Cabinet War Rooms – Step into History

Possibly one of the more overlooked museums London has to offer, the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms in the heart of Whitehall, offers an engaging experience and insight into the underground nerve centre of the British Government during World War II. Having been abandoned and sealed up in 1945, the converted bunker was re-opened in the 1980s and turned into a museum.

The complex of rooms are preserved almost exactly as they were left the day after the war ended. I find the Map Room fascinating, with maps on the walls detailing overseas operations, jars of ink, pens and paper still left on the desks, all in the same positions as when they were left as if it were only yesterday.

One large room has been converted to house the Churchill Museum. Here you can learn of lesser-known periods of Churchill’s life; including time spent as a prisoner of war and his talent as an amateur painter, as well as his private life and his ‘finest hour’ at the height of WWII. Advanced multi-media displays (including a brilliant computerised timeline of Churchill’s life), original recordings and film footage make the information highly accessible. Display cabinets also house many of Churchill’s famous effects, including cigar stubs and, my favourite, the all-in-one ’siren suit’. I’m a big fan of anyone who can lead the country to victory dressed in, what is essentially, their pyjamas!

Even if you are not a museum or WWII enthusiast, I would still recommend this as a unique and memorable experience.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cabinet War Rooms | Art & culture | Adult £ 14.95
Clive Steps, King Charles Street | Central | +442079306961
09:30 – 18:00 daily