ww2 places to visit london

19 WW2 sites in London to visit – explore the city’s historic wartime locations

History lovers looking for WW2 sites in London will find a wealth of museums and sites at their disposal.  It’s probably not the sole reason people will visit London, but if you enjoy learning about World War 2 you’ll find plenty there to keep you occupied.  

Having a son who loves learning about World War 2 we’ve almost always sought out places to learn more about it and being in London was no different. Each time we go we find something else interesting to explore!

If you’re an enthusiast as well and you’re visiting London you’re in luck because there are a host of WW2 things to see in London .  As well as museums you’ll find a number of memorials in the city centre dedicated to those who served.

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These are by no means just for the history buffs amongst us but they can be great for those with just a passing interest and for visitors of all ages.  

Thinking about visiting as a family? all of these places tend to have child friendly sections so don’t worry too much about whether they are suitable – most will be. Obviously use your discretion if your child is sensitive to war stories though – mine were never particularly sensitive but I know some friend’s children were and would have struggled!  

Our Top Pick

Winston Churchill Guided Tour

This WW2 and Winston Churchill tour will help you see some of London’s most interesting World War 2 sites alongside an enthusiastic guide!

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Walking tours of london’s ww2 sites.

There are some great WW2 tours in London and they are really well worth the time for a number of reasons but the biggest one is enthusiastic guides!  

Some walking tours cover the Blitz, some cover Winston Churchill and his time in Politics and sometimes they cover both.  

If you want a knowledgeable guide to show you round London’s WW2 sites then take a look at these:

• 3-Hour WW2 Blitz Private Tour
• WW2 Westminster walking tour and Churchill War Rooms
• Wartime London – Guided Small Group Tour

World War 2 Museums in London

You’re always spoilt for choice in London when it comes to museums but even more so when it comes to WW2 museums!  Some of these are solely about WW2 and others might just have small sections dedicated to them  

1. Churchill War Rooms

Number one on most people’s list to visit when coming to London is a visit to Churchill’s War Rooms.  It’s one of the few sites in London that has been preserved from war time.

Inside you can see how Winston Churchill, Britain’s Prime Minister for much of the war, ran the campaigns and strategised.  As it lies beneath the streets of London it also provided shelter for him and the workers from incoming bombing raids.  You cannot see the war rooms from street level, except from the entrance.

The museum contains:

• a maze of corridors and rooms that held top secret messages and plans
• rooms that looked just as they did during WW2 – the map room is as it was left when war ended in 1945
• exhibitions of artefacts from WW2
• an exhibition about the life of Winston Churchill – he lived to 90 and although is remembered mostly for his WW2 contribution, he also had a part to play in many other world events both before and after WW2
• an audio guide in included in the ticket price – definitely use this to get the most out of your visit

Leave a good couple of hours for looking round the museum and beware that it can get really busy in the summer months.  If you can, head there early or late to avoid the crowds and definitely buy your ticket online in advance to skip the queue.

It’s open from 9.30am – 6pm with the last admission being 5pm.  

The museum is located in Westminster and the nearest Tube stop is St James’s Park or Westminster  

Buy tickets here:  Churchill War Rooms

*you might also like: historic walking tour and cabinet war rooms entrance

2. Imperial War Museum London

Just south of the River Thames sees the Imperial War Museum London and as the name suggests, its focus is entirely on war.  

So that means that it’s not specifically just about WW2, although there’s plenty there to satisfy that if that’s your sole interest.

The building is pretty impressive and can’t be missed as it has 2 large guns (from the ships HMS Ramillies and HMS Resolution – both WW1 ships) outside.

The history of the Imperial War Museum actually goes back before WW2 as it was set up after WW1 as a place to house the artefacts from the time.  It originally was based in Crystal Palace but moved to its current home just 4 years before WW2.  It had to be closed for most of the war and even sustained some damage from bombs as well.  

In the museum there are some permanent World War 2 exhibitions and some temporary exhibitions too so do take a look at the website before going to check what’s on.

Don’t discount it if you have children, it’s a fantastic London Museum for kids and my children visited lots and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The museum is free to enter and it’s open every day except 24th, 25th and 26th December from 10am – 6pm.  

Nearest Tube Stop is Lambeth North or Elephant & Castle  

3. HMS Belfast

You can’t miss HMS Belfast, a WW2 naval ship moored on the River Thames and if you ever need to convince any travel companions to go with you on your WW2 museum trips just mention the amazing views of London you can get from here!  

You have Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and The Shard as landmarks for your backdrop so perfect for some photo memories or Instagram pictures!

Of course, if you’re here to learn more about World War Two then none of that matters and what matters is what there is to see aboard!

HMS Belfast is one of only 3 surviving ships from the D-Day bombardment of Normandy shores and that period was the last time she fired a shot and is one of very few ships from WW2 left.  

