Churchill War Rooms

Visit the iconic Churchill War Rooms, part of Imperial War Museums, which sheltered Sir Winston Churchill and his wartime government throughout the Second World War. Explore the underground bunker network that protected the staff and secrets at the heart of the British government as Churchill and his inner circle plotted the route to Allied victory.

Highlights

• Discover the original Cabinet War Rooms
•  Explore the life and legacy of Winston Churchill
•  Visit the underground headquarters that sheltered Churchill and his wartime government
•  Explore historic rooms that once buzzed with strategies and secrets

Discover the Cabinet War Rooms
Construction on The Cabinet War Rooms, located beneath the Treasury building in the Whitehall area of Westminster, was completed on 27 August 1939, a week before Britain declared war on Germany. Get a glimpse of what life was like for those working in the bunker around the clock during Britain’s darkest hour as the German Wehrmacht swept across Europe.

In the Cabinet Room, you’ll visit the nerve centre of the bunker complex and the place where the War Cabinet met. Those with a keen eye may be able to spot the scratch marks on Churchill’s chair at the head of the table; a result of the Prime Minister’s nervous clutching at the arms and wear caused by his signet ring.

Visit the Map Room
Step back in time in the Map Room, which has been left as it was on the day the lights were switched off in 1945: On the walls, you’ll notice hundreds of pin holes on the maps used to mark the progress of fleets across the ocean. Visitors will also get to see the top-secret Transatlantic Telephone Room used by Churchill to communicate with the President of the United States.

Explore the Churchill Museum
Discover Sir Winston Churchill’s story in this fantastic exhibition dedicated to personal items and artefacts of the time, including his paintings, cigars and the door of No. 10 Downing Street. Learn about the remarkable story of Churchill’s life, from early childhood to his military career and two periods as Prime Minister.

The former Prime Minister’s complicated relationship with this area of the world is still subject to debate and controversy to this day. Explore the impact and influence of Winston Churchill on the modern-day Middle East in this intimate display, which uses photography, correspondence and audio-visual aids to investigate the nature and extent of his impact.