Churchill War Rooms

History museum · Whitehall

Churchill War Rooms

History museum · Whitehall

4

King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ, United Kingdom

Photos

Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by Richard Ash
Churchill War Rooms by Gordon Mcleod
Churchill War Rooms by Richard Ash
Churchill War Rooms by Gordon Mcleod
Churchill War Rooms by Photo courtesy of Imperial War Museums
Churchill War Rooms by Richard Ash
Churchill War Rooms by Richard Ash
Churchill War Rooms by Richard Ash
Churchill War Rooms by Gordon Mcleod
Churchill War Rooms by Richard Ash
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null
Churchill War Rooms by null

Highlights

Explore the Churchill War Rooms, where history meets the underground as you wander through the preserved nerve center that orchestrated WWII strategies.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ, United Kingdom Get directions

iwm.org.uk
@imperialwarmuseums

Information

Static Map

King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 20 7416 5000
iwm.org.uk
@imperialwarmuseums
𝕏
@I_W_M

Features

restroom
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom
wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible seating
crowd family friendly

Last updated

Jul 7, 2025

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@cntraveler

"A historic site offering insights into the United Kingdom's past, particularly during World War II."

The Best Time to Visit London—and How Many Days to Stay
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@cntraveler

"This underground lair, just around the corner from 10 Downing Street, is where Churchill spent endless hours plotting Allied victory during the Second World War. Come for the Map Room, which looks exactly as it did when the members of the War Cabinet abandoned it at the end of the war, and the Transatlantic Telephone Room, where Churchill had secret conversations with U.S. officials. Entry is currently timed so you won't be crowded, and there are some pandemic restrictions still in place in terms of social distancing, but it's easy to get around and see everything. The audio guide comes with your ticket and provides an extra insight into the operations that went on during the war, including sounds and speeches of the time. The museum is also fully wheelchair accessible." - Ramsay Short, Sonya Barber

27 Best Things to Do in London
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@cntraveler

"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? The Churchill War Rooms, situated just next to Green Park and the Mall, are legendary. These were the secret underground headquarters where British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill lived and managed the war effort from during WWII. Best of all it's all underground. A modern bunker 75 years ago, it's fascinating to wander through and consider all that occurred down here, and the fateful decisions made. What will we find in the permanent collection? The war rooms were the nerve centre of British government operations during Second World War. Alongside that, the attraction also doubles as the Churchill Museum where you can find out about this iconic figure's 90-year long life and legacy. This is a place where you'll easily find yourself spending three hours, discovering everything from the Cabinet War Room intricately preserved with its maps and documents to the original door of Number 10 Downing Street. All the rooms were once top secret and the Map Room in particular fascinates with its plethora of geographical charts, as well as the Transatlantic Telephone Room. Disguised as a private toilet it housed a secure radio telephone link direct to the President in the White House. In fact, anyone who's seen the recent Churchill movie The Darkest Hour will recognize that much of it was filmed here. The museum also features numerous documents and artifacts from Churchill's personal life including letters and a noiseless Remington typewriter on which state documents were printed. Any temporary exhibits worth seeing? There are regular temporary exhibits like the ‘Wartime London : Art of the Blitz’ show, with drawings and paintings from the likes of Henry Moore, Eric Ravillious and Evelyn Dunbar. Remember this is an underground bunker, so it's not the easiest place to host an art show, but that doesn't detract from the art itself. What did you make of the crowd? Kids love the war rooms (they are underground after all) and there's lots of step-back-in-time things to see and imagine. Anyone who has a passion for WWII, history, and Churchill of course will also love the place. Entry is timed so you won't be crowded and it's easy to get around and see everything. On the practical tip, how were the facilities? The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. An underground museum dating from the 1940s is of course going to be more difficult for anyone with mobility issues, but it's still doable. (Otherwise, don't expect to do much sitting here.) Any guided tours worth trying? The audio guide comes with your ticket and provides an extra insight into the operations that went on during the war, including sounds and speeches of the time. It's a fabulous guide to how the place actually functioned. How's the gift shop? It's mostly books and t-shirts, and Union Jacks, very Blitz spirit indeed. Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere? If you fancy a tea or coffee there is a cafe here, but it's not much to write home about. And considering you're minutes away from Covent Garden and Soho above ground, it might be best to save your food and drink cravings for the massive choice of places outside. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? While you'll probably stay longer you could get round the Churchill War Rooms if you just wanted to look at the space and not read much, but once you get into it I kid you not you'll be reading everything, and listening to some of Churchill's commanding speeches is mesmerizing." - Ramsay Short

Churchill War Rooms — Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler
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@afar

"Interesting and meaningful This underground bunker lay undisturbed for 30 years after the end of World War II, and is now open to the public in its restored original state. The maps are as they were the day the war ended. It's moving to contemplate that this is where Churchill and his staff planned the defense of Britain, and the free world. The adjacent museum to the Great Man offers a quite even-handed view of his life, which was relatively undistinguished except when it really counted By Ron Bartizek"

