1 / 2Churchill War Rooms
📍 London, Greater London
The original Cabinet War Rooms used throughout WWII remain intact below Whitehall, with included audio guides narrating wartime decision-making across the preserved underground complex.
The Churchill War Rooms is an incredible piece of world history that is quite unassuming and easy to miss from street level however, step inside and head underground and something rather special unfolds. The discreet entrance is tucked away at a corner of the building and you enter through the glazed doors and copper canopy roof. Stairs or a lift then take you underground to the reception area where you get further information on the war rooms but also, this is where you pick up your audio guide screen and headset that is all included in your ticket price. Toilets are available at this location should you need before you set off. As you start your exploration, each key stage is numbered and corresponds to a spoken and visual recording on your AV equipment. Multiple languages are available and the content is perfect…. Easy to understand and sufficient in detail. It’s hard to imagine that after WW2, this place was simply shut down and left just as the last people down here walked out and locked it up. The Churchill War Rooms is a superb piece of history that is set out to enable people to absorb themselves into the reality of what was going on down here, the significance of their work and life itself. There is so much to see, look at, listen to and watch and you would need a few visits to do it all in detail however, if you allow a couple of hours you will have had a thorough insight and a great experience stepping back in time. Plenty of helpful staff on hand along with a cafe and gift shop should you desire. The Churchill War Rooms is a great experience and something definitely worth doing if you have a couple of hours spare whilst in London.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with history-focused children aged 8 and up who can absorb the significance of the setting. The audio guides are exceptionally well produced and hold older children's attention through each room. The Cabinet Room draws the largest crowds — if it's congested on entry, move ahead and return.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →15,262 Google reviews
John Gledhill
6 months ago
“The Churchill War Rooms is an incredible piece of world history that is quite unassuming and easy to miss from street level however, step inside and head underground and something rather special unfolds. The discreet entrance is tucked away at a corner of the building and you enter through the glazed doors and copper canopy roof. Stairs or a lift then take you underground to the reception area where you get further information on the war rooms but also, this is where you pick up your audio guide screen and headset that is all included in your ticket price. Toilets are available at this location should you need before you set off. As you start your exploration, each key stage is numbered and corresponds to a spoken and visual recording on your AV equipment. Multiple languages are available and the content is perfect…. Easy to understand and sufficient in detail. It’s hard to imagine that after WW2, this place was simply shut down and left just as the last people down here walked out and locked it up. The Churchill War Rooms is a superb piece of history that is set out to enable people to absorb themselves into the reality of what was going on down here, the significance of their work and life itself. There is so much to see, look at, listen to and watch and you would need a few visits to do it all in detail however, if you allow a couple of hours you will have had a thorough insight and a great experience stepping back in time. Plenty of helpful staff on hand along with a cafe and gift shop should you desire. The Churchill War Rooms is a great experience and something definitely worth doing if you have a couple of hours spare whilst in London.”
Susan Carr
5 months ago
“Could very well be the most impressive museum I've visited. Each of the exhibits is extremely well done, with exactly the right amount of information to read in a timely manner and continue moving on to the next. It's a small space, so if it is a crowded day, and you want to see everything, expect to spend 4-5 hours. The time went by so fast because everything is so engrossing, we didn't even realize we had been there for so long! The interactive exhibits are fascinating and seeing things left just as they were when the war was over and the Rooms closed was surreal. There's definitely a presence to be felt there, especially as you listen to the stories of those who lived through it via the many videos. For any history buff, this is an experience you must do whilst in London. Thoroughly, utterly impressed.”
Babji Vundavilli
3 months ago
“It could be the most impressive museum I've ever been to. Every exhibit is incredibly well-made, with just the proper amount of information to read quickly and on to the next. Because of its tiny size, you should budget two to three hours if you want to see everything on a busy day. I didn't even realize we had been there for so long because everything was so captivating that the time flew past! It was strange to see things left exactly as they were after the war ended and the rooms closed, and the interactive exhibits are fascinating. There is undoubtedly a presence there, particularly when you hear the testimonies of the deceased.”
Matt Wilson
2 months ago
“Awesome, one of the highlights of our trip. We visited on New Years Day and were allowed in early which was great as it was super cold. Wonderful history, we had the audio guides and they were easy to use and provided the needed info to appreciate what we were seeing. In line with what others are saying the first stop (the cabinet room) is always crowded, but that's because it's the first stop on a timed entrance, the crowd thins out quickly, we hung back to appreciate it more. Pity it's no longer on the London Pass, and it cost a fair bit for our family, but still give it 5 stars.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Cabinet War Rooms sit beneath a government building and have been preserved since WWII ended. Room layouts, furniture, and equipment remain in place. Audio guides — included with admission — work through each room with archival recordings and context. The Churchill Museum within the complex adds a biographical dimension with interactive timeline displays. Expect a self-guided visit of two to three hours.







