Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms have been restored to their original state providing visitors with a strong sense of this time in history

Inside the Map Room in the Churchill War Rooms Museum
Inside the Map Room in the Churchill War Rooms Museum cc licensed photo by John Antoni Griffiths

The Churchill War Rooms is a museum located in the original Cabinet War Rooms which were central to the strategic operations of the British Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Airforce during World War II. In 1984 the rooms were restored to their original state and opened to the public as a museum and subsequently, in 2003, there was a further expansion that added the quarters used to house Churchill along with his wife and associates.

This museum is part of the Imperial War Museums and offers visitors insights and a feel for one of the darker times in our modern history. The main hub of activity in the War Rooms was the map room where intelligence was gathered and displayed around the clock by officers and daily briefings were prepared for the chiefs of staff, the Prime Minister and the King.

During the latter part of the war another room, the Transatlantic Telephone Room, was used for a special encrypted telephone that allowed Churchill to make secure calls to President Roosevelt in Washington.

Today this museum receives over 300,000 visitors each year. The Churchill War Rooms are open daily from 9:30 am until 6 pm except for December 24-26. This museum does have an admission charge, however anyone aged 15 and under is free.

There are many other attractions within easy walking distance of the Churchill War Rooms Museum. Some of these include The Horse Guards Parade, Saint James's Park, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. These attractions can be nicely combined into a memorable one or two day walking tour.

For more information about the Churchill War Rooms as well as exhibitions and hours visit their official website.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Churchill War Rooms Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Address: King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ, UK

Phone: 020 7416 5000

Official Website: Churchill War Rooms

Churchill War Rooms Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Visiting the Churchill War Rooms was an absolute highlight for any history enthusiast like myself. Be prepared to immerse yourself in history for several hours as you explore this incredible museum. Despite the cramped spaces, the museum's authenticity and attention to detail are truly remarkable. Walking through the preserved rooms, it's as if you've been transported back in time to when they were actively used during the war. It's a testament to the museum's dedication to preserving history. The staff's knowledge and passion shines through, adding depth to the experience. It greatly enhances the visit, providing valuable insights and context to the exhibits. One of the most captivating aspects for me was seeing how the spaces were still set up as they were during the wartime era. It's a powerful reminder of the challenges during that time. I must mention an intriguing occurrence during my visit - a blurry picture that can't be explained. Despite multiple attempts to refocus, the image remained consistently blurred. A mysterious and slightly eerie moment that added an unexpected twist to the experience! Overall, the Churchill War Rooms exceeded my expectations in every way. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in history or looking for a unique and educational experience in London. [Include relevant pictures here, including the blurry one for added intrigue]
Mary M - in the last week

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5 Star Rating Ah, the Churchill War Rooms, where history buffs and casual tourists alike can immerse themselves in the chaos and camaraderie of World War II without the pesky inconvenience of actually having to dodge bombs or ration their tea bags. Recommended by a friend who's practically a London tour guide, I figured it was worth a gander. And let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed. Sure, it's not exactly Disneyland, but if you're into history and cramped underground bunkers, it's a real treat. First off, let's talk about the audio tour. It's like having Winston Churchill's aide whispering in your ear, minus the cigar smell. And if you're the meticulous type who wants to soak up every last tidbit of information, you could easily spend a good couple of hours down there. Just be prepared for some serious Churchill overload; they're not kidding when they say he's the star of the show. I mean, I get it, the guy was kind of a big deal, but after the tenth anecdote about his love for brandy and cigars, you might start to feel like you're crashing one of his legendary dinner parties. But fear not, dear traveler, because there's more to the War Rooms than just Churchill worship. My personal favorite? The map room. Picture this: a bunch of stressed-out Brits huddled around a giant map, pushing little pins around like it's some high-stakes game of Risk. It's like stepping into a time machine and witnessing history unfold before your very eyes. Makes you grateful for Google Maps, doesn't it? So, if you've ever wondered what it was like to be at the nerve center of World War II, the Churchill War Rooms are your ticket to a crash course in wartime strategy and cramped quarters. Just be sure to bring your sense of adventure. No wait to enter on a weekday morning, reserved in advance online, but not required.
Victor C - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Excellent museum, quite pricey (£32) but worth it if you like military history or London history. Very atmospheric, looks like Churchill only left yesterday. Museum heavily features the life of Churchill and what it was like during the worst days of the blitz....
Trevor Hair - in the last week

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5 Star Rating I very much enjoyed the CWR. It would take about 2 hours with the audio tour, not counting the attached Sir Winston Churchill museum. It can be a bit crowded, but these tend to go in herds. Try to find the space between them. As for the Churchill museum, I found it too open ended with no real idea how to move from one section to another. It was all very well done and numerous multimedia sections. It was just all in one giant room. I couldn't figure out how to move from the various chapters (there are 5). I found myself fighting the crowds at times. I eventually left without seeing everything as it was too confusing. It's good, but I had a hard time. Maybe if it isn't busy?
Jim Chadwick - in the last week

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5 Star Rating This was our favorite museum in London. If you have several days in London, you should add it to your list of things to do. It is walkable to Big Ben, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. The museum about Churchill's life was very interesting. We learned things we never knew about him. And the war rooms were fascinating. How they lived during World War II. It was so good that we may go back again. We recommend buying tickets in advance.
Jim C - 3 months ago

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Directions

Tube Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Circle, District and Jubilee LineWestminster8 minutes
Northern and Bakerloo LineCharing Cross10 minutes

How to get to Churchill War Rooms by Tube

From Charing Cross Station exit to Trafalger Square and exit the roundabout onto The Mall and then go south (left) on Horse Guards Road to the entrance just right of the Clive steps and monument.

From Westminster Station take Exit 6 and go left out of the underpass, then go right on Great George Street and right onto Horse Guards Road to the entrance just right of the Clive Steps and monument.

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