Whether you want to learn more about the life and work of the former British prime minister, Sir Winston Churchill, or the inner workings of the government during the Second World War, the Churchill War Rooms is a must-visit attraction in London. It’s one of the Imperial War Museum’s five branches, so you can combine it with a trip to the other locations for a history-packed day out.
Ready to plan your visit to the Churchill War Rooms? Our guide covers everything you need to know, from how to get there to the best things to see and do.
The address is King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AQ.
Things to do at the Churchill War Rooms
Events
The Churchill War Rooms hosts various events year-round, including talks, film screenings and afternoon tea experiences.
Visit what’s on Churchill War Room page for more information.
Tours
To get the most out of your visit, why not book one of the Churchill War Rooms tours? The museum offers guided tours and private tours. Both tours are led by experts and start before the museum opens, allowing you to ask questions and delve deeper into the rooms, objects and displays.
Cabinet War Rooms
In 1938, the secret complex known as the Cabinet War Rooms was established beneath Whitehall. Government ministers, intelligence officers, military strategists, and Sir Winston Churchill spent their days here during the war. These rooms are the main attraction at the museum, transporting visitors back in time to learn about the people who lived and worked in this bunker.
Undercover: Life in Churchill’s Bunker
Undercover: Life in Churchill’s Bunker showcases the lives of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms for the six years they were in operation. The Cabinet War Rooms were a top-secret, round-the-clock operation that required workers to live on-site. You can listen to interviews with those who worked here to learn more about what their daily life was like.
Churchill and the Middle East
The Churchill and the Middle East exhibition explores the complex relationship and controversial influence he had over this region during his time as Colonial Secretary. The display includes photographs, letters, maps, audio and visual material.
Map Room
The Map Room was one of the busiest rooms in the underground complex and was constantly staffed by one Army, Navy and Air Force officer. Here, information was collated before being passed on to Prime Minister Churchill and King George VI, and access was strictly limited.
Churchill’s Bedroom
Visit Churchill’s Bedroom to get an insight into his life during the war. Not only did he sleep here, but he also hosted meetings and worked, making several public speeches from his desk. The maps on the walls could be covered with curtains to hide the top-secret plans for various invasions.
Cabinet Room
The Cabinet Room was where many of the Second World War’s most important decisions were made. Churchill, his advisers, and the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force met here regularly, and 115 Cabinet Meetings were held in this room.
Café and shop
After exploring the exhibitions, head to the Churchill War Rooms café for some light refreshments, including tea, coffee, cold drinks, cakes, and snacks. There’s also a Churchill War Rooms shop on site selling Churchill memorabilia, history books, and more.
Tickets
Now you know what to expect from the museum, it’s time to plan your visit. Prices for Churchill War Rooms tickets are listed below:
Things to do near the Churchill War Rooms
Want to make the most of your day out in London? There are several attractions near the Churchill War Rooms, so there’s plenty to see and do after visiting the museum. It’s a 16-minute walk to the London Eye via Westminster Bridge, passing by the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Alternatively, head to the British Museum – take the northbound Northern line from Charing Cross to Tottenham Court Road, then walk 12 minutes.
Fancy venturing further afield for more military history? The Royal Air Force Museum is located just outside central London and is easy to reach from the Churchill War Rooms using public transport. Take the northbound Northern line from Charing Cross to Hendon Central. From there, it’s a 9-minute journey on the number 186 bus to the museum.
Food and drinks
Although there is a café at the museum, there are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.
For breakfast, lunch or dinner in a picturesque setting, walk 8 minutes to St James’s Café. Located next to the lake in St James’s Park, it serves British classics like fish and chips alongside salads and sandwiches. If you’re after classic pub fare or a pint in a cosy setting, head to The Red Lion – an 8-minute walk from the Churchill War Rooms.
Accessibility
The Churchill War Rooms is accessible to all visitors. Wheelchairs can be hired (subject to availability), and there is a lift to the historic rooms and step-free access at the front entrance on Horse Guards Road. In addition, large print guides and audio guides are available, and assistance dogs are permitted. There is disabled parking in Blue Badge bays nearby.
For more information, visit the Churchill War Rooms’ accessibility page.
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