Churchill War Rooms

This is a great place to visit, especially if you’re a history buff. It’s amazing how well preserved the war rooms are. They’ve done a great job in keeping it well maintained. They offer a self guided tour which can take about 1.5 to 2 hours if you take your time are take in everything there is available. The gift shop offers some cool stuff but they have a couple of books that delve deeper into the history of this place.
joe h - 2 weeks ago

It could be the most impressive museum I've ever been to. Every exhibit is incredibly well-made, with just the proper amount of information to read quickly and on to the next. Because of its tiny size, you should budget two to three hours if you want to see everything on a busy day. I didn't even realize we had been there for so long because everything was so captivating that the time flew past! It was strange to see things left exactly as they were after the war ended and the rooms closed, and the interactive exhibits are fascinating. There is undoubtedly a presence there, particularly when you hear the testimonies of the deceased.
Babji Vundavilli - 2 weeks ago

Quick Takeaways 🚇 Easy to reach by foot or public transport 🎧 Excellent audio guide included and simple to use 🏛️ Fascinating historic site with strong narrative flow 👤 Large Churchill exhibition gives real insight into the man 💡 Very dark lighting throughout — can feel gloomy 💷 Expensive (£33 adult) compared to many London museums 🪪 IWM Members must show photo ID (not clearly advertised) ☕ Good café and well-stocked shop ⏱️ Expect 1–2 hours minimum depending on interest Full Review Located in the heart of London, the Churchill War Rooms offer a remarkable snapshot into the underground command centre where many of the Second World War’s most critical decisions were made. When paired with Chartwell (Churchill’s family home, run by the National Trust) and Gary Oldman’s portrayal in Darkest Hour, you gain a well-rounded and immersive understanding of Churchill and the operations that shaped the war. The site is easy to reach — best approached on foot or via public transport. The entrance itself is understated, but once inside you enter a labyrinth of preserved rooms, maps, equipment, and living spaces, all supported by an excellent audio guide (headset and handset) that is intuitive and genuinely helpful. It is highly advisable to book tickets in advance, especially at peak times. If you are an IWM member, note that they will request photo ID, which is not made clear on the website — this can catch people off guard. The route through the War Rooms is straightforward and well-paced. The Churchill exhibition section is particularly strong — rich with personal items, records, and interpretive material that builds a clear picture of Churchill as a leader, strategist, and public figure. The War Rooms themselves are functional and atmospheric, preserved in a way that helps you imagine the urgency and pressure of decision-making at the time. About halfway through, there is a well-stocked café, and at the end, a large gift shop offering books and memorabilia related to Churchill, WWII, and the War Rooms. However, as with many modern museums, the lighting is extremely subdued. While this is understandable from a conservation standpoint, it does make the environment feel gloomier than necessary, and at times can make text harder to read. The other main drawback is the price. At £33 per adult, it is expensive — especially when London has world-class museums available for free. This cost, combined with the lighting and the unclear requirement for photo ID, prevents the venue from achieving a full five-star experience. That said, the historical value and presentation are excellent, and if you are willing to spend the money, it is well worth a visit. 👍
MilPoPo - 2 months ago

Had a great time visiting the Museum, there’s plenty to see and plenty to learn about, I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Winston Churchill in particular I enjoyed the story of him escaping prison in South Africa. Myself and Mrs enjoyed a nice it drink in the cafe which was priced fairly and was a warm environment. Only downside to the visit was the amount of people in certain parts of the museum there’s hallways and we had to walk at a snails pace to get through haha. But no fault to the museum itself, I’d advise going at less busy times, we came on Remembrance Sunday at 14:30.
Jordan Ward - 2 months ago

The Churchill War Rooms is an incredible piece of world history that is quite unassuming and easy to miss from street level however, step inside and head underground and something rather special unfolds. The discreet entrance is tucked away at a corner of the building and you enter through the glazed doors and copper canopy roof. Stairs or a lift then take you underground to the reception area where you get further information on the war rooms but also, this is where you pick up your audio guide screen and headset that is all included in your ticket price. Toilets are available at this location should you need before you set off. As you start your exploration, each key stage is numbered and corresponds to a spoken and visual recording on your AV equipment. Multiple languages are available and the content is perfect…. Easy to understand and sufficient in detail. It’s hard to imagine that after WW2, this place was simply shut down and left just as the last people down here walked out and locked it up. The Churchill War Rooms is a superb piece of history that is set out to enable people to absorb themselves into the reality of what was going on down here, the significance of their work and life itself. There is so much to see, look at, listen to and watch and you would need a few visits to do it all in detail however, if you allow a couple of hours you will have had a thorough insight and a great experience stepping back in time. Plenty of helpful staff on hand along with a cafe and gift shop should you desire. The Churchill War Rooms is a great experience and something definitely worth doing if you have a couple of hours spare whilst in London.
John Gledhill - 3 months ago