When visiting you can explore all the decks of HMS Belfast and get a feel of what life was like aboard.  There are also some exhibitions about the history of the ship and what she went through.

HMS Belfast is open every day (excepth the 24th, 25th and 26th December) from 10am – 6pm with the last admission beign at 5pm.   You’ll want to allow a good couple of hours for your visit at least.   Nearest Tube stop is London Bridge or Tower Hill (this one is the other side of the Thames though you can walk over Tower bridge to get there easily)  

Get tickets here: HMS Belfast Tickets

4. National Army Museum

The National Army museum is a free attraction that is located in Chelsea.  As you can imagine it covers solely the British Army and the history of it so we’re talking about a lot more than just the second world war.  

If military history is something you find interested then I’d highly recommend a visit here. There have many changing exhibitions at the museum so even if you’ve been before you’ll likely see something new.  

Check their website to see what’s on.  

The National Army Museum is closed on Mondays and is open Tues-Sun 10am – 5.30pm with last entrance at 5pm.

The museum is based in Chelsea and the nearest Tube stop is Sloane Square.  

While you’re there, why not visit the  Royal Hospital Chelsea – home of the Chelsea Pensioners, veterans of the UK army – there’s a museum here also and it’s perfect if you’re interested in our Armed Forces.    

5. The Guards Museum

A museum dedicated to the five regiments of foot guards that protect the monarchy and also that serve in the frontline of war, including WW2.

While no Guards served in the Far East they were quite active in the European battlefields. There’s lots of artefacts, uniforms and stories to uncover in the museum.

Located right in the centre of London this is a great one to add on to your day if you’re doing some sightseeing already. It would combine well with a trip to Buckingham Palace, to Churchill’s War Rooms or to the Horse Guards (see below too)

Entrance to the Guards Museum is £8 for adults and free for under 16s (included in the London Pass ). Nearest tube stop is St James’s Park

6. Household Cavalry Museum

Another museum about specific parts of the army, this time the Household Cavalry . You’ll have no doubt seen the modern members of this regiment on horseback in ceremonies involving royalty.

While Horse Guards can be visited as well (and it should part of any London itinerary) including the changing of the Life Guard (daily at 11am or Sundays at 10am), the museum can show a little bit more including how they were involved in warfare through the years, including WW2.

Great if you’re interested in animals in war and how the horses are trained.

Like the Guards Museum above this one is located in central London and so great for sightseeing days. Nearest tube stop is Embankment or Westminster.

Entrance is £10 for adults and £8 for children (included in the London Pass )

7. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

Although much of the National Maritime Museum focuses on the general themes of life at sea and some more earlier history, it’s a must see museum if you’re interested in the Navy and battles at sea. You’ll find old uniforms, paintings and all sorts of artefacts on display.

The museum is free to visit which always bumps it up the list in my mind! It’s located in Greenwich and is a great place to spend quite a few hours, especially if you have kids with you as well.

8. RAF museum Hendon

Heading out of Central London and North we have the RAF museum in Hendon – another amazing free museum.

Like the National Army Museum it covers this branch of our Armed Forces and also covers times both pre and post WW2. It contains hangars of planes and aircrafts, exhibitions about the history of the Royal Air Force and different events as well (some have admission charges).  

Check the website to see what’s on when you plan to visit. There are many planes on show from all countries, not just RAF aircraft.  Some examples of World War 2 aircraft on display are:

• Supermarine Spitfire Vb
• Junkers Ju87G-2 “Stuka”
• Messerschmitt Bf-109E-3
• P51 Mustang
• Lancaster Bomber
• Bristol Beaufighter
• B17g Boeing Fortress
• Curtiss Kittyhawk IV

The museum is open every day from 10am -6pm (March – October) and 10am – 5pm in the winter (November – February).  Last admission is 30 minutes before the closing time.

As it’s outside of central London it takes around 30 minutes by tube on the Northern Line – the station you need is Colindale (this is a Zone 4 station).  There is also parking at the site if you’re coming from afar and want to take a car.  There is a parking charge.      

You might also like… 3 Day D-Day beaches Road Trip in Normandy

Other WW2 sites of interest in or near London

9. st paul’s cathedral.

St Paul’s Cathedral was a huge symbol of hope during WW2 for Londoners especially during the Blitz.  It stayed standing, although was slightly damaged, even though many of the buildings around it had been bombed. Inside the cathedral there is an American Memorial Chapel which is dedicated to the soldiers of D-Day.

Get tickets here – St Paul’s Cathedral Fast-Track Entrance

10. Mudchute Farm nr Canary Wharf

Ok, so you might be wondering why there’s a WW2 attraction in a random part of East London that’s now a children’s play area and city farm! Well, that’s because it contains an anti aircraft gun that was used to protect the docklands area of London during the war years.

