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Churchill War Rooms Tickets

Updated: March 27, 2024
 By Margaret

This post explains how to visit the Churchill War Rooms in London, what you will see there, how to get tickets including ways to save on prices, and tips to plan your visit.

As a local tour guide and resident of London, I’ve been to this fascinating attraction a few times over the years. 

Since guests on my tours often ask me about going, I make sure to have the information they need to decide if a visit to the Churchill War Rooms is worth their time.

In this post, I share that knowledge with you and I have nothing to say but great things about this attraction!

I've also included some of the ideas from members of our popular London Travel Tips Facebook group.

The group has over 160k members and is made up of locals, tour guides, frequent travelers to the UK, as well as first-time visitors to London.

You don't need to become a member to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

So, check out our group once you've finished reading this post!

TIP: Want to delve further into WW2 London's history? Join us for our World War II Walking Tour!


OVERVIEW

Preserved by the Imperial War Museum, the Churchill War Rooms is a must-see for lovers of history or those interested in learning about our military past and the life and times of Mr. Churchill himself.

The War Rooms were initially created in the basement of the New Public Offices to be used in the event of war or aerial bombing.

Churchill War Room Overview

Conversion of the basement into the War Rooms began in June 1938 and became operational on August 27, 1939 – just one week before Britain declared war on Germany!

This underground nerve centre is where Winston Churchill directed many battles and attended hundreds of meetings to ensure victory during WWII.

As soon as the end of World War II was declared, personnel switched off the lights, left the bunker, and closed the door.

Abandoned after the Second World War, the War Rooms were available to view only by special appointment.

Churchill War Cabinet

As a result of efforts by Margaret Thatcher and the British government, the Churchill War Rooms were eventually opened to the public in 1984.

To this day, anyone is welcome to visit and see where the fate of nations was once decided and learn about the history of Sir Winston Churchill.


PLAN YOUR VISIT

This section will provide all the details you need to plan a trip to the Churchill War Rooms.


How to Get Here

The Churchill War Rooms are located right across the road from St. James’s Park on King Charles Street.

There are several ways to get here, but regardless of how you choose to get here, we recommend using this Google Maps link for specific directions to the Churchill War Rooms.

A map to help find your way to the Churchill War Rooms. Image Source: Google.com

London Underground

Westminster Station is one block away from the Churchill War Rooms. If you are new to using the Underground see our post about using the London Underground.

Hop-on-Hop-off Bus

Several bus tour companies provide a stop nearby at Whitehall, approximately one block from this location.

If you’re already considering a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, you could save money by using the bus to get here.


Hours

Open every day of the year except December 24, 25 & 26.

Hours are 9:30 am - 6 pm. Last entry is at 5 pm.

Best Time to Visit

The Churchill War Rooms currently have the same operating hours year-round. At times they offer extended hours in the summer, but that is not the case as of 2024.

Unlike other attractions in London, the Churchill War Rooms are almost always busy.

Crowds can be just as hectic on weekdays as they are on weekends, so it doesn’t matter which day you choose to come.

Instead of trying to pick the right day, your best bet is to choose the right time of day.

This location is far less crowded during the morning and in the evening.

We recommend going from 9:30 am - 12 pm or 4 pm - 6 pm.

If you purchase tickets at the box office, you may encounter a queue. The wait can vary, from 10 minutes to an hour.

This will depend on what time of year it is and the time of day. Expect teh line to be the longest during peak tourist season.

Many visitors indicate that this line can get pretty long (sometimes more than an hour), so it will be important to consider how much time it takes to get in.

TIP: When you buy your tickets online, you skip-the-queue so the only line you will have to wait in the security checkpoint.


How Much Time Do You Need?

There are a lot of things to see and do at the Churchill War Rooms.

While some people will only visit for 60 - 90 minutes, others recommend setting aside at least 2 - 2 ½ hours for this activity.

Anyone planning to spend at least 2 hours here should think about giving themselves a little more time to get through the ticket queue and security checkpoint.

Again, save time by purchasing a skip-the-queue ticket online so you can head straight to the security check. 


What to Expect

This location is a combination of two separate pieces: the Churchill Museum and the Cabinet War Rooms.

While the museum explores the life of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the war rooms will give you a look at the underground complex where Churchill directed the forces during World War II.