The Best Things to Do in London
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Danna B

Google
I was reluctant to come here because I'm not big on politics or on WWII and I was more interested in the royal history of The Tower of London or Buckingham Palace than the war history. However, we wound up here on a rainy afternoon and it was hands down one of my favorite places to visit in London and certainly the biggest surprise. It was all very efficient - you purchase a ticket, move down a line to get your audio-guide which is available in multiple language (I can vouch for the Hebrew version which was well made) and is super informative, and straight through to a tour of the bunkers. Each room has a purpose and a significance and they are extremely well preserved down to the pins on the maps, and complete with dummies that look and are posed like the real life people who lived and worked in this place. Moreover, there are videos of testaments of the people who'd worked here during the war, specifically the secretaries who describe planning their route back home after a long night at the bunker and trying to avoid the bombs and staying close to underground stations for shelter. Now if that's not enough there is an entire wing of the museum which is a museum dedicated to Churchill's life from childhood up till his state funeral and even a bit beyond. The room that hosts this museum isn't very big, but the sheer amount of information - again, to the tiniest details - was incredible, and as a bonus you get some interactive works, like a display of his famous hats. Also this is not a picture plus text type of museum - it masterfully mixes videos, audio snippets, family photos, to paint a complete portrait of the man. My only complaint is that this part of the museum was difficult to navigate and I would've appreciated some more structure. At the end of all of this, the giftshop was excellent, I spent quite some time looking into the Wartime Classics books shelves. It is clear an immense amount of effort has been put into this place and it is a breathtaking, incredible museum to visit and definitely the most successful one in bringing to life the history that has been made right in between these walls, it was super immersive. You can easily spend the better part of a day here.

Doug Caldwell

Google
Great start to our river cruise (London/Paris/Normandy beaches) to visit here. I am pretty sure I visited the rooms in early 70s but if so it looks very different now. Our tour was able to enter at 8am so we got ahead of the usual crowd. And there was a crowd at 10am. Take advantage of the self-directed audio tour and get a lot of what is shown. Remarkable that UK was able to run there part of WW2 just 10 feet underground in such cramped quarters for six years. The back part of rooms is all about Churchill from birth to death. You get quite a lot of his history making achievements in the exhibits.

Braulio A.

Google
The Churchill War Rooms is a must-see historic site that I’ve been eager to visit for some time. Unfortunately, I missed the opportunity during my trip to London in September 2024, but I was fortunate enough to return in March 2025, and this was my top priority. If you’re planning to go, I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. I didn’t, and despite arriving right at opening time, we still had to wait around 15 minutes. While it wasn’t too bad, it could be more of a wait if it’s a busy time. The staff were friendly and helpful, always ready to answer any questions. Upon entering, you are provided with a headset for a self-guided tour, available in multiple languages. The site itself is underground, and certain areas can feel a bit cramped, so it’s important to be mindful of that. However, the space is well-ventilated and perfectly safe. What makes the Churchill War Rooms so remarkable is how it preserves history, offering a glimpse into how the British government managed wartime strategy from this very bunker. It’s a fascinating stop, especially for history enthusiasts or anyone wanting to learn more about Britain’s role in World War II. A visit here is a unique experience that brings history to life in an unforgettable way. The Churchill War Rooms also features an excellent café, conveniently located halfway through the tour. It’s the perfect place to take a break and recharge. The food is delicious and fairly priced, offering a variety of options to suit different tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a light snack or a more substantial meal, the café provides a lovely spot to relax and enjoy a bite before continuing your exploration of this historic site.

J T G Nielsen

Google
Another fascinating walk through history. Slightly confusing when you start, but personally I would visit the main museum about W Churchill life and then walk through the War rooms. Take your time so you can admire the sights and sounds. You will need a good hour plus to really explore the museum. Enjoy

Cody P

Google
The history here is immense and must be experienced by everyone visiting London. It’s neat to see where the war was being run during such dark times, complete with a huge section dedicated to Winston Churchill. The Winston Churchill section was much larger than expected that I had to start moving a little faster to keep up with my schedule. The war rooms themselves are well documented and labeled down there and I learned quite a lot. Reservations in advance are definitely recommended as there is only so much room down there, hence only so many people are allowed at a time. I could have spent half the day here if I could.

Andy B

Google
Highly Recommend. I was in London for 5 days and this was a late add to my itinerary. I booked the guided tour before the museum opened to the public, and that was the right choice. Having an extremely knowledgeable tour guide (Mr. Smith) and walking through the museum with only around 10 people was a delightful experience and well worth the extra money. I did several other guided tours of the major tourist attractions in the city and this one was the best.

Angie DeWaard

Google
If you have any interest in militiary history, British history, the Blitz, Churchill, even just the inner workings of government - this is an incredible tour. You have to get tickets in advance, for certain - but it's just such a truly great tour. You walk through Churchill's political life, and the war rooms themselves are deeply fascinating. The museum of his personal items, etc. (including the original door to Downing Street) is just truly one-of-a-kind. We got the last tour of the day, and it was not enough time. Make sure to schedule yourself plenty of time.