The Ack Ack gun seems an unlikely addition to a children’s area but if you’re looking to get a bit of fresh air while in the city you could definitely head east to here for a bit of a different trip out! Plus you get to see pigs, sheep and a number of other animals – what’s not to love!

Nearest DLR station – Mudchute

You might be also interested in a trip to Dover Castle too which I included in my best castles around London article. Many tours go from London, it’s not too far and is where the Dunkirk evacuation was managed from. We loved our trip there! See tours here .

11. Bletchley Park

Although not in London itself it’s a short train journey from the city and so it’s worth including I think!  

Bletchley Park is the location of where the codebreakers worked in WW2 and it had a huge impact on the course of the war.  It helped to intercept messages from both sea, air and land battles.  Unfortunately I’ve not made it to here first hand but I’m hoping to get ourselves there soon and I’ve heard some great things about the place.

There’s a lot to see in the museum and so well worth it for a slightly different story to be told of what went on in the war.  

See their website here for more information.   It’s open from 9.30am – 5pm and 4pm in winter (Nov-Feb). Trains go from Euston Station to Bletchley and take around 45 – 60 mins.  I like Trainline for booking tickets and find it best to see what options are available.  

WW2 Memorials and Statues in London

There are a number of memorials and statues in London dedicated to WW2.  Most of them are located within walking distance of each other so it could make a nice afternoon stroll if you wanted to take in them all.  

12. Animals in War memorial

Location – North East end of Hyde Park.  Nearest tube stop – Marble Arch.  

13. Bomber Command Memorial

Location – West side of Green Park along Piccadilly.  Nearest Tube stop – Hyde Park Corner  

14. The Women of World War II statue

Location – Whitehall. Nearest Tube stop – Westminster  

15. Sir Winston Churchill Statue

Location – Parliament Square. Nearest Tube stop – Westminster  

16. Monument to the RAF – Battle of Britain

Location – Next to River Thames just up from Big Ben.  Nearest Tube stop – Westminster  

17. Royal tank regiment Memorial Statue

Location – Whitehall Place, next to Horeseguards .  Nearest Tube stop – Embankment  

18. The Cenotaph

Location – Whitehall.  Nearest Tube stop – Westminster  

18. Allies Sculpture – Winston Churchill & Roosevelt

Location – New Bond Street.  Nearest Tube stop – Green Park  

Accommodation Options for London WW2 sites

If you want to stay close by to the majority of these sites then I’d definitely recommend the Central London area.  It does come with a more higher price tag but you’ll be able to take in most of these sights really easily. Top End – if your budget allows and you want to stay in one of the best areas of London then check out The Berkeley. Even their most basic rooms are simply stunning – check prices out here Mid Range – The Park Plaza Riverbank is on the other side of the Thames to Big Ben but really close to all you’ll need. Some of the rooms have a view of the river and London’s Skyline too. Check the prices of this hotel here . Budget – A little further away in Covent Garden but still very central is the Travelodge Covent Garden. I love Travelodge for no frills hotels and they are often my top choice when finding a London hotel! See the latest price and availability here

London is really easy to get around so don’t feel like you need to stay in the centre, although it is convenient.

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🇬🇧💂‍♀️ London Travel FAQ 💂‍♀️🇬🇧

Do I need insurance for traveling to London?

YES! I always recommend people take travel insurance when exploring the world!

Check Travel Insurance Master for quote comparisons from different providers.

Do I need a car for visiting London?

NO – If you’re just visiting London then a car is not recommended and can be more of a hindrance than a help.

If you plan to explore more of the UK then I recommend DiscoverCars to compare car rental prices

How to book accommodation in London?

For hotels I recommend Booking.com

For apartments and cottages check out VRBO

Will my phone work in London?

Perhaps – it depends if you have roaming enabled and beware this can be an expensive way to use your phone.

If you need a SIM for use in the UK I recommend GiffGaff which you can get and set up before traveling.

What’s the best guidebook for London?

I really like the Lonely Planet Guidebooks

Where to get flights for London

Expedia is my first port of call for finding cheap flights to London.

Do I need a visa for London?

Many countries don’t need a visa for visiting England as tourists (USA, Canada, Aus, NZ and Europe) – it’s always best to check first though .

Pin for later!

Kirsty Bartholomew

2 thoughts on “19 WW2 sites in London to visit – explore the city’s historic wartime locations”

Great article Kirsty! Extremely helpful information – thanks! Just to let you know, the App, StatueFindr includes specific categories dedicated to War Memorials, The British Army, The Royal Air Force and The Royal Navy.

Thanks so much Grace – yes I need to download and use your app for my next visit to London in a couple of weeks!

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A Self-Guided WWII London Tour: 8 Top WWII Sites in London

History buffs will love London, England for its incredible wealth of WWII history. Check out this detailed travel itinerary to take a self-guided WWII London tour of the best WWII sites in the city!