Additionally, there is also a permanent installation focusing on what life was like in Churchill’s bunkers.

We will go into further detail in our Exhibits section below.


Is There a Coat Check or Luggage Storage?

There is no coatroom or place to store your bags inside the museum. You are asked not bring backpacks or suitcases.

If you need somewhere to keep your bags while visiting the War Rooms, read our post about luggage storage services


TICKETS

You can purchase your tickets in advance online or at the box office and the price is the same.

Importantly, only tickets purchased online come with skip-the-line privileges. 

When you purchase tickets online, you are asked to choose a time slot to arrive at. Once inside you can stay as long as you like.

Everyone must wait in line for this security check, but purchasing online allows you to skip one of the two lines at this location, saving you valuable time.

For information about prices and opportunities to save money on this attraction, make sure to read our ticket details section

Learn more about this option in our section about how to save money on tickets.

Ticket Prices as of March 2024

  • £32/Adults (ages 16-64)
  • £16/Children (ages 5-15) | Under 5 years old free
  • £28.80/Seniors (65+), Students & Disabled

Your ticket includes a free audio guide available in multiple languages.

Purchase tickets to the Churchill War Rooms.

TIP: Holders of the London Sightseeing Pass get 20% off tickets!


Tour Options

Audio guides are included for free with your ticket.

It's available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, Portuguese, and Mandarin.

There is also a descriptive guide for guests who have a visual impairment.

If your heart is set on a Churchill War Rooms tour, consider their private tour. You and a group of up to 10 people will enjoy an hour-long tour led by expert guides.

The only downside to this option is that it will run you at least £500 or more. That all said, you don't necessarily need a tour to visit the war rooms, but it's nice to know the audio guide is free!

For more information, visit the description of the Churchill War Rooms private tour.

It’s also worth noting that the Churchill War Rooms are a stop on our guided Westminster Tour, our London in a Day Tour, and our GPS-enabled anytime audio tour.

Although we do not provide any guided trips through the museum, these walking tours will allow you to learn more about the history of the area. 

TIP: If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, several combo packages include admission to the Churchill War Rooms with a London walking tour. Prices start at around £69.


Nearby Attractions

The Churchill War Rooms are located right at the heart of Royal London.

You’ll find Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey within 5-10 minutes of this museum, not to mention notable landmarks such as Big Ben and the London Eye.

With so many things to see and do in the area, you may want to consider combining your visit to the War Rooms with an outing at some of these locations.

For more information, check out this list of London’s Royal Places.

Alternatively, you could also read our post about things to see near Buckingham Palace.


WAYS TO SAVE ON TICKETS

This section goes over ways to save on ticket prices and in some cases even visit the Churchill War Rooms for free!


Tourist Attraction Passes 

Purchasing one of the available London tourist attraction passes is one of the best ways to save money on tickets to London attractions.

One pass, the London Sightseeing Pass can save you 20% on tickets to the Churchill War Rooms.

While the London Pass and Explorer Pass do not include this attraction, they are worth considering.

That is because these passes offer free admission to many nearby attractions, making it cheaper and easier to enjoy the entire area at one time.

Check our post covering which London tourist pass is best for more details.


2 for 1 Tickets with National Rail

Depending on what attractions are being offered at the time, you can get a Churchill War Rooms 2 for 1 voucher if you purchase and use a National Rail ticket on the same day you visit this attraction.

This deal is valid at more than 150 London sites and attractions which change from time to time.

Check our full post for 2 for 1 National Rail Tickets Deals.


National Art Pass

When you purchase the National Art Pass you'll get free or 50% off entry to over 240 participating museums and major exhibitions.

National Art Pass holders get Churchill War Rooms entry for £13.63 (children with an Art Pass get tickets for £6.58).

The pass costs £79 for an individual and £118 for two adults and is valid all year. You can add kids to the pass for just £15 per child.

TIP: If you pay by direct debit, you'll save 25%!


Concessions

The following individuals pay £28.80:

  • Seniors 65+ with valid proof of age
  • Students with valid ID
  • Disabled Individuals (personal assistants receive free admission)

Become an Imperial War Museums Member

Members of the Imperial War Museums (IWM) receive free admission to the Churchill War Rooms, IWM Duxford, and HMS Belfast.

