the war rooms and the people who worked there.
In addition to the War Rooms themselves, the museum also has an exhibit dedicated to Churchill’s life and legacy. The exhibit includes a range of objects and artifacts, including personal items like Churchill’s hats and cigars, as well as documents and photographs from his long and illustrious career.
Visitors to the Churchill War Rooms can also explore a museum shop, which sells a range of books, souvenirs, and gifts related to Churchill and the war effort. The shop is a great place to pick up a memento of your visit, or to purchase a book or DVD to learn more about this fascinating period in history.
The Churchill War Rooms are open to visitors every day of the week, and tickets can be purchased online or on site. The museum can get busy, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines and waiting times. The museum is located in the heart of London, and it’s easily accessible by public transport or taxi.
In conclusion, the Churchill War Rooms are a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history of World War II and the role that Britain played in the conflict. The site is an important reminder of the sacrifices that were made by Churchill and his staff, and it provides a unique glimpse into the workings of the British government during one of the most challenging periods in modern history. Whether you’re a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating period in time, the Churchill War Rooms are a must-see attraction in London.
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FAQ's
I would like to give something to the IWM collection. How do I do this?
Visit the Offer Material to the Collections page to fill out an online Offer of Material form and read about our current collection priorities and our object donation check list to help us learn more about your offer.
Can you help me find out more about my family history?
Unfortunately we do not have the resources to give individual responses to requests for family history, however, our expert staff have put together these useful guides to help you start your research.
I can’t find what I’m looking for in IWM’s collections online.
When searching our collections the following may help: Make sure all search terms are spelt correctly. Use filters and quotation marks to narrow your search results. Remove filters and use less specific terms to broaden your search. If you put in keywords that relate to the subject you are searching for, rather than whole sentences, you are likely to receive more results.
What more can you tell me about an item I have found in IWM’s collections online?
The information about items in IWM’s collections is included on the Collection page for that item. In most cases this is the only information that we have and for certain smaller items such as photographs, documents and diaries the best way to learn more would be to make an appointment to see the item in person. This can be done by visiting the section of our website that covers Our Research Facilities.
The things I am interested in, in IWM’s collections online say ‘Media not available’. Why does it say this?
If you see ‘No media available online’ showing, this means that the item has not yet been digitised, or not available online for copyright reasons. Digitisation is available on request at an additional cost through the Media Sales and Licenses page or you may be able to access the item via an appointment with our research facilities. Find out about our digitisation on demand service
Can you tell me more about an item in my possession?
While we cannot help directly with enquiries about objects or media not held by the museum, you may be able to find out more about your item by comparing it to similar items through our Collections Online. Due to the sheer volume of such requests we receive, our curators’ focus has to be the development and documentation of items already in our collection, as well as the creation of exhibitions and other elements of our public programme.
We are planning to visit and are wondering what exhibitions and events will be taking place at the time of our visit?
To help you plan your visit please look at the sections Visit a branch and Come to an event.
Can I change the date/time of my pre-purchased tickets?
Our tickets are non-transferrable and non-refundable, which is why at the time of booking we ask you to please make sure that you are booking the correct ticket type for the correct day. See our terms and conditions on our website.
I have not received my e-tickets. How to I access my tickets?
Once you have booked your day admission tickets you, should receive an e-confirmation which will come from [email protected]. Please be sure to check your spam folder in case your e-confirmation has been filtered out of your inbox. If you have not received your e-confirmation within 24 hours of making your booking, please contact us on the form below with your email address and post code. If you have booked Air Show tickets and have not received your e-tickets you will need to contact our ticketing partner See Tickets - Customer Service who will be able to assist you further.
Can I show my tickets on my phone?
After you have booked your visit directly through the IWM website, we will send you a confirmation email with a link to download your e-tickets. You will need to print these or bring them on your smartphone or tablet when you visit for our staff to check. Please note that parking permits for Air Shows at IWM Duxford must be printed out and on display on your dashboard as you arrive.
Why don’t you offer discounted or free admission to serving military?
All visitors to IWM London and IWM North enjoy free admission and we do welcome serving personnel and veterans to all IWM’s branches. Our charging branches also offer free admission to serving armed forces and veterans on Armed Forces Day. Our policy not to offer a forces discount at other times was decided upon after careful thought and consideration. IWM is a registered charity, with a remit to collect and preserve history of the impact of war from 1914 to contemporary conflict through the arts, social and cultural history of conflict and to bear witness to the Holocaust and other acts of genocide, as well as military operations. Many of our visitors have been affected by our subject matter, and the decision was made not to single out one of these interest groups to receive a discount.
I would like to make a financial donation to support the museum’s work. How do I do this?
Thank you for your interest in supporting IWM by wishing to make a financial donation. You can make a donation to IWM or help the museum by fundraising for us through our JustGiving page.
How do I become a member of IWM?
Please visit the become a member page for more information on our membership and how you can support us.
How can I volunteer with IWM?
Visit our volunteer pages to find out about our volunteer offer and to search and apply for opportunities that match your availability and interests.
I want to know more about hiring a room or holding a private event in one of IWM’s branches.
To find out more about hiring our facilities and what we can offer or to find out about a private event that is already planned then please contact the relevant events team. You can find their contact details here.
Do you offer Private Tours at IWM London, Churchill War Rooms or HMS Belfast?
To help you plan your visit please look at Book a tour.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
The only gift vouchers that IWM currently offer are for IWM Membership. If you are thinking of giving a gift, the gift membership voucher can be purchased online or from any of the IWM shops. You can find out more about gift membership here or by emailing [email protected]. The gift voucher will be valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. During this time the recipients can exchange the voucher for an annual membership which will not begin until they redeem their voucher either over the phone or via email. Alternatively you may wish to purchase something from our online shop to give as a gift.
