Churchill War Rooms

12506 reviews

King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ, United Kingdom

www.iwm.org.uk

+442074165000

About

Churchill War Rooms is a History museum located at King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ, United Kingdom. It has received 12506 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday9:30AM-6PM
Tuesday9:30AM-6PM
Wednesday9:30AM-6PM
Thursday9:30AM-6PM
Friday9:30AM-6PM
Saturday9:30AM-6PM
Sunday9:30AM-6PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Churchill War Rooms: King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ, United Kingdom

  • Churchill War Rooms has 4.6 stars from 12506 reviews

  • History museum

  • "Very enjoyable visit with loads of information and interesting facts about the goings on behind the scenes of WWII"

    "As a certain animated couple would say, it was a grand day out"

    "The Churchill War Rooms in London are an absolute must-see for anyone interested in history, World War II, or Winston Churchill himself"

    "This was a great experience"

    "Fascinating preservation of an essential part of WWII history"

Reviews

  • Richard Lacey

Very enjoyable visit with loads of information and interesting facts about the goings on behind the scenes of WWII. We spent 2hrs in the museum and could have easily spent another hour or so if we had the time. The Churchill section makes up the bulk of tour, whilst the tunnels and rooms are fascinating and tell a story, the Churchill section is where you can really lose some time. Detailed and informative, it's is a remarkable account of Churchill's life, bringing him to life through his famous speeches and more. Even our our year old found it interesting and enjoyed the children's audio guide. There are some interactive displays l, the audio guide is excellent and the staff on hand are very knowledgeable and keen to share. If you are going to visit more than once or are in London often, it was only £6 more to upgrade our day tickets to an annual pass, which gets you free entry into the IWM other paying attractions like HMS Belfast and RAF Duxford.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Gumsan

As a certain animated couple would say, it was a grand day out. There wasn't too much of a queue so we didn't wait long. The queue when we left at 12.30pm had doubled in size both for those who had booked in advance and those waiting to buy tickets, best to buy in advance as we did. The displays with telling the history of the Cabinet War Rooms and of Churchill himself was fascinating and unless you have incredible stamina, too much to fit into a day. I was so immersed into what I was hearing, seeing and reading that apart from two photos I completely forgot to take any others. My wife who is not into the history of war also found it a worthwhile visit as it detailed Churchill's early history as was just looking at how all these men and women served in cramped conditions often going days, weeks without seeing daylight.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Kwok Lau

The Churchill War Rooms in London are an absolute must-see for anyone interested in history, World War II, or Winston Churchill himself. Located beneath the Treasury building, the War Rooms were the secret headquarters of the British government during World War II. From here, Churchill and his team directed the British war effort and made some of the most important decisions of the war. The War Rooms are incredibly well-preserved, and visitors can get a real sense of what it was like to be there at the time. The Churchill Museum, which is located adjacent to the War Rooms, provides additional context and information about Churchill's life and career. If you're visiting London, I highly recommend adding the Churchill War Rooms to your itinerary. It's a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • John

This was a great experience. It was amazing to learn about the history of the war rooms and the crucial part they played in the war. The exhibitions are engaging and interesting. The stories for the typists are especially interesting. My only criticisms would be that, when I arrived it was a full hour and a half before the war rooms were due to close. I felt that they were rushing me around after 40 minutes (with a guard following the crowd to stop people going back in). They were also using the electrics room for a private dinner, but still had it open to tourists, which was a bit odd. Given that I paid £30 to go in, I think they should’ve left that until after the war rooms were closed. That said, I would come back here again as I’d like to see the war rooms properly.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

  • William Cheng

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.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Lucas Kovács

Depending on your interests, to me this is a filler. If this is your first time in London and you are short in time, I'd say just skip it and go to the highlights, unless you are really interested in WWII stuff. Don't misunderstand me, this is a great museum, really interesting and fascinating. I visit it during my first time in London, but I had one full week, which was plenty of time. I'd strongly recommend booking in advance and arriving as early as you can. This is definitely a must see, if you can't make it the first time, be sure to plan for your second visit. Truly incredible, and so packed of history.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Bob Bob