Membership prices start at £5 a month or £60 a year. If you plan to visit more than once per year, this could easily help you save a lot of money.

TIP: If you plan to go to the War Rooms with at least 2 adults and 5 children, you can save a few pounds by getting an annual family IWM membership for £114 (normally over £118).

Read about memberships here.


Military Discounts

Currently, members of the military do not receive reduced-price tickets.

However, serving military personnel and veterans can visit the Churchill War Rooms for free on Armed Forces Day (the last Saturday of June) and Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November).


Deals Websites

Look on money-saving websites like Groupon for occasional deals on tickets.

Sites like these sometimes have sales on top of the already reduced-price tickets which could save you an extra 10% - 25%!


EXHIBITS

There are a lot of historic photographs, artefacts, and even interactive displays to see at the Churchill War Rooms.

This section will provide information about some of the most notable and popular exhibits and attractions in these historic rooms.


The Churchill Museum 

This museum covers the life and times of Winston Churchill, providing a lot of important information about the man and everything he did for his country.

In addition to learning more about him, you’ll also have the opportunity to see some interesting artifacts related to both his life and military career.


Cabinet War Rooms 

If you’ve ever wondered where Churchill and many others on his War Cabinet once planned out military actions during WWII, this is the place.

Head underground and see what life was like beneath the streets of Westminster.

While you’re learning about the historic war rooms, you’ll also have the chance to see a lot of interesting artifacts from that time.


Undercover: Life in Churchill’s Bunker 

In addition to the war rooms themselves, there is also a permanent exhibit detailing what life was like for staff members who once had to work and sleep in the underground bunkers you’ll find here.

The exhibition includes historic objects, images, and other interesting details that provide an in-depth look at how these rooms were once used in the wartime bunker.


The Map Room 

Although this is a part of the underground War Rooms exhibit, it is one of the more popular locations at the museum.

The maps in this room have remained untouched since 1945, making them one of the most significant historical artifacts from the era.


Churchill’s Bedroom 

Even though he didn’t spend much time here, it is pretty interesting to see Winston Churchill’s room beneath the streets of Westminster.

Surprisingly, his family got more use out of the room than he ever did.


TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

We hope that the information in this post answers all your questions about visiting the Churchill War Rooms.

Here are some opinions and suggestions from members of our London Travel Tips Facebook group who have visited this attraction, as well as from members of similar London Facebook travel groups like this one.

Overwhelmingly, the comments were highly positive. A great number of people thought it was one of the most worthwhile activities on their trip.

Naturally, those uninterested in history, specifically war history, might want to skip this attraction.

Yet Joanne, who doesn't care much for history, liked it, as did everyone in her party, and for different reasons.

If you are on the fence about going, you might be pleasantly surprised to find some aspects you like.

But what if you are traveling with kids?

However, this is not an attraction for young children. It may appear immersive, but the exhibits are not interactive.

For those who have made up their mind to go, you may be wondering if it’s worth taking a private tour.

As we mentioned above, every ticket comes with a free audio guide. We didn't come across any comments recommending a private tour.

A common question was about planning one’s day and how much time to set aside for the Churchill War Rooms.

This will vary from person to person who have different paces at which they go through museums. The consensus was around two hours.

While it is always advisable to purchase tickets in advance for any attraction you are definitely going to go to, it may not always be possible for you. Perhaps you decide spontaneously to go. 

Experiences with wait times varied among group members, but even if you can’t/don't get tickets in advance, it’s still worth going and waiting in line.

Then again, there is no guarantee. As you can see these two members had two very different experiences.

But not one comment said that the wait without advance tickets was very long. 

Still, if you have any concerns about being stuck in a queue, buy in advance.

Remember, you don't have to join the group to read posts and comments. You can search for advice on just about any London topic.

So when you are done reading this post why not have a look? Perhaps even ask some questions yourself!


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About The Author

Margaret

An American simply by accident of birth, Margaret moved to London over 16 years ago and hasn’t looked back since! With a keen interest in History – and a BA degree to match – Margaret prides herself on her knowledge of the amazing city she calls home and she's been guiding here now for nearly a decade. Social history is her real expertise, with sound understanding of the day-to-day lives of Londoners over the past centuries. Read More...
Updated: March 27th, 2024
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