Miss B's Plan B

Google
Churchill War Rooms is a fascinating and immersive experience. It is worth booking in advance, and you get given a half-hour entrance slot, which is timed carefully as there is limited space down there. Upon arrival, you are provided with an excellent audio tour that gives a powerful glimpse into one of the most critical periods in British history. Walking through the preserved underground bunker feels like stepping back in time, and it is really thought-provoking hearing about the lives of the people who worked down there. The museum is well laid out, with a perfect balance of historical detail, personal stories, and interactive exhibits. The Churchill Museum section is particularly insightful, showcasing his leadership, quirks, and legacy. Staff were knowledgeable and helpful, and the cafe (where the switchboard used to be) was a welcome stop just over half the way around! I would highly recommend a visit for anyone interested in WWII or British history.

Adam M.

Yelp
My wife and I visited in early September 2024. We booked our tickets in advance and arrived in plenty of time to be at the front of the queue before the museum opened. Thankfully. I would not recommend doing otherwise. Being our first vacation without child, we expected all the kids to be back in school so attractions like the War Rooms would be practically empty. How wrong we were. Every other couple now without kids had the same idea as us, and the place (as was every attraction we visited this trip) was PACKED like sardines. This slightly took the edge off our enjoyment of the tour and museum as we were constantly tripping up and avoiding people. It was hard to get to see everything in the museum, and the audio tour felt rushed as the throng of visitors piled up behind us. We spent two hours here and most of that was dancing around other guests. For the price I don't feel this was overall good value. All that aside - it's an unavoidable side-affect of a hugely popular attriaction - the museum is a fascinating insight to the life and work of a man we all know by name, but whom I knew very little actual fact about. The War Rooms tour takes you back to that time, and paints a vivid picture of what it was like down in the bunker, and the sacrifice those working there made. The fact the rooms were left in the state they remain, as the day the war ended, tells us how quick (and no doubt happy) they all were to get out of that place.

Eric B.

Yelp
During our recent stay in London, one of the highlights was visiting the Churchill War Rooms. This was where Winston Churchill (who later was Queen Elizabeth's 1st Prime Minister) and his staff directed their WW2 efforts from this subterranean bunker. Hundreds of people served in this underground command center over the course of 6 years. We saw and were fascinated by the map room, Churchill's phone hot line room (disguised a bathroom), his bedroom, and many other spaces (largely untouched) that helped the Allies win the war. Helpful Docents were readily available to tell stories and help fill in some blanks. From the street, the entrance to the Churchill War Rooms is rather plain, which even today speaks to the hidden nature of this place. There's also a comprehensive Churchill Museum as part of the tour, plus a cafe and gift shop. Gayle and I were here for a full 2 hours and found the size and scope of what we saw to be very manageable.

Henrik C.

Yelp
On the day New Year's Eve (2024) we went here early (10AM) to explore things before the night celebration. The museum is very close to Big Ben and parliament and in the middle of everything. So great location. The museum is in a subterranean location that was built just before WW-II. They have tried to preserve it as much as possible as it was originally. It gives you a great sense of all the different functions needed to coordinate a major war effort in a time with limited technology. It gave a nice perspective on Churchill as a person, the cabinet and staff around him, and how they tried to stay on top of things. The walk through the cabinet room, staff offices, bed rooms, ... was very interesting and the audio head-sets gave a nice narration of the various rooms and associated activities. Certainly, good use of 2-3 hours of time if you are in the center of the city.

Hayden L.

Yelp
Totally fascinating and worth it. You don't even have to be a WW2 history buff to appreciate this place. Being underground and seeing the actual rooms where Churchill directed the war efforts was incredible. The included audio tour was very helpful, informative and entertaining. There is also an additional Churchill museum downstairs that is part of the exhibit, which is very interesting. I highly recommend booking tickets in advance online and still getting there early to line up. I didn't have tickets in advance, but arrived 20 minutes before they opened and was third in line. Once they opened, they let waves of people with reservations in first, then one party at a time in the non-reservation line. I only waited for about 10 minutes once they opened.

Andrea U.

Yelp
This is considered a hidden gem housing the underground nerve center where the British government directed the WWII & the Churchill Museum. We walked through the top-secret corridors & imagined what life would have been like during the tense days and nights of the war. We saw Churchill & Clementines b rooms, map room, dining room, kitchen, secretaries room, security, switchboard, typing pool for 11 women .... The headset brought the experience to life. In the museum we moved through his birth to death; it was fascinating! The audio headsets & interactive exhibits were very well done. I learned & remembered many forgotten facts. We passed a large cafe & ends in an extensive gif shop..

Doll F.