Thanks to my brother, Ryne, for writing this post! He’s been living in England on his own, and he has tons of great stories to share.

London is an amazing city, a crossroads of global cultures and truly one of the world’s most influential metropolises. Anything you could want you’ll find in London  — hipster music, Victorian architecture, flashy modern buildings, and any type of food that you can dream up from around the world.

Another thing it has in droves: history! You could fill pages with the history that London has to offer , but today I want to focus on one of my favorite topics — London’s WWII history. Let’s explore some of the top WWII sites in London on this self-guided WWII London tour.

Post Contents

Self-Guided WWII London Tour Itinerary

With two World Wars and countless other wars and conflicts, Europe is full of scars of history to keep any war enthusiast busy.

I’m blessed with a rare opportunity to be stationed at a Royal Air Force base not far from London, so I decided to take advantage of it with a quick day trip to the capital city for my own personally-created “WWII History Tour of London”.

Because there are so many WWII historical points to see, I’ve meticulously planned out this route in order to fit it into one day . This self-guided tour will take you from West to East across the city. Read to the end of this post for a map of the route!

1. Bomber Command Memorial

The first stop is the Bomber Command Memorial near Hyde Park.

Hyde Park Corner has a number of monuments related to various wars and military organizations, including the Royal Artillery Memorial and the Wellington Arch . Across the square sits the Bomber Command Memorial .

The Bomber Command Memorial is dedicated to the airmen who manned and supported bomber missions during the war , and the 55,537 who lost their life doing so. While the fighter aircraft protected the homeland, the bomber crews ventured out over enemy territory to project the full power of the Royal Air Force (RAF).

I spent a few moments pondering the incredible sacrifice that these airmen made and reflecting on the oath I’ve taken to do the same to protect my own country. As I walk back through the Arch toward the Tube station, I hope that a world war never forces me to make the same sacrifice, but that if it does, I’ll have the courage to do so with the honor that these airmen did.

2. Victoria and Albert Museum

Our next stop is the Victoria and Albert Museum . You may wonder what an art museum has to do with WWII history.

Well, it’s actually what’s outside the museum that counts. During a campaign known as the Blitz, the German Luftwaffe (air force) peppered the UK with over 30,000 tons of bombs, killing over 40,000 citizens.

London took the brunt of the attack with over 70 individual raids on the city. The raid decimated the city and the country as a whole, but the British citizens carried on through it all with their characteristic toughness and steadfast demeanor.

Most of the damage has been repaired or torn down with time, but it just so happens that one bomb landed outside the Victoria and Albert Museum . Being dedicated to history, they decided to leave the damage as an exhibit .

To find the bomb damage, walk down the left exterior side of the building. It’s hard to know what you’re looking for until you suddenly see chunks of stone missing from the side of the building and damage to the railing. As you walk further, the damage increases.

Stand for a few moments and take an opportunity to ponder both the immense power of the bombs to cause damage to such a solid stone structure as well as the feeling of what it must have been like to live through such attacks night after night.

Related tour: Private Guided Tour of The Victoria and Albert Museum

3. No. 8 Lord North Street Air Raid Shelter

Our next stop is related to that feeling of living through the attacks. Head off the beaten path to Lord North Street.

You’ll find yourself in a quiet neighborhood secluded from the hustle and bustle of tourists just a few streets over. There, just to the left of Number 8 Lord North Street , is a fairly well-preserved air raid shelter sign pointing down to the basement.

For the eight months of bombing raids, the citizens of London dealt with the ever-present threat of attack. Any normal night could change in an instant when the air raid siren wailed.

When that happened, citizens across the UK took whatever shelter they could  — a crude bunker dug in the back garden, a basement, or even an internal closet (as little protection as that provided).

In London, community air raid shelters were set up across the city . The most famous were simply Tube stations that allowed hundreds of citizens to sleep on the platform after train services had ended for the night. Others were set up in private basements. There used to exist signs across the city guiding the way to the nearest station, but they are fast disappearing as they become painted over or destroyed.

The sign at No. 8 Lord North Street is one of the few left in the city. The private home is clearly no longer open to shelter-seeking strangers, but it’s incredible that they’ve kept the sign preserved.

4. Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms is an immense museum dedicated to the wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill , his life, his time in office, and his command of the British war effort in WWII.

Even more amazing, it’s located in the exact underground bunker used by his War Cabinet while planning the war . The underground labyrinth of rooms is amazing, even if it doesn’t appear strong enough to withstand a bomb hit (I question the term “bunker” for this particular location…but it’s still incredible to see first-hand where the decisions were made).

There is so much history here that you could easily spend hours (as my sister can attest to after my dad and I forced her to accompany us as we spent 2 hours picking through every morsel of history available).

Also in this area is a Monument to the RAF , located just north of Westminster Pier, if you’re interested in taking a short detour.

