Step back in time and explore the secret underground headquarters where the course of the Second World War was determined.

Opening Times

9:30am to 6pm daily, last entry 5pm.
Closed 24 to 26 December 2024. Open from 9am 27 December to 5 January 2025.
Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London, SW1A 2AQ (view map)

Tickets

Advanced booking recommended to guarantee entry.

Visit Churchill War Rooms

© IWM

Voice over: 

“Step back in time at Churchill War Rooms. 

Hidden beneath the streets of Westminster lies the secret headquarters where the course of the Second World War was determined.

Walk in Churchill's footsteps as you explore the historic rooms left untouched since the end of the war.

Discover untold stories and glimpse what life was like for the men and women working underground.

Plan your visit to Churchill War Rooms today."

 

 

Walk in Churchill’s footsteps through the historic rooms and glimpse what life would have been like for those living and working underground. 

Winner of a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2023.

Afternoon Tea at Churchill War Rooms

Three people enjoy an afternoon tea at Churchill War Rooms. Tiered plates and teacups are on the table.
© IWM

14 February and 21 March 2025
12pm to 4pm

Enjoy a luxury afternoon tea, served in style at Churchill War Rooms. 

Begin your day with an introductory talk, exploring the history of the unique venue located under 12 feet of concrete and steel. Discover how people, from cooks to generals to Churchill himself, lived and worked in these underground rooms. Then take your seat and enjoy a luxury afternoon tea in this historic setting.

Guided Tour: Secrets of Churchill War Rooms

Group taking a guided tour at Churchill War Rooms

Daily
9am to 10am

Join our expert guides for a fascinating early-bird tour exploring highlights from the War Rooms.

Starting before we open to the public, this tour covers what it was like to live and work beneath the streets of London during the Second World War, navigates you through the secret corridors, and explores more about the character and actions of Churchill himself. The ticket price covers all age groups for this experience.  

Discover what's here

  • Four people look inside Churchill's Bedroom with his desk in the foreground. They are looking through a glass partition.

    Historic Rooms

    History was made in Churchill War Rooms – explore the historic War Rooms that allowed Britain’s leaders to plot the allied route to victory during the Second World War.

  • Churchill Museum

    Find out about Churchill's remarkable 90-year life, leadership and legacy, from his lonely childhood to his military career, two periods as Prime Minister and beyond in the Churchill Museum.

  • A person in a yellow jacket listens to audio on a smartphone while standing next to a map

    Free Audio Guide

    Every ticket includes a free audio guide that will take you through this momentous site. Available in a selection of languages and a family-friendly version

    Delve deeper with our free digital guides available on the Bloomberg Connects app. Uncover stories from Churchill War Rooms and hear insights from IWM curators. 

Stories from the museum

No other museum tells stories that matter more than these.

Weather news board in Churchill War Rooms
IWM HU 43777
Second World War

A Short History of The Cabinet War Rooms

During the Second World War, a group of basement offices in Whitehall served as the centre of Britain’s war effort. The complex, known as the Cabinet War Rooms, was occupied by leading government ministers, military strategists and Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Joy Hunter, a typist in the Churchill War Rooms during the Second World War, sits behind a desk
IWM
Second World War

Joy Hunter on life as a typist at Churchill War Rooms

Joy Hunter was a typist in the Churchill War Rooms during the Second World War. She recalls what it was like to see Winston Churchill at work - and tells the story of one memorable evening with the film loving Prime Minister! 

Three sugar cubes on white paper belonging to Wing Commander John Heagerty, discovered in the Map Room in the 1980s.
© IWM SITE CWR 389
Winston Churchill

9 Secrets from Churchill War Rooms

Discover some of the hidden secrets and stories of Churchill War Rooms. 

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The wit and wisdom of Winston

Shop our range of gifts inspired by Winston Churchill, from mugs and books, to t-shirts, cufflinks and the famous bow tie.
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