Uncover the subterranean secrets of Churchill War Rooms this summer
Deep beneath the streets of Westminster lies a labyrinth of rooms frozen in time. This is Churchill War Rooms: the secret underground nerve centre for the British government during the second world war. And there's never been a better time to visit it than this summer.
Without the usual crowds of international tourists, now's the perfect time to explore the headquarters where Winston Churchill and his closest allies spearheaded the British war effort. Explore rooms that haven't been touched since 1945 — which cinephiles might recognise from the 2017 Gary Oldman-starring historical drama Darkest Hour — and imagine what life was like here during some of the tensest moments in modern history.
Churchill War Rooms is open daily, 9am-6pm, throughout the summer. Its proximity to Westminster tube station and its onsite cafe makes it a great day out for all, and there's no need to worry about COVID disrupting your plans — if one of your party develops symptoms, tests positive, or is asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, the team will rebook your visit. Tickets cost £27.50 for adults and £13.75 for children. Get yours via the link below or read on for a sneak peek inside this sensational subterranean time capsule. |
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| Marvel At The Map Room The beating heart of Churchill War Rooms, the Map Room was in use 24/7 and had strictly limited access. Now, though, you can explore it freely. Look out for the tiny pinholes and markers left on the walls and spot the 'victory' clock that was customised by a worker to celebrate the end of the war. |
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| Get Close To The Cabinet War Room "This is the room from which I will direct the war", Winston Churchill declared in May 1940, following his election as Prime Minister. 115 Cabinet meetings were held here during the second world war, and today you can stand inches away from the chair where Churchill made some of his most significant wartime decisions. |
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| Hear Workers' Stories Of course, it wasn't just government bigwigs who toiled away in the War Rooms. For six years, hundreds of men and women worked undercover here. Today, you can listen to their stories as part of the Life In Churchill's Bunker exhibition, which features audio interviews with former staff. |
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| Visit The Churchill Museum Churchill War Rooms also houses the award-winning Churchill Museum. Learn more about Winston Churchill's remarkable life, read private correspondence between him and his wife, and even ogle the original door to No.10 Downing Street. The museum also addresses the more controversial aspects of Churchill's career, including his impact on the Middle East. |
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