Related tour: Historical London Walking Tour in Westminster & Churchill War Rooms Entry

5. St Clements Danes

Our next stop is St Clements Danes Church , dedicated as the “Royal Air Force Church” .

St Clements Danes Church sits in a traffic island in the middle of the busy London street known as The Strand.

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren (who also designed St Paul’s Cathedral) and originally built in 1682, St Clements Danes was all but destroyed in 1941 by bombs from the Blitz.

In 1958, the restored church was re-consecrated as the official church of the Royal Air Force . It now serves as both an active church as well as a memorial to RAF airmen who have given their lives in service of their country.

6. St Paul’s Cathedral

Just a short walk from St Clements Danes is another famous church that was central during the Blitz bombings: St Paul’s Cathedral .

The cathedral is so famous and such a powerful British symbol, that Winston Churchill ordered it protected at all costs in order to preserve the morale of the British people.

Since Churchill’s orders were followed, the cathedral itself doesn’t really have any war scars.

Related tour: St Paul’s Cathedral Admission

7. Firefighters’ Memorial

On either side of St Paul’s Cathedral there are more gems to be found.

On the southern side stands the Firefighters’ Memorial . A simple statue of men battling a blaze, the memorial serves to honor the firefighters who extinguished the flames caused by Blitz bombing and helped the city survive.

In a beautiful bit of artistic vision, the men in the statue point their fire hose straight at St Paul’s, forever watching over the venerable landmark.

8. Christchurch Greyfriars Church

On the northern side of the St. Paul’s, just one block away, sits a less fortunate place of worship.

The 18 th century Christchurch Greyfriars Church was completely gutted by bombing . The incomplete shell that remains surrounds a simple, yet beautiful, garden oasis in the busy city.

Self-Guided WWII London Tour Map

You can plot out this whole tour on Google Maps. Use the map below for the tour exactly as outlined in this post, or customize it to your liking.

You can click the star icon at the top of the map to save it to your favorites and open the route in your own Google Maps app.

Though there are plenty more historical sights to see in this magnificent city, this is where we complete our long tour of WWII sites. If you find yourself with a day to explore London, I highly recommend you take yourself off the beaten track and get to know some of the fascinating WWII history that London has to offer!

Top WWII London Tours (for when you want a guided tour)

Sometimes you just want a hassle-free guided tour, and we totally get it! Check out these great options for guided WWII history tours of London:

• Small-Group Wartime London Walking Tour
• Historical London Walking Tour — Westminster & Churchill War Rooms
• World War II History in London Private Guided Tour
• Winston Churchill and The Battle Of Britain — Full Day Private WW2 Tour

Historic Hotels to Stay at in London

Really dive into London’s WWII history on your trip with a stay at any of these historic hotels:

• The Dorchester — considered the safest building in London with its “bomb-proof” construction, Dwight Eisenhower took a suite here and made it his headquarters. Many other prominent political and military figures stayed here during the war.
• The Savoy — Churchill often took his cabinet to lunch at this hotel. The hotel was bombed during the Blitz but not have to close.
• The Ritz — Churchill, Eisenhower, and Charles de Gaulle met in at this hotel to discuss operations during WWII.

Where to Stay in London

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to London, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

• Top Hotel: Hotel 41
• Great Value: The Belgrave Hotel
• Unique Stay: Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard

Save on London’s Top Attractions

Want to save big on London’s top attractions ? With the Go City London attraction pass, you can save up to 55% on the cost of entrance tickets to museums, tours, and attractions all around the city! This is the perfect companion to your WWII London tour!

Visit bucket list attractions, enjoy top tours, and discover hidden gems handpicked by local experts. With one price and one pass, you have everything you need right on your phone.

Get your Go City London attraction pass here.

More London Travel Tips

See more of what London, England has to offer with these fantastic itineraries:

• 2 Fun-Filled Days of Sightseeing in London, England
• Visiting the Tower of London
• Where to Eat in London, England

Ready to visit London, England? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner , my favorite flight search engine.
• Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in London using Booking.com.
• Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
• Get a Guide Book: Check out the guide books from  Fodor’s ,  Lonely Planet , or  Rick Steves for in depth info about traveling to London.
• Save on Attractions: Save up to 55% on admission to London’s top attractions using the Go City London pass.

Did you find this self-guided WWII London Tour itinerary helpful? What are your must-see top WWII sites in London, England? Comment below!

Ryne is a US Air Force officer, travel-lover, and history buff. He lived in multiple locations around Europe for 5 years and considers London his favorite city.

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5 Best World War 2 Museums in London UK

Visiting World War 2 museums in London will take you back in time during one of the most difficult periods in British history. As the only West European country not conquered by the Nazis, Britain has been the ultimate place of resistance against Nazi Germany. As a consequence, World War 2 museums in London abound and contain large collections of military gear and material. If you’re interested in the history of World War 2, London is the best place to get more in depth.