Yelp
I REALLY wanted to love this tour. I'm a huge fan of WW2 history and Churchill as a leader. I took the guided tour and learned absolutely nothing that couldn't have been included on a headset. When I went back through WITH the headset, it was deeply disappointing. No details about what decisions were made or the process of decision execution, etc. The Churchill museum was a complete mess. Instead of a logical layout, it takes you through a maze of Churchill artifacts that are (loosely) grouped by time period--starting with WW2. Instead of laid out in the form of a story, you bounce from one exhibit to the next without truly grasping the decades of service this great man gave to his country. Churchill would be horrified by the lack of order and precision. As arguably the greatest leader of the 20th century, he deserves better than a basement museum with a muddled story.

Chris L.

Yelp
What an amazing tour. Rooms and facilities exactly as it was during WWII. Rich history of the blitz and Churchills life throughout. Interactive and superbly organized. Audio tour included in admission price. Lovely cafe and gift shop on premise. This is a MUST DO item on any London visit.

William C.

Yelp
Fascinating preservation of an essential part of WWII history. The rooms are interesting to peruse, and the free audio guide is very well done and engaging, including snippets of interviews with people who actually worked there during the war. We arrived an hour prior to closing, so we only spent time in the war rooms, rather than looking through the museum exhibits. Staff was friendly. Admission is a bit pricey, but considering the free admission to other great London museums, I guess it balances out. Keep in mind that this is essentially a bunker, so the hallways can be a little narrow and confined. If you're a little claustrophobic, this may not be right for you.

Vaughn M.

Yelp
I visited the Churchill War Rooms on my last day of a 2-month visit to London. Even though it's close to Westminster Abbey, the IWM site is more or less inconspicuous -- I suppose this is to play into the covert and secretive nature of its history. The Churchill Museum was neatly detailed and covers everything from his early life, political experience, relations with other leaders, writings and speeches, and of course the role he played in WWII and why exactly the War Rooms were such an important site. However, the cost of this detail was the maze-like layout and disorganization of the exhibit. It is very easy to miss parts, and the chronology of information is not the best. I'll still maintain that if you come here to learn a lot, you will. I felt that the audio tour, while free, was intended for a more younger audience. There were signs indicating which recording to press, but sometimes I skipped over it because I knew I'd get more utility out of reading the panels. My favorite part was the Map Room and seeing all the living quarters (especially Churchill's) which gave me a glimpse into what the "War Rooms experience" was like. On that note, I enjoyed the balance of educational material and the existential displays of how people lived and worked underground If you plan to visit, I would recommend visiting the Imperial War Museum in Southwark first.

Donald P.

Yelp
Nicely laid out....good informative signs..the audio is helpful..(people stopping to listen blocking narrow passage ways). Amazing all the items that have been preserved. As Americans it was revealing to see the War from the British perspective and all the things Churchill accomplished. The hidden gem is there little cafe...reasonable prices and very good items for sale..the women working there are quite lovely also.

Andrea R.

Yelp
This was my husbands only request for our trip to London and so we got a private guide to go here for 2 hours. It was honestly my least favorite attraction in London, but more so cause it's not really my thing...I did like it more than I expected. My favorite part was seeing the war rooms, which hasn't been touched much since the Churchill days. The museum part was interesting, but massive and took a lot of time to get thru it all - this is where we found our guide super helpful. 1 out of 3 kids was a fan, but coming here made my husband happy and he said it was definitely a highlight. In fact, he enjoyed it so much he followed it up with a trip to the imperial war museum while i took the kiddos to Hamleys toy store. So everyone was happy that afternoon!

Kiana D.

Yelp
This is an underrated must-see during your trip to London. The Churchill War Rooms came highly recommended from a few friends, but was on our "if-we-have-time" list. Needless to say, I'm so glad we ended up being able to make it! In addition to getting to see the actual war rooms, they have a museum space set up with a ton of artifacts from Churchill's life and daily routine including a few of his suits, the flag from his funeral, and more. It really gives you an exclusive view into Churchill's life before and as Prime Minister. If you don't know a lot about England's role in WWII, go with an open mind and you'll learn all about it. If you're so-so on this, or don't have it on your itinerary, add it immediately! This is one of the pricier museums in London at £30 for adults, but it includes a donation that they will happily remove, bringing the price to £27.25, or £24 for students. It's absolutely worth it! I'm not typically huge on audio tours, but this one really gave a great perspective. If you've ever been to the Sixth Floor JFK museum in Dallas, this audio tour and setup reminded me a bit of that.

Stephanie G.

