Having survived two major world wars, London is full of reminders of its history. If you’re interested in learning about what London might have been like during World War II, pay a visit to these sites for an in-depth history lesson. From museums to memorials, some of the most important World War II sites include:
A historical World War II tour of London is a great way to visit these war landmarks over a couple of days. Read on as we explore each historic site in more depth.
No place in London evokes the spirit of wartime London quite like the Churchill War Rooms. Located in HM Treasury Building in the heart of London, the Churchill War Rooms are an underground complex of rooms where Winston Churchill and his cabinet worked from 1939 to 1945. The War Rooms consist of the Cabinet War Rooms and the Churchill Museum, which was opened to the public by Queen Elizabeth in 2005.
The Cabinet War Rooms are made up of a Map Room, Churchill’s Bedroom, a BBC Broadcast Room, a Cabinet Room and a Transatlantic Telephone Room. Walk the winding corridors and imagine how the atmosphere in the War Rooms might have been during the days of the war.
Then, visit the Churchill Museum, which contains objects and artefacts to help you learn more about the historical figure’s life. Take a look at Churchill’s Lifeline – a 15-metre-long table detailing world events and important dates from Churchill’s time as British Prime Minister.
The Churchill War Rooms are one of five Imperial War Museum London branches. Opening times are Wednesday to Sunday, 09:30 to 18:00. You can find out more about ticket prices here.
After you visit the Churchill War Rooms, walk for seven minutes to get to the Women of World War II Memorial. Located in Whitehall, only a two-minute walk from 10 Downing Street, this memorial is a celebration of the brave effort of women during World War II. The monument was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth in 2005, replacing a previous statue of Sir Walter Raleigh. The Women of World War II memorial is free to visit.
The memorial features a line of 17 uniforms, including the uniforms of the Red Cross nurses, the Royal Air Force and the Women’s Royal Naval Service. These uniforms represent the often-overlooked effort of women during the war.
More than 400,000 women were admitted into the armed forces to support male troops. By 1943, nine out of ten women (aged between 20 and 30) worked on the land, in factories, or in the armed forces.
From the Women of World War II Memorial, head over to the Cenotaph, only a one-minute walk away. The Cenotaph, meaning ‘empty tomb’ in Greek, was originally a wood and plaster monument designed by Edwin Lutyens, constructed as part of a peace parade in 1919. Due to public enthusiasm, the monument became a permanent construction.
The new Cenotaph, made from Portland stone, was unveiled by King George V on the 11th November 1920. It is now the centrepiece of the annual Remembrance Service which honours those who fought in both world wars. Its inscription reads ‘The Glorious Dead’.
There are no individual names listed on the Cenotaph, as its creators wished for people to find their own meanings in the memorial. Many people who lost loved ones in the wars visit the Cenotaph to pay their respects. The monument is now in the care of English Heritage and is free to visit.
Walk 20 minutes from the Cenotaph to reach the Imperial War Museum London, located on Lambeth Road. This building is the world’s leading museum of war and conflict, dedicated to relaying the stories of those who lived through and experienced the world wars.
There are plenty of exhibits to discover, such as Weapons and Ammunition, and Orders, Medals and Decorations. Some of the Imperial War Museum’s permanent displays include The Holocaust Galleries, the First World War Galleries and the Second World War Galleries. You can also hear extraordinary stories of people’s experiences of conflict and view documents, photographs and other artefacts relating to the wars.
As well as this, the museum has a sound archive that contains over 33,000 recordings dating back to 1914. Opening times are 10:00 to 18:00 Wednesday to Sunday, and you should set aside at least two hours to explore. Admission is totally free.
The Royal Air Force Museum should be the final stop on your World War II tour of London. Although it’s a little further out than the other sites, it’s easy to get to via Tube, bus, or train.
Situated on the former Hendon Aerodrome in Edgware, the Royal Air Force Museum features a collection of memorabilia and exhibitions relating to the Royal Air Force (RAF). It was opened in 1972 as a legacy of the RAF’s 50th anniversary. Explore the different hangars and learn about the importance of the RAF since 1918, including its involvement in World War II. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, and admission to all areas is free of charge.
There’s also an incredible Spitfire Exhibition where you can sit in the cockpit of a Spitfire plane. The exhibition is open daily from 11.15 to 14:10, and tickets cost £25.00 per person.
Planning a trip to London? Whether you’d like to experience a World War II tour of London or explore other famous landmarks across the city, our NYX Hotel London Holborn offers the perfect base for your stay. Boasting a laid-back, luxurious style, outstanding leisure facilities and a range of room options, there’s no better place to rest your feet than our modern NYX Hotel.
From culinary extravaganzas to classical music concerts, there’s an endles...
MORE +There’s no denying that spending time in the great outdoors is good for yo...
MORE +Just like fish and chips, a roast dinner and a good cup of tea, the UK and Irela...
MORE +
