A day out together packed with real-life history

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Churchill War Rooms is perfect for families to discover untold wartime stories and learn about secret lives underground.
It was here, beneath the streets of Westminster, where Winston Churchill and government officials led Britain and the allies to victory in the Second World War. Walk in their footsteps and discover what life was like for the men and women living and working underground. 

Churchill War Rooms is appropriate for all ages, however, for the best experience, we recommend visiting with children aged 10+. 

7 things to see and do with the family

Discover our top recommendations for things to see and do as you explore the rooms where some of the most important decisions of the Second World War were made.

 

  • A group of four people stand behind a glass partition, looking into Winston Churchill's bedroom
    IWM

    1. Step Inside Britain's Secret Underground Headquarters

    Explore the original Cabinet War Rooms where Churchill and his team directed the Second World War, preserved much as they were left in 1945. 

  • A person stands next to a map from the Second World War whilst listening to an audio guide

    2. Follow the Family Multimedia Guide

    Use the free family-friendly multimedia guide included with admission to uncover hidden stories and wartime secrets as you explore. 

  • Churchill War Rooms map room

    3. Discover What Life Was Like Underground

    Learn how the men and women working beneath Westminster lived, worked and slept while helping lead Britain's war effort.

  • Enigma machine on display in the Turning Points gallery
    © IWM (COM 228)

    4. Join a 10-Minute Talk With IWM Volunteers

    Drop into bite-sized talks on fascinating topics such as the Battle of Britain, Alan Turing and Enigma, or wartime rationing. Young historians may even get a chance to handle real collection objects.

  • Girls standing in front a black door
    IWM

    5. See History Beyond the Classroom

     From Winston Churchill's leadership and the Second World War to post-war Britain and social change.

  • New look cafe at Churchill War Rooms
    IWM

    6. Recharge in a Historic Wartime Café

    Take a break in the café, located in the very room once used by wartime switchboard operators.

7. Discover their secrets

Three sugar cubes on white paper belonging to Wing Commander John Heagerty, discovered in the Map Room in the 1980s.
© IWM SITE CWR 389
Sugar cubes belonging to Wing Commander John Heagerty. They were discovered in the Map Room in the early 1980s.

Uncover the secrets hidden behind the doors of Churchill War Rooms together. Spot original maps, communications equipment, offices and living spaces as you walk around the underground headquarters that steered Britain through the Blitz, to a forgotten stash of sugar cubes left behind by the people who lived and worked here around the clock until August 1945.

Image of Winston Churchill in the Cabinet War Rooms

Book your tickets online

Concession tickets are available for students and half-price tickets for children aged 5-15. Join IWM with a family membership and you'll get unlimited free entry to Churchill War Rooms, HMS Belfast and IWM Duxford. Plus discounted events, priority booking, and more.

General Information For Families

  • Churchill War Rooms is located at Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London, SW1A 2AQ a short walk from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
  • We recommend securing your ticket in advance, day and time slots do sell out.
  • We have a baby changing facility and we are wheelchair and pushchair accessible throughout. There are also highchairs available in the café (subject to availability). For more information please see our accessibility page.