This is a must visit for you Churchill lovers, practically all of it is about him. Despite being a lover of all things history my child had had enough by 10 minutes, he asked me “will this place talk about anyone else?” The audio guide is very helpful and easy to use. All of the rooms feel straight out of the war, dingy and dark. I understand it was very cramped in there during the war but do I really have to be cramped up with all of these people who take a photo at every opportunity? You can finish it in about 1 and half hours and it is a nice place all things considered. My child took these photos if anyone is wondering, he is really honing his photography skills.

  • Michael A.

Surprisingly well designed museum that both shows the War Rooms from which the British armed forces were coordinated, and the personal history of Churchill. Reserve about 1.5 hours if you want to have a good look, however if closing time is near, the friendliest museum staff I've ever encountered will quietly and very politely inform everyone individually, that you should move on if you want to see the war rooms as well (which we managed thanks to them). Note that the shop closes at the same time as the museum, so visit that first if you're late. Well recommended.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Wolfi Wien

Very good place to visit and very interesting museum! It is curated into 2 parts: One shows the underground building, the function of the war control center during ww2, how the staff was working and living. The other part is about Winston Churchill, his live, political career, ups and downs, his family. (One clear conclusion was that Churchill with his military, naval background in ww1, was the right person, skilled to be prime/war minister in ww2.) The museum is very interesting, I spent ca. 3 hours there, saw and learned a lot.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Ryan Ball

For those that are coming their first time, plan to book a tour in advance especially during summer months. Having lived in London for ~4 years this is on of my favourite things to bring guests to- having been 5 times to the museum it still doesn’t get old. Plan for at least 90 minutes for the tour. This is a must see in London for anyone that can appreciate the decisions that were made in this bunker that ultimately lead to our modern world. Churchill is a man unlike any other and to see his and this great country’s story unfold during such a pivotal time is a once and a life time experience.

  • Rob Blass

Considering that W. Churchill is one of my greatest historical figures, it was an absolute treat to visit the W.C. War Room. Let me tell you it DID NOT disappoint. I would highly recommend to anyone visiting London to visit the Winston Churchill War Room and get a first hand glimpse of what these brave men and women did during WWII to save democracy in Europe and the rest of the world as we now know. The Winston collections in thbe museum are excellent. Many things I did not know.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Dave Obedzinski

This visit/experience exceeded expectations. A fantastic look behind the curtain to see where England directed it's WWII efforts, underground and safe from the bombings of Germany. In wonderfully preserved settings, see where the cabinet met daily, where Winston Churchill worked and lived, and where the staff conducted business in unusual circumstances. The Churchill museum within us also fascinating. Reserve your timed ticket online. Small cafe underground offers some nice snacks too.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Paul James

Fantastic insight into how Churchill directed the British efforts during World War 2. A walk through and past the very rooms in which he and his team conducted top secret business, where they communicated with the outside and even their sleeping quarters was fascinating. The Churchill museum in the centre of the war rooms is very detailed and often humorous. I would recommend visiting and allow at least 2 hours to explore all sections and watch the films throughout.
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Julie Lowe

I had never heard of this underground bunker until I was looking for new things to see in London. It is absolutely fascinating. Just learning about what they all went through down there is amazing. There is also a huge display all about Churchill and a lot about WW1 that I didn't know. Also very interesting, but you can skip that if you want and you just do the rooms. Tickets are a little pricey, but worth it. Also good to book in advance.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Jim C

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.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Nigel M

First visit, have seen most all other IWM sites so had high expectations. It was a great insight into what is a very symbolic site for us during WW2. Great to see how things were back then, how the staff lived day to day and the very insightful volunteers who help provide further information to you as you walk around. As the site isn’t the most spacious it can get crowded and there isn’t much room to move around in some corridors.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Suzanna Ohlin