1. HMS Belfast

In this article:

My favorite of the World War 2 museums in London is the famous HMS Belfast. Did you know Town-class cruiser HMS Belfast is one of just three remaining battleships from the Allied fleet of the D-Day Landings in Normandy? The ship was on active duty since 1939. In her first days, HMS Belfast was part of the naval blockade of Nazi Germany and later it became famous for being the first allied ship to fire during the D-Day land invasion of Normandy. She was damaged by a mine and returned to service in 1942. This grand ship participated in Arctic convoys for Soviet forces, in Allied invasion in France, and later HMS Belfast was transferred to the Pacific Ocean. The vessel saw last days at sea in 1963 and became a World War 2 museum in London in 1971.

Located on the Thames River near Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast is easily accessible to visitors. The entrance fee also includes an audio tour which provides great historical background to your experience visiting this huge vessel. Among the top attractions onboard is the Gun Turret Experience, an interactive look at the famous Battle of North Cape when the ship fought and helped defeat the German boat, Scharnhorst. The experience behind the 6-inch gun turret at the rear of the ship is enhanced with lights, smoke and movement.

The Bridge is the central place where the senior officer made decisions, and you can see the site where the captain steered the HMS Belfast through sea and battles. Other notable areas to explore include Boiler and engine rooms, a B shell room and hoist, and the main deck.

Visiting HMS Belfast is part of my walking tour of London from Tower of London to St Paul’s .

2. Churchill War Rooms

Secondly on my list of World War 2 museums in London is the Churchill War Rooms. One of the five branches of the Imperial War Museum showcases the life of British prime minister Winston Churchill, his cabinet, and the Army Chiefs of Staff. This World War 2 museum in London is located under the New Public Offices in King Charles Street, the British government’s wartime headquarters and army hosted several important rooms. The Map Room was central Britain’s information hub of the War Cabinet. Operated from 0 to 24 by military personnel, the officers provided intelligence and essential information for the Prime Minister, military Chiefs of Staff, and the King. You can see pinholes on the map from convoy movements in the Atlantic and leftover sugar cubes from 70 years ago.

Winston Churchill said in May 1940 he would wage war from the Cabinet Room. The Cabinet War Rooms hosted over 115 Cabinet meetings. Other notable attractions include Transatlantic Telephone Room directly connecting to the Pentagon building and Churchill’s office-bedroom with BBC broadcasting equipment. You can explore the original desk from which he addressed the public four times during the war and look at his personal belongings. Churchill War Rooms is one of the World War 2 museums in London. It offers classic visits with booking in advance, private guided tours, and Operation Black Door, an immersive event experience.

Plan your trip to Churchill War Rooms

Book a local walking tour with tickets to Churchill War Rooms . In addition to visiting the War Rooms, this beautifully conducted tour will take you to most important sights in Westminister.

3. Imperial War Museum London

Thirdly on my list of favorite World War 2 museums in London is the large IWM London. The central building of the Imperial War Museum was opened in 1917 to commemorate the efforts of the British military in the First World War. The museum’s home from 1936 is in Southwark, and you can see two impressive 15-inch guns from HMS Ramillies and HMS Resolution. The atrium on the ground floor in this World War 2 museum in London hosts unique exhibits like Supermarine Spitfire number RR/6915 from the Battle of Britain, Mark V Tank from WW1, an 800 mm shell from Schwerer Gustav, and other attractions. The museums will guide you through the illustrious history of wars and conflicts. The two biggest attractions are The Holocaust exhibition and the Turning Points: 1934-1945 permanent collection with the Second World War’s key moments. The Holocaust is not suitable for children under 14. It showcases documents, photographs, artifacts, and videos of the harsh reality of the mass extermination of Jews and other groups during the Second World War. You can explore personal stories and testimonials, as well as some artifacts found with survivors of the Nazi death camps.

The Turning Points exhibition tells a story of the WW2 through significant artifacts. The Lancaster Bomber, a huge flying fortress, was used in the aerial bombing from 1943 onwards. The deciphering of the German Enigma Machine, used as an encrypted secret code between German ranks, was a huge turning point in the war. You can see a Japanese Zero fighter, found 50 years after the action on a Pacific Island with a British bullet in the fuselage. Without raw materials and supply, the Japanese airforce left it in the jungle. These are just fragments from a huge collection in one of the largest World War 2 museums in London.

4. Imperial War Museum Duxford

IWM Duxford is the largest air museum in Europe with seven main buildings, several permanent exhibitions, and over 200 exhibits, mainly aircraft. It is located at a still-active airfield in Duxford, only 50 miles north of London. You can reach it via train from London Liverpool Station to Whittlesfort Parkway. From there you can grab a taxi. While not located in London, Duxford is still relatively close to the capital and an amazing place to visit. So I had to include it in my list of World War 2 museums in London. Visiting IWM Duxford is one of my favorite day trips from Cambridge .

