Hidden beneath Westminster, explore the secret underground headquarters where the course of the Second World War was determined.

Opening Times

9:30am to 6pm daily, last entry 5pm.
Early opening on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00am; Special early openings from 1 June 2026 to 31 August 2026 from 9:00am.
Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London, SW1A 2AQ (view map)

Tickets

Advanced booking recommended to minimise wait time.

Visit Churchill War Rooms

© IWM

Rain or shine, walk in Churchill’s footsteps and explore the historic war rooms. Glimpse what life would have been like for the men and women living and working underground. 

One of the top things to do in London and winner of a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2023.

Secret Wartime Headquarters

  • Four people look inside Churchill's Bedroom with his desk in the foreground. They are looking through a glass partition.

    Historic War Rooms

    Explore the subterranean rooms, left untouched since the end of the war. Discover untold stories of the people who worked underground.

  • Four people interact with an illuminated display featuring a timeline of Churchill's life with images and text.

    Churchill Museum

    Delve deeper into Churchill's remarkable 90-year life. Learn more about his leadership and legacy through personal items and artefacts of the time.

  • A person listens to an audio guide whilst looking at a map on display

    For Families

    Discover and learn together right where history happened. Student discounts available and children aged 5-15 are half-price.

Activities and experiences

Afternoon Tea

Three people enjoy an afternoon tea at Churchill War Rooms. Tiered plates and teacups are on the table.
© IWM
20 February, 20 March 2026, 24 April 2026
Churchill War Rooms

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. 

Tours

Guided Tour: The Secrets of Churchill War Rooms

Group taking a guided tour at Churchill War Rooms
Daily
Churchill War Rooms

Join our expert guides for a fascinating early-bird tour exploring highlights from the War Rooms.

Stories from the museum

Discover what life underground was like during the tense days and nights of the war

George Rance, Clerk and Custodian of the Cabinet War Rooms, smiles as he adjusts the weather indicator boards to 'windy'.
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.

Three sugar cubes on white paper belonging to Wing Commander John Heagerty, discovered in the Map Room in the 1980s.
© IWM SITE CWR 389
Second World War

9 Secrets from Churchill War Rooms

Discover some of the hidden secrets and stories of Churchill War Rooms. 

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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