The Churchill War Rooms are the underground headquarters from which Winston Churchill and his government directed Britain's war effort during the Second World War. Hidden beneath government offices in Westminster, the rooms were abandoned at the end of the war and left largely as they were. Today they are run by Imperial War Museums and form one of London's most atmospheric historical sites, combining the original bunker with a museum about Churchill's life.
Why visit the Churchill War Rooms
When the Blitz began, the cabinet, military planners and support staff worked in these cramped rooms below ground, protected by a reinforced concrete layer. Maps, telephones and furniture remain in place, and walking along the narrow corridors gives a real sense of how the war was run day to day, from strategy meetings to the typists and map plotters working long shifts without daylight.
The site also includes the Churchill Museum, which covers his whole life and career, from his childhood and early adventures to his time as prime minister and his later years.
Getting to the Churchill War Rooms by Tube
The nearest station is Westminster, on the Jubilee, District and Circle lines. Leave the station toward Parliament Square, walk along the edge of the square and turn up toward Horse Guards Road; the entrance is at the Clive Steps on King Charles Street, facing St James's Park. The walk takes around five to ten minutes.
St James's Park station (District and Circle lines) is a similar distance away on the other side of the park, and Charing Cross and Embankment are a pleasant walk down Whitehall.
Churchill War Rooms tickets and opening hours
Unlike many London museums, the Churchill War Rooms charge for entry. Tickets are sold for timed slots, and booking online in advance is strongly recommended, because the site is popular and space underground is limited. Walk-up tickets may be available but queues can be long, especially in summer and during school holidays. Check the official website, iwm.org.uk, for current prices, opening hours and any reduced rates. An audio guide has usually been included in the visit.
Bags are checked at the entrance, and large luggage may not be allowed.
Highlights inside the bunker
The Cabinet Room
The room where Churchill's War Cabinet met is laid out as it was, with Churchill's chair at the head of the table.
The Map Room
The Map Room was staffed day and night and was left almost untouched when the lights were turned off in 1945. Its walls are still covered with maps, coloured pins and telephones.
The Transatlantic Telephone Room
Disguised as a private toilet, this tiny room held the secure line Churchill used to speak to the American president.
Churchill's bedroom and the staff quarters
See the bedroom set up for Churchill, along with the cramped rooms used by his staff, many of whom spent long stretches underground.
The Churchill Museum
A large interactive gallery tells the story of Churchill's life and long career through documents, objects and film.
Tips for your visit
The underground corridors are narrow and can feel crowded at peak times, so take your time and let groups pass. The audio guide is worth using, as many of the rooms are viewed through glass and the commentary brings them to life. There is a cafe inside for a break between the bunker and the museum.
If you are interested in the Second World War more widely, Imperial War Museum London in Lambeth, which has free general entry, makes a good follow-up visit.
Best time to visit and how long
The first slots of the morning are usually the calmest. Weekdays outside school holidays are quieter than weekends. Allow around one and a half to two hours to walk through the bunker and see the Churchill Museum properly.
Nearby on the same stop
Westminster station puts you close to many of London's best-known landmarks:
- Houses of Parliament and Big Ben: across Parliament Square.
- Westminster Abbey: a few minutes south of the square.
- St James's Park: right outside the entrance, with views toward Buckingham Palace.
- Horse Guards Parade: just north along the park edge.
- Downing Street: off Whitehall, viewed from the gates.
See more places around Westminster on the Churchill War Rooms page, or explore the full London guide by Tube station.