The Battle of Britain exhibition is in a hangar originally used in 1940 by fighter squadrons. Learn about the campaign, sit in Spitfire Cockpit, or explore the Hurricane on the viewing platform. Visit the Battle of Britain Ops Block. See the Operation Block with historic Operations Room with the recreation of the pivotal 15th September 1940, the climax of the battle. Learn about the Dowding System and how Royal Airforce Duxford was an essential part of the RAF fight against Luftwaffe. You can explore the American Air Museum and see the incredible Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and P-51D Mustang American fighter. With these huge collections, you can round up World War 2 museums London tour on a high note.

5. Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park is a country estate located 50 miles north of London that served as the home to the Government Code and Cipher School. Home to numerous exhibitions that tell the story of Britain’s codebreakers, From London’s Euston Station, trains stop at Bletchley Station, a six minute walk from Bletchley Park. Bletchley Park’s importance merits a spot on my list of World War 2 Museums in London.

The admission fee includes an audio tour featuring event reenactments and interviews with veterans who were stationed at Bletchley Park. The Intelligence Factory exhibition explains how Bletchley Park’s staff worked around the clock to convert enemy communications into intelligence that helped the Allies win the war. An immersive film tells about Bletchley Park’s role in the D-Day invasion of Normandy.

A museum features the world’s most comprehensive displays of Enigma machines. You will learn how British codebreakers broke Germany’s most strategic cipher, Lorenz. A separate room houses the Bombe machines that were used later in WW2 to decipher German Enigma ciphers. An exhibition pays tribute to Alan Turing, who broke the Enigma code and was the subject of the film The Imitation Game, which was filmed at Bletchley Park .

Is it Worth Visiting World War 2 Museums in London?

I loved visiting each place and learned so much about World War 2!  However, you do require at least half a day to visit each of these places, so if you’re short on time while visiting London, you need to look at your priorities.  However, if you’re spending a few days in London, I highly recommend including one of these World War 2 museums on your list of places to visit, especially if you enjoy history.

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Thank you for posting your 4 Best World War 2 Museums in London UK blog entry on your website. I would like to recommend that you include Bletchley Park in your list of top WWII sites in and around London. I believe it is impossible to truly understand the strategic decisions made by the Allied High Command without knowledge of the cryptography work done in Bletchley Park.

Good idea Steven, I have added it even though it is one WW2 museum I have not visited personally.

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WW2 and Military Museums in London

This post lists and describes the best military museums in London, including free museums and those that focus on specific services. 

MILITARY MUSEUMS IN LONDON

From ships to aviation and spanning both World Wars, London has a treasure trove of memorabilia and artifacts that teach us about UK military history throughout the centuries.  

Be sure to read our post on free things to do in London for more budget-friendly activities. We have more free museums in London listed in this post .

These are all appropriate for children. For more family-friendly ideas, check out our post on things to do with kids in London .

National Army Museum

If you’re interested in the British Army and how the Army interacted with and influenced society, visit the National Army Museum .

Learn the origins of the British Army, how it has adapted to technology, and how it has communicated with the public.

National Maritime Museum in Greenwich

Surrounded by water as the British Isles are, traveling across oceans and other bodies of water has shaped the nation and its foreign relations.

Go to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich to learn about maritime technology, wars fought, and how the UK began its trading with the outside world.

Take along our self-guided tour of Greenwich .  

Royal Air Force Museum

The Royal Air Force Museum is a must-see for anyone who loves aviation technology and history.

Visit this museum to see old planes from both World Wars as well as various other aircraft pieces and wartime memorabilia.

Kids will also stay entertained in the interactive gallery and 3D experience.

Imperial War Museum London

The Imperial War Museum in London is just one branch of five British military museum locations throughout England.

The IWM London focuses on displaying the perspectives of people who lived through war themselves. The exhibits cover multiple wars and have artifacts from soldiers and civilians.

MUSEUMS WITH AN ENTRY FEE

Unfortunately, not all of London’s museums are free. But a visit to the right museum can be priceless - especially if you’re interested in the UK military.

Here are a few of London’s military museums with an entry fee.  

• Churchill War Rooms

These underground bunkers are in the middle of London, still looking exactly as they did on the last day of World War II.

The Churchill War Rooms are a popular way to look at how the Allies waged war. They also include some space dedicated to Winston Churchill’s life.

This museum is included for free with several tourist attraction discount passes.  

• HMS Belfast

The Imperial War Museum operates the HMS Belfast as a museum. She was commissioned in 1938 and went on her first mission in 1939.

The HMS Belfast and crew also served as Bombardment Force E’s headquarters during the D-Day invasion of Normandy. You can visit today to see what life on the ship was like during World War II.

• Guards Museum

Get your questions answered about the King’s Guards at the Guards Museum .

