Churchill War Rooms

These cramped subterranean rooms were the nerve center of the British war effort during the final years of World War II, where Winston Churchill and his advisors planned what they hoped would be an Allied victory. In August 1945, with the conflict finally won, the rooms were abandoned exactly as they were, creating a time capsule of the moment of victory.

You can see the Map Room with its huge wall maps; the Atlantic map is a mass of pinholes (each hole represents at least one convoy). Next door is Churchill's bedroom-cum-office, which has a bed and a desk with two BBC microphones on it, via which he tried to rally the nation. Other rooms include Churchill's kitchen and dining room, and the Transatlantic Telephone Room that is little more than a broom closet housing the special scrambler phone with which Churchill conferred with U.S. President Roosevelt. Visitors are provided with a free audio guide, giving a detailed account of each room's function with accompanying sound effects, including air raid sirens and samples of Churchill's legendary radio broadcasts.

Also in the war rooms is the Churchill Museum, the world's first major museum dedicated to the life of Sir Winston Churchill, which opened to mark the 40th anniversary of the former prime minister's death. Its centerpiece is a 15m (50 ft.) interactive table on which visitors can explore the events of every year in Churchill's life.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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