An interesting view into the logistics centre of the British during the World War II. Luckily gives spotlight not only to Churchill but many women and men working alongside in these stuffy headquarters. When pitted against each other, the Imperial War Museum is still the more essential one. Still, if you have the budget, it is worth visiting Churchill War Rooms at least once for a more authentic experience.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Phil Cook

Incredibly poignant and detailed experience that's a must when visiting London. You could almost feel the spirit of the war effort as you walked through the place, which was largely untouched from when the war ended. You really got a.feel for the spirit of everyone who worked down there during the war and feel the presence of Churchill all around. The audio tour was not too long but still had plenty of detail. Not cheap at £33 but you will be there for 2.5 hours easily

  • David Carrillo

A must visit if you're in London. The CWR really takes you back to the dark days of WWII. The Churchill museum is very interesting and gives a good overview of this complicated yet great man. It is a good place to visit for both adults and kids. If you listen close enough, you can imagine what people in the bunker went through when bombs were being dropped around them.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Bjorn Verzijlbergh

Great exhibition including the Churchill museum. Entry is a bit steep, but I have no regrets whatsoever. Personally I would recommend taking the audiotour, as a lot more is told than is on the signs. The documentaries don't do it justice, being there in person make a bigger impression than I initially thought. Recommend? A wholehearted "Yes".
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Jeffrey Kraskin

This visit was to the Churchill War Rooms. What an experience not to be missed. The audio guide is excellent as is the museum. You certainly get the full feeling of what it was like during those frightening times except for the smell of Churchill's cigars and all the cigarette smoke. Definitely a place you don't want to miss.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Anton Ren

we waited in line at the museum for 1.5 hours. However, the queue was well worth it as everything inside was incredibly realistic. But when we entered the Map Room, we got stuck in each room, examining every detail. We had a lot of impressions, so if you're interested, it's worth adding this museum to your must-visit list!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Tori R

Absolutely wonderful museum. Highly recommend if visiting London. We bought our tickets in advance, waited in a small queue (they stagger guests for optimal museum viewing) and thoroughly enjoyed all the information and history of Sir Winston Churchill. Audio guide is included in your ticket, which is awesome! Do it!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Éva dr. Földesy

A very interesting exhibition, if you're interested in the 2. World War. It's an exciting and excellent exhibition about the life of Churchill in a unique underground complex. We can visit the underground War rooms, the map room, the bedroom of Churchill and his wife's bedroom. It's absolutely worth of visiting!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • T Bay

#1 Must see in London - The place that changed the course of civilized time. The reason we can move around and admire London. The solemnity of it weighs in every room PRO: - History frozen in time - Excellent guides - Tons of rooms CON: - No way you can do it in ONE trip. SUMMARY: I didn't think I would be as immersed or moved going through the war rooms. So good, I know I'll have to do it again.

  • Gabriella

Such an impressive museum with wide depths of knowledge and interesting information. Additionally, it isn’t overcrowded; we went in the middle of the day on a summer weekday, and although there were other visitors, it wasn’t congested. I would definitely recommend coming here during your trip to London.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Julian Beames

Very impressed by the authenticity and amount of original material still in place here. It was much bigger than I expected and I spent nearly 3 hours doing the tour and could have spent a lot longer. There is a very comprehensive museum just on Churchill and his life story.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Diane Roesler Van Buskirk

Wow, what a unique experience . Definitely visit here. Being able to see the actual rooms where all of this planning took place. Amazing. Tons of history on display. Photos allowed. We even had a wonderful dinner here at 7:30pm that was planned ahead of time. It was great.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Mike Cooper

Really interesting place, lots to see and take in. Also a lot that can be learned whilst there. We did the tour with a wheelchair and staff were excellent, with all areas surprisingly accessible. Such a different experience to the one at the British Museum!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • todd fisher