Yelp
Definitely unique among the grand Victorian architecture and brawling beautiful parks and squares is a somewhat darker history of the underground offices of Winston Churchill and his team planning out what to do for the country during WWII. I did not buy tickets in advance and arrived first thing in the morning and the line wasn't too bad. There is a separate line for ticket holders and non-ticket holders. Later in the day the lines were longer when I left, so be there first thing or be prepared to wait. They only let limited people in at a time and the obvious reason is these are narrow, claustrophobic hallways that a number of people lived in for long periods of time in order to serve their country. The audio tour guides around as one part is on meeting rooms and living quarters and the rest is an exhibit on the life of Churchill. The timeline is a little out of order, starting with WWII then going to his childhood, but you get a nice delve into his life before, during, and after the war. It is cramped for sure, and of all my tourist visits it's the least pretty and romantic space, but it's an important look into what life was like trying to run a war while the possibility of being bombed was very real. You really have to respect everyone from the phone operators to the very top decision makers trying to keep a level head and keep morale up in what must have been smoky, dank, sunless, joyless rooms. A lot of the rooms were just as they were left, as when the all clear was given, I imagine people couldn't wait to get out and never come back. Definitely an important and meaningful visit for any history fan in London and worth getting in early.

Gilbert R.

Yelp
Big WWII buff, so this tour was a must for me while in London. Not a bunker, but a basement, this is the actual place where the legendary PM called the shots during WWII...in a basement right below the large treasury building. Saw "Our Darkest Hour" a week before, so I was super jazzed to see the actual location where some of the scenes were based. It's a popular tour, so it's best to get your tickets online. Otherwise you'll have to wait a while. The tour is well organized and takes about an hour and a half or so, depending on your attention span. The museum itself isn't so large, but it's very well organized. It's a bit tight in some areas, so if you're claustrophobic, you might want to pass on this. At the beginning, they give you a phone-like device that gives you an audio tour at each station. If you want the full experience, it's best to follow the numbered signs and listen to the phone. Otherwise, you can just walk through and look around, which is perfectly fine as well. Yes, some of the rooms have been restored for obvious reasons, but others have been kept the way they've been since the war era. One of the last rooms you'll see, other than the gift shop, is Churchill's bedroom, the largest and most comfortable looking one in the basement for obvious reasons. Great tour, reasonably priced and fun!

Sarah P.

Yelp
It seems that not many people know of this museum. My husband is a Churchill fan, so I did. This is a very thought provoking and nicely laid out museum. If you are a history buff, you MUST visit here whilst in London.

Ryan A.

Yelp
Absolutely a must for any war enthusiasts or Churchill lovers! I've avoided this jewel for several years before finally visiting it and quite happy I did. First off, get the city pass, you will save quite a bit of pounds doing so as it includes other great spots as well! Secondly, expect large lines due to the small size of the museum. Once you do get in though, expect to spend at least two to three hours inside as there is so much to see! If you are a war enthusiast, it will fit the bill, but more so if you are a Churchill fan. I spent so much time learning more than I thought I'd ever about the greatest leader of Britian. It does not lean on the times of war in Britian and Churchill, but basically the entirety of his life, so quite fascinating. Bring some hand sanitizer as there are a lot of interactive screens and devices, so just a pro tip! Make sure to have this marked for a visit if visiting London anytime soon!

Ed B.

Yelp
London certainly has a plethora of fun and interesting sites to visit. This one should be on your "Must-see" list. I feel the the name "Churchill War Rooms" is a bit misleading and does not do this facility justice. There are rooms after rooms and displays after displays of historical war exhibits to satisfy even the most intense history buff. But the appeal also extends to novices like myself, who enjoyed how well the information was presented. The reason I think the name should be more descriptive is because the facility has a lot of information about Churchill's entire life (not just his war activities). We spent three hours there and still did not see everything. I don't recall the admission fee, but it was reasonable.

Julie L.

Yelp
My favorite place I visited in London! I could spend a week here. I'm not sure if they have multi-day passes but I hope so for when I come back next time I can spend hours/days here. They have done such a tremendous job of displaying so much memorabilia and the attention to detail they have put shown is incredible. Can't wait to come back.

Aimee T.

Yelp
Could have been so much better. Sophie at the front door was unbelievably rude. If you hate your job, don't work with people. Tour is audio based. Then there are guided tours in the middle blocking up the halls and clogging up the rooms. It's all poorly executed.

Chloe W.

Yelp
This museum in Westminster provides an amazing walk-through of the underground headquarters of Churchill and his staff during the Second World War. The ticket is pricy - especially considering its connection to the Imperial War Museum, which is free - but it comes with a great audio guide! Many of the rooms in the museum are on display exactly as they were left at the end of the war, down to the pins on the maps! At the middle of the museum is a chronological exhibit on Churchill's life and provides a good opportunity to sit down. One thing to note is that some of the rooms were quite narrow and they get crowded easily, so if you get claustrophobic you might want to arrive early to enjoy an empty museum.

Ray L.

Yelp
Very interesting and informative. Highly recommended for anyone who likes history. It is amazing how they have preserved the war rooms as they were during the war.

Sara B.

