Churchill War Rooms

Walk the top-secret corridors and glimpse what life would have been like during the tense days and nights of the Second World War.

Opening Times

9:30am to 6pm daily, last entry at 5pm.

Open every day except 24 to 26 December.

Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London, SW1A 2AQ (view map)

Tickets

Advanced booking recommended to guarantee entry.

See ticket pricesand ticketing information

Visit Churchill War Rooms

Voice over: “Hidden beneath the streets of Westminster, discover the secret underground headquarters where the course of the Second World War was determined at Churchill War Rooms. Step back in time and explore the historic rooms left exactly as they were."

Voice of Winston Churchill: "A victory won not only for ourselves but for all."

Voice over: "Then uncover the former Prime Minister's life and legacy in the extensive Churchill Museum, London's must-see attraction. Search Churchill War Rooms and book your visit today."

Drama lies beneath Westminster

Housing the underground nerve centre where the British government directed the Second World War and the award-winning Churchill Museum, Churchill War Rooms is one of London’s must-see attractions.

Winner of a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2023.

Book tickets

Afternoon Tea: Churchill War Rooms

An afternoon tea at Churchill War Rooms.

8 August | 5 September | 27 September | 1 November 2024
12pm to 4:30pm

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 seats. Churchill War Rooms Afternoon Tea promises a decadent selection of sandwiches, pastries, drinks and more. From Scottish smoked salmon sandwiches celebrating his five terms as MP for Dundee to the fruit cake taken from his chef, Georgina Landemare's cookbook, the specially curated menu offers a culinary journey through Churchill's life.

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Churchill 2024 Events

Winston Churchill sits at a desk, his body slightly angled towards the camera.

Image: IWM (MH 26392)

Winston Churchill at his seat in the Cabinet Room at No 10 Downing Street, London.

This year, join IWM in marking the 150th anniversary since Sir Winston Churchill’s birth.

Mark the occasion with tours, special events, afternoon teas and a screening of The Darkest Hour at Churchill War Rooms.

At IWM London, a new exhibition, Churchill in Cartoons, will offer visitors a snapshot of Churchill’s representation in cartoons through a unique display of 24 original framed cartoon artworks.

Find out more about Churchill 2024 events

Discover what's here

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.
IWM

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 interactive Churchill Museum.
IWM

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.

Discover what's here

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.

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!