History, history, history... Churchill was such an enigma, and learning more about the behind the scenes drama of WWII was quite enlightening. Highly recommended. NOTE: The movie called, "The Darkest Hour" is a great corollary to this exhibit...
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Steve Oliver

This is a really cool place. Kids will get antsy fairly quickly. The corridors are tight so be prepared to wait while others view the area and listen to the free audio tour segment. The museum section was a great addition to the War Rooms.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Chris Cocek

We very much enjoyed the visit to the museum. Very informative and helpful to provide an appreciation for the war effort and insight into Churchill himself. Buy tickets online to get a spot to visit. Allow for 2-2.5 hours to take it all in.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Andy P

Everyone should visit this site! Best History lesson for anyone over the age of 15 (young children may not appreciate or understand the significance of this place). Could be difficult for someone with mobility issues, or claustrophobia.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Michael Sloan

The little over 2 hours spent there was well worth it. As Americans, seeing the English side of the world wars and the troubles was good. The museum is well organized and has tons of detailed artifacts if you have the time.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Lawrence Baca

The War Rooms and fittingly, the Churchill Museum share this location. Both are astoundingly informative. I will leave most of the surprises for travelers to discover on their own. His favorite firearm, which he purchased in 1916 and used on the western front in WWI, was an American M1911 .45 Auto.

  • Graham Druce

Whilst the war rooms are an interesting visit, they are on a very small scale! We felt the £27.00 entrance fee was rather excessive for such a small museum. The Churchill exhibition is an added bonus to the museum.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Jennifer Fernyc

Outstanding! We learned so much at this museum and feel we greatly expanded our knowledge about Winston Churchill. It was an excellent investment of limited time in London and financial resources! Would recommend even to those not sure how interested they are in WWII or Churchill.

  • James Broadhurst

Visited the Churchill War Rooms, a fantastic insight to WW2 London, through the eyes of witness's and ministers at that time. So interesting to find out about Winston Churchill.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • David H

Our visit to the Churchill War Rooms was absolutely incredible! Stepping into this historic underground bunker felt like a journey back in time. The attention to detail in preserving this WWII command center is astonishing. Walking through

  • Paul Evans

This is such a lovely place. It is very historical and loads information about the way the war handled and ran during the war. You can Churchill was a Conservative and not with the other parties. He was very focused on winning the war even

  • Brad Curtis

We visited this place under the assumption that it was all related to WWII. There is a large part of it that is just about Churchill's back story and personal journey. That was great but not near as interesting as his specific role in the

  • Brendan Hole

Interesting tour of the cabinet war rooms. Lots to learn, read and experience. Slightly chaotic guidance for going around the odd layout of the main Churchill museum room, but well worth a visit. If you're also visiting HMS Belfast then a

  • Charles Vega

One of the most fantastic and interesting museums in London. The war rooms are so interesting to see. The highlight of those is the map room which has all of the original maps still on the walls as they were during the war. The Churchill

  • Sarah De Mornay

Fabulous Museum, so much to see, read and explore. You are supplied with listening device at the start to explore the majority of exhibits. Winston Churchill's life is depicted through the war and his colleagues and allies alike... A day

  • Tom Ward

Great place to learn about Churchill, many exhibits on show and so much history in one place. Highly recommended.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

  • Lala Land

We all know, Winston Churchill had a large impact on the World. This war room remains unchanged from the end of the WW II So you can feel how horrible and nervous during the war. They will tell you the

  • John Field

Truthfully so much more than I expected! I think in my head I'd imagined a few small cramped rooms with little to show, but it's been remarkably well preserved, and is far bigger than I thought.

  • Jonathan Faithfull

The churchill war rooms has been on the list for a while and didn't disappoint at all. Spent hours looking around, lots to learn and see. Loved it. More

  • Paul

Loved it! Very well done. See the war rooms as they were in ww2. We got there early to avoid the queue. More

  • Walid Salame

Worth the visit but I would recommend you pre book to avoid waiting in line

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