Churchill War Rooms

I’ve always said that some of the most powerful stories in London don’t live above ground - they echo from deep beneath the city streets. The Churchill War Rooms are proof. The first time I descended into this bunker near Whitehall, I was floored. Not just by the vintage phones and wartime maps, but by the atmosphere - it still feels like it’s holding its breath.

If you’re doing the StoryHunt audio walk of Central London, this stop is where history really gets personal. Churchill’s decisions made down here shaped the course of WWII. Ready to dig in?

What is the story behind Churchill War Rooms?

The Churchill War Rooms are part of the Imperial War Museums and are tucked beneath a nondescript government building near Downing Street. Built in 1938, just before WWII broke out, they became the nerve centre for British war strategy once bombing raids on London began.

This is where Winston Churchill and his Cabinet made life-and-death decisions while the Blitz raged above. The bunker was top-secret, constantly staffed, and even includes Churchill’s personal bedroom and a Transatlantic telephone room used to speak privately with President Roosevelt.

It's haunting in the best way - like the walls still remember the stress and urgency of those days.

What happened in the Churchill War Rooms?

Pretty much everything short of actual fighting. From 1940 to 1945, the War Rooms served as the command center for Britain’s military operations. Churchill delivered speeches, held meetings, and chain-smoked cigars in these dimly lit corridors while air raids thudded above.

One of the most gripping rooms is the Map Room, which looks exactly as it did on the day WWII ended - telephones frozen mid-call, red pushpins still stuck into global conflict zones. Staff often worked shifts of 16+ hours, sleeping on bunk beds between meetings. The atmosphere is immersive and chilling, especially if you pair it with the StoryHunt audio tour.

How long does it take to walk around Churchill War Rooms?

You’ll want to budget at least 1.5 to 2 hours - and that’s if you move at a moderate pace. The museum is much larger than it seems at first glance. After exploring the War Rooms themselves, you enter a sprawling Churchill Museum filled with interactive displays, audio recordings, and personal artifacts like letters and uniforms.

On my first visit, I planned for an hour and ended up staying nearly three. Between the hushed corridors and the utterly engrossing wartime stories, time somehow slows down - appropriate for a place that once controlled the fate of millions.

How much do the Churchill War Rooms cost?

As of 2025, standard adult tickets cost £30, and it's highly recommended to book in advance through the official IWM website. Discounts are available for students, children, and seniors, and entry is free for IWM members.

And yes - it’s absolutely worth the cost. You’re stepping into a preserved wartime bunker, untouched since 1945. Every worn-out seat, rusting typewriter, and dusty switchboard is authentic.

For extra context on the surrounding area and how it connects to Churchill’s world, don’t miss the StoryHunt London audio walk, which blends history with storytelling seamlessly.

What is the best time of day to visit Churchill War Rooms?

To avoid the crowds, aim for early morning (right at opening) or late afternoon. Midday - especially on weekends and school holidays - can get crowded, and the confined space doesn’t leave much room for browsing comfortably when it’s packed.

I went once on a rainy Tuesday morning and had nearly the whole place to myself. Walking alone through Churchill’s preserved bedroom and listening to archival audio in the museum was chillingly atmospheric - the kind of museum experience that sticks with you long after.

You can check current hours and book timed tickets directly through the Churchill War Rooms booking page.

Is it worth seeing Churchill War Rooms?

Without a doubt - this is one of London’s most immersive and emotionally powerful attractions. Even if you’re not a WWII buff, you’ll be moved by the intensity, ingenuity, and intimacy of the space. It’s a crash course in how close the world came to falling apart - and how close we came to holding it together.

The museum layout is intuitive, the preservation is extraordinary, and the storytelling - especially with StoryHunt’s layered narrative - is unmatched.

It’s a time capsule. A wartime command post. A reminder of what leadership under pressure looks like. See it once, and you’ll understand why it’s one of my top five spots in London.

What else is nearby Churchill War Rooms?

Once you emerge from the dim bunker back into daylight, you’re in one of the richest pockets of historic and cultural London. Here are four must-see spots just a short walk away:

• Westminster Abbey: This Gothic masterpiece is only five minutes away. Monarchs are crowned, poets are buried, and every step through the Abbey feels like a walk through British history.
• Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament: Visible as you exit St. James’s Park, the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and the Palace of Westminster are just a stone’s throw away. Ideal for photos and political context.
• National Gallery: A 10-minute stroll up Whitehall and through Trafalgar Square brings you to this world-class art museum, home to works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Turner - and it's free.
• Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk: This self-guided circular route takes you through some of the most scenic and symbolic places in London - perfect for reflection after the weight of the War Rooms.

Whether you’re a history lover or simply curious, don’t miss it - and pair it with the StoryHunt Central London audio walk for a deeper dive into the moments that made Britain what it is today.