Churchill War Rooms

Construction on The Cabinet War Rooms, located beneath the Treasury building in the Whitehall area of Westminster, was completed on 27 August 1939, a week before Britain declared war on Germany. Get a glimpse of what life was like for those working in the bunker around the clock during Britain's darkest hour as the German Wehrmacht swept across Europe.

In the Cabinet Room, you'll visit the nerve centre of the bunker complex and the place where the War Cabinet met. Those with a keen eye may be able to spot the scratch marks on Churchill's chair at the head of the table; a result of the Prime Minister's nervous clutching at the arms and wear caused by his signet ring.

Step back in time in the Map Room, which has been left as it was on the day the lights were switched off in 1945: On the walls, you'll notice hundreds of pin holes on the maps used to mark the progress of fleets across the ocean. Visitors will also get to see the top-secret Transatlantic Telephone Room used by Churchill to communicate with the President of the United States

Discover Sir Winston Churchill's story in this fantastic exhibition dedicated to personal items and artefacts of the time, including his paintings, cigars and the door of No. 10 Downing Street. Learn about the remarkable story of Churchill's life, from early childhood to his military career and two periods as Prime Minister.

The former Prime Minister's complicated relationship with this area of the world is still subject to debate and controversy to this day. Explore the impact and influence of Winston Churchill on the modern-day Middle East in this intimate display, which uses photography, correspondence and audio-visual aids to investigate the nature and extent of his impact.