Yelp
My husband is a massive history fan, especially military history that I felt this would be a huge hit. First off, it's expensive. There are really two parts, one is the experience of visiting the actual spot where so much history took place. Rest is a Churchill museum. You have headphones and hear about different spots in this bunker. It's a little hard to follow though, I can't explain. My son and I both had this issue. Thing to note: 50% of the tour/tape happens, then you go thru a Churchill museum, then back to bunker tour\remainder of the headphone/tape. Couple other notes: little warm in there, also there were parts of the tour I felt claustrophobic: toward the end when a lot of tourists got jammed up in one area. When my history buff husband mentioned he didn't think it was worth it, figured I would share a review.

Melissa T.

Yelp
I purchased a ticket for the 3pm tour, but due to the number of visitors I waited over an hour to enter at my time slot. Bully tickets ahead of time but be prepared to wait in line with no protection from the elements.

Phil C.

Yelp
I have to admit, the lady friend really wanted to go. You can get spoiled because you didn't have to pay for the Tate and other museums, but if you can get past the admission fee, this is a definite spot for history buffs (and I am one). The bunker rooms are well-maintained and I especially loved seeing the map room. There is an interactive area where you can see the various periods of Churchill's life. There are spots where you can feel claustrophobic, but for the most part, the museum is well-lighted and clean. It's worth the $.

Lance L.

Yelp
Calling ALL you Buff Men and Women out there that know and understand that Knowledge is Power and that learning from our past makes our present & future even stronger. I'm talking about you History Buffs! I myself wouldn't consider myself a history buff, but I certainly do appreciate history and understand its value. During my first trip to London, I was dumbfounded by the magnificent monuments before my very eyes that I had previously only seen in movies or on t.v. In that moment, I was staring at these monuments live, in person and was even taking the infamous selfie with things like Big Ben, Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. All of these famous sites are deep rooted in Britain's beautiful history and tourists from all over the world flock here every year to be immersed in the real life fairytale of London's history. We found out about the Churchill War Room via the London Go Pass and we are so happy we did. This hidden gem of a tourist site turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the trip and I'm not really a big museum guy. Showcasing the life of Winston Churchill during WWII and how he lead Britain to Victory through the 2nd World War, the War Room will give you an in-depth insight into what went on and how his legacy proceeds him today. It felt like you were stepping back in time as you got a small glimpse of the War that changed the world we live in today. Definitely a must see if you go to London!

SpaAddict K.

Yelp
A must for history buffs and lovers of learning about WWII. The audio tour is really fantastic, they did a great job of teaching why each room was significant and what the war effort was like. They also make you understand the character of Churchill and what an amazing effort all those in the bunkers were expending to try to win the war against the Nazis. My son's 11 years old, and the tour was easy for him to understand and appreciate.

Curtis K.

Yelp
quite the museum - divided equally between the war rooms and churchill hagiography. both were really well done. technology was integrated very well into the churchill part. the experience really brings to life just how many consequential decisions he made each day. puts into perspective just now inconsequential no wartime jobs like mine are

Bess B.

Yelp
A must see in London. It's impressive to see the war rooms and how they lived. They also had a great exhibit on churchills life

Nikki G.

Yelp
This was on my list of must do things in London, and was non-negotiable. Although the visit of President Trump thwarted our plans one day, we were able to visit the day after. I was with someone in a scooter, as he is handicapped, and we got in immediately. There is also a caretaker admission, which is basically for the price of one, two people can enter the museum. The place is so magnificent. First, you are shown a few of the underground war rooms, then it opens up into this wonderful museum. There are some interactive exhibits, but the learning you do once inside is incredible. I never knew Churchill was an artist, and he was impressively good. They have his entire collection for you to see on a screen. They also have various correspondences between his wife and him, and it is evident he loved her very much. It was nice to see the human side of Churchill, not just the force. Following the main museum with artifacts, there were more parts to the war rooms. The gift shop was great as well. This was definitely the highlight of my trip to London and I would recommend this to anyone over 12.

Russell K.

Yelp
Great opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history! Much of the museum looks exactly like they just walked out of the command post yesterday, and the additional Churchill museum inside does a great job of interactively covering his life. I'm a history nut, so would likely have loved it either way, but my wife is definitely not and still had a great time!

Clay G.

Yelp
Of all the museums, tours, and other tourist attractions I've done in Europe, the Churchill War Rooms take the cake. Everything is incredibly well done, from the preservation of the rooms to the Churchill Museum. It really makes you want to learn more about Churchill. Take my dad for example. In my entire life, I don't think I've ever seen him read a biography or history book. As soon as we walked out of the War Rooms, he told me he was going to read a Churchill biography. As far as must-see attractions go, this is right up there. It is not flashy but full of substance. Don't leave London without making a trip here.

Johnny Z.

Yelp
A unique and fascinating look into the tremendous effort and sacrifices that went into winning the war. Made me think how tough people can be when their lives depended on it, or simply that people were a lot used to living in an era when digital electronics and media didn't inundate our lives. It's a rather small museum but each stop along the audio guide is filled with engaging information. Expect to spend at least an hour here as you navigate to the various rooms that once housed key players in the war effort. In the gift shop, I picked up a tiny book that was issued to American GI's entering the UK. It's an interesting book about what to expect in terms of cultural differences between Americans and the British. I found most of those differences still exist today.

