Churchill War Rooms are located right in Westminster area. So we took the tube to Westminster, happy to get away from the crowds, said “hello” to Big Ben and found our way to the museum.
I waited for a long time to see this place. Ever since living in England, I discovered a whole new look at the WWII events from a British perspective. I remember watching dozens of war movies growing up, but not the ones that Robert grew up with. Mine were centered on the Soviet side, the heroism of the soldiers fighting the Russians on the Eastern front and the government that was doing a great job in everything. I learned very little about how things went on in Western Europe (that’s why our trip to Normandy was so eye-opening to me). Since living here, I read a lot of things about how the British coped with London’s bombing (the Blitz) and how tough these people have become because of it (as a nation, especially that generation). I have also learned many great things about Churchill and his actions during the war. Being so close to London, it was obviously a crime to miss the opportunity to see the actual war rooms where the prime minister worked.
One big exhibit was set up in a huge dark room with all sorts of visual and audio information. No guide needed here—lots of information on screens, inside glass displays, on hands-on display tables. We spent a good chunk of time here, even kids were learning historical facts. I enjoyed reading about Churchill’s personal life, his daily routines, some reasoning behind the decisions he made and about his drive to stay in politics. It was hard to take pictures there.
After almost two hours inside the museum, we found our kids and got back to the real world, managing to narrowly escape a huge downpour by finding last minute cover. After a few minutes, it seemed that the rain was stopping, so we started walking to Covent Garden to find Five Guys. Well, the rain started pouring again…we were soaked! But we kept walking. Lucky for us, there was no wait at Five Guys so we were able to get yummy junky food super fast. I must admit I love their hamburgers and fries…in moderation. I can’t believe that they have so many choices of soda flavors!!!
Anyway, we had a great time in London with our friends. Learned a lot about history and found good food--all in good company.
Until next time.
Lyana.
I waited for a long time to see this place. Ever since living in England, I discovered a whole new look at the WWII events from a British perspective. I remember watching dozens of war movies growing up, but not the ones that Robert grew up with. Mine were centered on the Soviet side, the heroism of the soldiers fighting the Russians on the Eastern front and the government that was doing a great job in everything. I learned very little about how things went on in Western Europe (that’s why our trip to Normandy was so eye-opening to me). Since living here, I read a lot of things about how the British coped with London’s bombing (the Blitz) and how tough these people have become because of it (as a nation, especially that generation). I have also learned many great things about Churchill and his actions during the war. Being so close to London, it was obviously a crime to miss the opportunity to see the actual war rooms where the prime minister worked.
Adult tickets were around 16 pounds a person, kids were free. Everyone was given an audio guide and we followed it as we went on exploring this great museum.
Shortly after becoming Prime Minister in May 1940, Winston Churchill visited the Cabinet War Rooms to see for himself what preparations had been made to allow him and his War Cabinet to continue working throughout the expected air raids on London. It was there, in the underground Cabinet Room, he announced ‘This is the room from which I will direct the war’.
We saw how the war rooms were set up for receiving messages, for working, for staying there overnight, for dining, and for mapping out strategies.
One interesting fact is that when the end of war was announced, all these people working underground just left everything as it was and went home. Their job was done. For a few years no one came down to these rooms.
After almost two hours inside the museum, we found our kids and got back to the real world, managing to narrowly escape a huge downpour by finding last minute cover. After a few minutes, it seemed that the rain was stopping, so we started walking to Covent Garden to find Five Guys. Well, the rain started pouring again…we were soaked! But we kept walking. Lucky for us, there was no wait at Five Guys so we were able to get yummy junky food super fast. I must admit I love their hamburgers and fries…in moderation. I can’t believe that they have so many choices of soda flavors!!!
Anyway, we had a great time in London with our friends. Learned a lot about history and found good food--all in good company.
Until next time.
Lyana.
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