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 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: “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.

Guided Tour: Secrets of Churchill War Rooms

Group taking a guided tour at Churchill War Rooms
IWM

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.  

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.

Discover what's here

  • Visitors in the Map Room at Churchill War Rooms

    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.

  • Three visitors interact with an visual timeline in the Churchill Museum
    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.

  • People walking down corridor at Churchill War Rooms
    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. 

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
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. 

Sign Up and Discover More...

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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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