Ron R.

Yelp
We knew our history buff son would enjoy this museum, but it turned out the entire family enjoyed it. It is very well done and certainly worth the price paid.

Bruce M.

Yelp
SPectacular tour. Museum real good. Your handed a device for the digital tour. What was super annoying was the private tours ongoing as you walk thru narrow hallways looking thru rooms trying to listen to your devices earphones when some Betty or Larry yammering away and blocking the view. There is no need for a private tour. Gets in the way of everyone's experience.

Mark G.

Yelp
This was a great experience learning more about a fascinating man during an extraordinary time in history.

William W.

Yelp
This particular review of the Churchill War Rooms is based on the private, behind-the-scenes tour of the underground Cabinet War Rooms, the only way to properly visit this attraction. The museum itself is very well done, but the private tour is simply unbelievable, one of the most memorable things I've done in the 70+ countries I've visited! On our 16-day tour of the UK, we visited dozens and dozens of museums with phenomenal exhibitions. But this was by far the most amazing, quite a testament indeed. Purchasing a private tour in advance, we skipped the extremely long lines and were personally met by our guide. The lines are quite lengthy even on rainy weekdays, so this perk alone was worth the extra cost. While other tourists listened to audio guides and peered through glass, we were ushered behind the glass with our extremely knowledgeable private guide who gladly answered every question with impressive expertise! Imagine our surprise when the doors to this 70-year-old exhibit were unlocked just for our family where we stepped back in time. We observed a conference room barely altered since World War II, the musty space pristinely preserved right down to Prime Minister Winston Churchill's ashtray and chair. We stood before tables where the greatest masterminds of the British military sat, conversed, argued, and made crucial decisions that would affect world history. We touched the very chair in which Churchill sat, something you won't see if you're standing outside the glass on the regular tour, observing the scratches he made on both armrests with the stress of the world on his shoulders. Next, we stepped into the Map Room, untouched since 1945. Serving as the nucleus of communication for the British Army, the colorful phones, the desks, the file cabinets are all still intact. Most captivating is being able to stand next to the enormous wall map covered in hundreds of holes visible up close, each representing a pushpin that once marked a warship patrolling nearly every mile of coastline across the globe during the war. From there we stepped into Churchill's bunker bedroom, standing behind his desk where he addressed the nation live on the radio. Of hundreds of points of interest across the United Kingdom, this is without a doubt the best thing we decided to do!

Ted M.

Yelp
Fascinating slice of history. Audio tour is very helpful. Some rooms are a bit redundant, but it is self paced so you can keep moving as you choose. Museum portion can get a bit cramped, but very insightful.

Christine S.

Yelp
An experience that every visitor to London should experience. Having a love for history my husband and I loved it. We could have stayed for another three hours.

Jenn K.

Yelp
Absolutely fascinating look into Churchill, the man, and the war rooms used during WWII to plan, strategize, sleep, eat and live during the war. Kids may be a little bored but all in all so worth it!

Kathy K.

Yelp
Overlooked this place once already, so wasn't going to make the same mistake twice! This is a fantastic museum; so appreciative that they opened it up to the public after its discovery. Very informative but not overwhelming. Gained so much respect for Churchill after visiting this museum.

Sean B.

Yelp
Let's just put Covid aside and deal with the issues. It was a rainy day so I thought why not visit the war museum. OMG! Could you cram people in any tighter? With Covid on the rise I'm very surprised they stuck so many people in close quarters underground. The ventilation was horrible and it was chilly that day yet I was sweating due to the high temperatures underground. Now let's get to the meat of the subject. Yes Winston Churchill was a hero and he did a lot of great things for the country but for about $30 I could've spent it on a decent lunch somewhere and get on my computer to Google everything I learned while crammed like a sardine underground. If you're truly interested in World War II go to New Orleans and hit there museum which is far better money spent.

Kate W.

Yelp
This museum provides a unique look into Winston Churchill and World War II. Rather than just reading about it, Churchill War Rooms allows you to actually walk along the same path that Churchill and his staff did throughout the war. I visited on a Friday morning during January and had pre-booked my ticket the night before. Since it is the off season, there wasn't a queue for tickets, but ordering the day before does save you a few pounds. This is one of the more expensive museum experiences here in London, so I would recommend ordering your tickets in advance. You are given an audioguide to take along your walk through the bunker. I really enjoyed the guide as it gave a lot of information about the war, Churchill, and life in the bunker. Signs are clearly posted in most areas so you know what number your guide should be on for each location. Since this is a bunker, hallways are narrow. It gets congested easily, so be aware that you might have to tuck yourself into a corner away from the room you were looking at to finish the audio guide for each location. About halfway through your tour, there is an opportunity to go into the Churchill Museum. I found the museum interesting, but the layout is cramped and the congestion of people made it difficult to move around, let alone read the signs and see the artifacts. I did not spend much time here and backtracked into the bunker to finish the tour. Upon finishing your tour, you will return your audioguide and walk through the gift shop. There are also restroom facilities at this point. These were sparkling clean around 11:00, but when I was leaving around 2:00, they desperately needed attention from a cleaner. There is a cafe located about halfway through the tour. I stopped in for a scone. It is standard museum cafe fare, and I would suggest skipping it and stopping at a restaurant after your tour. If you enjoy history, you will enjoy this experience. Overall, I spent about 2 hours here. I would recommend trying to go early in the morning during the tourist off season, as even in mid-January, it was very crowded.

