The Churchill War Rooms are a historic site in London where Winston Churchill and his cabinet led the British war effort during World War II. The site consists of a series of underground rooms that served as the headquarters of the British government and military from 1939 to 1945. Visitors can explore the original rooms and learn about the history and secrets of the wartime leaders through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.
The Churchill War Rooms are open daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm, except on December 24, 25 and 26. The last admission is at 5 pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. The prices are £25 for adults, £20 for concessions, £12.50 for children and free for members. Tickets include access to the Churchill Museum, which tells the story of Churchill’s life and legacy.
To get to the Churchill War Rooms, you can take the tube to Westminster (Jubilee, District and Circle lines) or St James’s Park (District and Circle lines). The site is also within walking distance from Charing Cross and Victoria stations. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Parliament Square or Westminster Bridge Road.
Some tips for visiting the Churchill War Rooms are:
- Book your tickets in advance to avoid queues and secure your preferred time slot.
- Allow at least 90 minutes to explore the site fully.
- Download the free audio guide app or rent an audio guide device for £4.50 to enhance your experience.
- Check out the temporary exhibitions and special events that are held throughout the year.
- Visit the gift shop for souvenirs and books related to Churchill and World War II.
The Churchill War Rooms offer guided tours for groups of 10 or more people. The tours last about an hour and cover the main highlights of the site. The tours cost £30 per person and need to be booked at least two weeks in advance. You can also book a private tour with a historian for £300 per group (up to 15 people).
Some prohibitions for visiting the Churchill War Rooms are:
- No photography or filming is allowed inside the rooms.
- No food or drink is allowed inside the site.
- No large bags or backpacks are allowed inside the site. You can use the free cloakroom service at the entrance.
- No smoking is allowed anywhere on the premises.
- No pets are allowed inside the site, except for guide dogs.
Some of the main attractions to see at the Churchill War Rooms are:
- The Cabinet Room, where Churchill and his ministers met to discuss strategy and make decisions.
- The Map Room, where military operations were planned and tracked on maps that still show the original markings.
- The Transatlantic Telephone Room, where Churchill had secret conversations with President Roosevelt and other allies.
- The Churchill Museum, where you can see personal items, documents, photos and videos that reveal Churchill’s personality and achievements.
- The Churchill Statue, where you can pose for a photo with a life-size bronze statue of Churchill outside the entrance.
The Churchill War Rooms are a must-see attraction for anyone interested in history, politics or war. They offer a unique insight into one of the most turbulent and influential periods of British history. They are also a testament to the courage, resilience and leadership of Winston Churchill and his team.
