Churchill War Rooms: A Review
The Churchill War Rooms is somewhere that my sister really wanted to go – she was a history major after all – but I had a great time exploring too and I’m glad we were able to go.
Now, what are the War Rooms? From the website: History was made in Churchill War Rooms – an underground bunker that allowed Britain’s leaders to plot the allied route to victory during the Second World War. Walk the labyrinth of rooms and corridors that stretch below Westminster that sheltered Winston Churchill and his war cabinet from the German bombing raids, and explore the Churchill museum to learn the story of his life and legacy.
If you saw the Gary Oldman film Darkest Hour, where he plays Churchill during WWII, then you should know what the War Rooms are: the place they all went to throughout the film to make plans (maps on the wall, bedrooms for people to stay in, etc.) Obviously I didn’t see this movie until after visiting the War Rooms, so it was nice to understand the context a bit more.
When visiting the War Rooms, you really are going underground to visit the rooms where Churchill and others stayed. As the website states, see where Churchill and his War Cabinet met and step back in time in the Map Room, which has remained exactly as it was left on the day the lights were switched off in 1945. There are bedrooms, places where they worked. There’s even a room where you can listen to one of Churchill’s iconic speeches from this time period.
Once you have made your way through the War Rooms, you can then explore the Churchill Museum. You get to read all sorts of information about Churchill’s life, as well as see personal objects relating to all periods of Churchill’s life, including his paintings, one of his favourite cigars and the door of No. 10 Downing Street (courtesy of the Churchill War Rooms Website).
It was definitely a really interesting look back into not-too-long ago history, and if you’re at all curious, you should go and check it out! I find WWII to be a fascinating time in history so it was great to learn a bit more about it while visiting the War Rooms (and Museum).
Finally, I do recommend that you order your tickets for the Churchill War Rooms online if you can as you will save money. This is true of most “tourist” attractions in London.
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I was there a couple of months ago. It was really fascinating and kind of humbling being there. The museum was really impressive, too- loved the interactive displays with his best known quotes.
The only downside was every employee we encountered seemed to hate people, which makes working a tourist attraction an odd career choice!
Sounds like an interesting place to visit!
Sounds awesome…especially if you’re a history person!
One day I will go to London! I’m so excited that you got to do this! Thanks for sharing pics with us!
That would be a place that my husband would like to visit. Sounds interesting.
I just saw a documentary about the underground war rooms, but I didn’t realize visitors could actually go in and look around!.
Wow, that does sound like a neat trip! I’m so glad to see all the things you’re sharing with us from your trip. Gives me more ideas of where to go. I just found out my sister is probably moving to Glasgow next year for a job, so I’ll have lots of places to visit all around there, including London at some point I hope!
London is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit. Maybe when both my kids have moved out of the house. Lol.
Kevin would love that. I always think I don’t like those things but when they’re done well I do.
Have you ever been to the WWII museum in NOLA? It’s fantastic.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
This sounds like a really interesting place! I love history and I find things about World War II very fascinating, so this would be right up my alley! Someday I will go to London!
This sounds so cool. I’ll have to keep it in mind if I’m ever lucky enough to make a return trip to London.
It was such a fascinating time period wasn’t it and Churchill was such an imposing figure. It must have felt a little eerie going underground and knowing you were following in their footsteps. It’s representative of the UK and Europe, all the secret underground tunnels and they’re discovering new routes all the time. It sounds brilliantly fascinating Lauren and thrilled you both had a great time!
That is so cool — I didn’t even know you could visit them!
This is cool. History was not my most favorite as a kid but now that Im older I get the importance of it. I should have paid better attention in school lol
Sounds like an interesting and educational visit!
I love learning about history and getting to interact, explore, and visit historical sites. The Churchill War Rooms sounds like a once in a lifetime unforgettable experience! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Wow I would love to see that! Visiting places were history like that was made is so neat. I haven’t seen that movie either though. I will need to add that to the list too.
I wouldn’t call myself a history buff, but I do find the WW II era to be a particularly interesting period in history. If I ever make another trip to England I’ll definitely have to add the War Rooms to my can’t-miss list!
I love learning a little more about history and this sounds really interesting. WWII is one of my favorite wars to read/learn more about. Such a sad time, tho! This would be neat to see if I ever get over to England!
Carrie
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