Melissa L.

Yelp
I am not a big history or Winston Churchill devotee, but after watching The Darkest Hour, Dunkirk and The Imitation Game, the movie about Alan Turing, I became pretty interested in learning more about Churchill. On this visit to London, I made sure to purchase tickets online prior to my visit (I highly recommend doing this to avoid the long lines). I lined up at the appointed time but still had to wait 15 minutes or so as they only allow a small number of people to enter every 5 minutes or so to ensure against overcrowding once inside. A short walk down a flight of steps leads to the cabinet war rooms and the Churchill museum. The war rooms have been preserved from the time that they were used during WWII. The audio guide provided a lot of helpful information and provided context to what we were seeing. Half way through viewing the war rooms, you will walk into the museum, which contains a lot of information on Winston Churchill's life as a person and as a leader. The museum also contained some great artifacts from the war and from his life. Overall, I found the experience to be fantastic and well worth my time and the price of the ticket. It took me 2 hours to tour the entire museum, including periods of rest. There is seating throughout. The halls of the war rooms are pretty narrow and aren't convenient for people to linger too long when it's crowded. There is a small cafe with food and beverages available for purchase, as well as restrooms.

Andy B.

Yelp
Echoing my other review of this amazing place, Thank you for your hard work preserving History! My Bride of 30 years is British, and her Father has shared extraordinary memories of this Historic time. Cannot wait to return! #templemastery

Rebecca H.

Yelp
We got there at 920 and there were definitely already lines. If you do London Pass or prebook your tickets you get in the fast pass line, so consider that. The audio guide is included and we liked it for sure. Apparently it's much busier now in general since the release of The Darkest Hour. It was very cool to see the bunker areas all set up as they were used and the museum in Churchill's life was a bonus. Great stop for sure!!

Stephanie J.

Yelp
If you like History, a visit to discover more about Churchill's life and the secret WW2 bunker is a must. The Churchill War Rooms experience was so informative, thanks to our audio guide that was included in our admission. If you are planning a visit make sure you allocate at least 2 hours so you can see everything.

Chun P.

Yelp
There's over 100+ reviews already...the war rooms are interesting but not worth the full price £18..but before you visit... BUY THE LONDON PASS!!!!! I only bought the 1 Day pass for £49($77ish), not cheap, but worth it! Get it at the Tourist Information desk at the airport or the booth near Leicester Square The CHUN P Power-Cardio-One Day Tour of London: £20 10am-11am Westminster Abbey £18 11:15am-12:15pm Churchill War Rooms...5 minute walk away from Westminster £18 Thames River Cruise...5 minute walk to the dock, grab a quick take away lunch at Tesco, which will be on your left. Eat on the boat while trying to admire the Thames's not-so-great scenery... £24.50 1:30-3:30 Tower of London...have a coffee or tea break afterwards. £9 4:00pm-Close Tower Bridge...this doesn't take long to visit, maybe 30-45 minutes. £89.50 TOTAL Total Savings £89.50 - £49 = £40.50($62ish) That's what makes this attraction worth the money..at almost half price! If you have more time and for a bit more £££££ you could buy the 2 or 3 day pass to see Windsor Castle(£19.20) and Kensington Palace(£17.50) for more savings.

Ella P.

Yelp
Fascinating experience. It was very to cool to get to walk through the actual rooms Churchill stayed in and get to see artifacts and hear first hand accounts. The Churchill museum that is included is fantastic too. The audio guide is great as it is full of good information and self paced. My only complaint was that it was very crammed and barely Anyone was wearing a mask. Due to Covid being more prevalent again I would recommend wearing your mask and sanitizing your hands. But it was fantastic and I definitely recommend that you go!

Brian R.

Yelp
Wonderful exhibit. You'll get to walk through the hallways and peer into the rooms used by Churchill and his staff during WWII. I enjoyed the audioguide, and the area wasn't too crowded, except near the end. The Churchill museum, located within the war rooms, was my least favorite part of my visit. It's disorganized, and a bit hagiographic (not entirely undeserved I suppose), but it does have a few interesting artifacts, including an enigma machine. I'd recommend reserving tickets for a particular timeslot ahead of time. We reserved tickets the day before visiting, and had our choice of several afternoon times (no more morning slots). If you don't have a reserved ticket, you can wait in line; at a Friday at 3 PM, a guide estimated that the line was 45 minutes long.