Why do they wear their large hats? How do guards join the Changing of the Guard ceremony?

This museum tells the stories of the most famous soldiers with uniforms and artifacts.

• Household Cavalry Museum

You can get a look at how the mounted military dress, train, and go through their daily routines at the House h old Cavalry Museum .

Many visitors love getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the horses are cared for and what the Queen's Cavalry still does in today's modern world. 

This museum is included for free with several tourist attraction discount passes.

• Tower of London

The Tower of London fascinates people all over the world, thanks to its long history of being used as a fortress, holding prisoners, and now as the home of the Crown Jewels.

Walk through the Tower to go back in time, see the armor of past kings and their horses, and be entertained by the charismatic Beefeaters when they give tours. And don't forget to see the Crown Jewels!

INCLUDED IN TOURIST PASSES

If you’re looking to save a few pounds on entry into some of the paid military museums, getting a London city pass is the way to go.

Some of the inclusive passes will give you free entrance to these museums:

World War 2 London Tour

London itself is a WW2 Museum, where the scars of the Blitz can still be found today.

This WW2 walking tour of London will transport you to one of London's most influential eras.

You will learn everything there is to know about the Blitz and London during the phony war.

You'll pass by damaged remains like Christopher Wren's lost Grey Friar's and miraculously saved icons like St. Paul's Cathedral.

Together with your guide, you'll discover hidden treasures discovered during the war and learn who was in charge of rebuilding our city.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN LONDON

For more affordable things to do, you can read our London on a budget post.

We have inspiration for your daily itineraries and tips on how to get discounted tickets.

Our suggestions for other things to do in London:

• Take a walking tour
• See all of London’s free museums
• Take a World War II Tour

Related Posts:

• Medical Museums in London
• Free Museums in London
• Strange Museums in London

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Top 5 World War 2 Attractions in London

There are some great World War 2 attractions in London that the whole family will enjoy.

World War II was a devastating event for London. More than 30,000 residents lost their life to bombings and hundreds of thousands more lost their homes and all of their belongings. The count of injured citizens was remarkably high as well, and you could see the chaos throughout the city as buildings crumbled to the ground.

The Docklands in the east end of London were a primary target for bombings because they represented a major hub for imported goods. Those goods were used to maintain the city during a critical period of wartime, so bombings in that area had a big impact.

If you enjoy history, you shouldn’t visit the city without exploring some of the top World War 2 attractions in London. There’s a lot to learn even if you’ve already studied the war in great depth. There are also some sites that just allow you to pay your respects to the lives that were lost and the soldiers who gave their all to defend London in critical times.

There are quite a few places you could visit to learn about the Second World War in London, but the following options are our top picks.

Best World War 2 Attractions in London:

1. Imperial War Museum

If you’re interested in World War 2 in London, you should head straight for the  Imperial War Museum  on Lambeth Road. The London museum is part of a series of museums designed to chronicle memories of both world wars from a British perspective. The museums are a treasure trove of educational information, and they contain the personal stories of many soldiers who were impacted by the Second World War.

The  Churchill War Rooms  are one of the most popular attractions in the Imperial War Museum. You’ll tour the underground bunker where Churchill lived and worked during the Second World War. From those rooms, he met with important members of his team and made critical decisions that guided the outcome of the war.

The Imperial War Museum was designed to document all conflict in the history of Britain, so you can learn about far more than World War II. Exhibits can include a wide variety of subjects, and there are over 800,000 items on display throughout the Imperial War Museums.

2.  HMS Belfast

Technically a part of the Imperial War Museum but standing independently on the banks of the Thames River,  HMS Belfast  is a World War II warship now serving as an educational museum. The ship itself is worth exploring because it is one piece of the Second World War that remains in great condition today. You can walk through the ship to get an idea of what it was like to fight from its decks during one of the deadliest wars.

Parts of the ship have been fully restored to represent the quarters that soldiers lived and worked in during the war. Those are some of the most powerful exhibits on the ship because they speak to the daily reality of war at sea.

HMS Belfast has nine decks loaded with exhibits that teach about the Second World War in Britain. Look for it on the South Bank of the Thames River along the Queen’s Walk.

3.  The Women of World War II Memorial

More than 400,000 women were admitted into the armed forces when Churchill put out the call for women to step up and support the male troops. Millions took over jobs formerly filled by men back home, working in factories to produce the ammunition and other goods needed by the armed forces and everyday citizens.

In 2005, the brave women of World War II were celebrated in a monument placed on Parliament Street in Whitehall. It stands between the Cenotaph and the Old War Office Building. That placement was met with some controversy as some locals believed it was an  effort to rewrite history , due to the memorial replacing a monument of Sir Walter Raleigh. 

The bronze memorial features a line of uniforms representative of those worn by women fighting in World War II. The Queen unveiled the monument in dramatic fashion with a line of military helicopters flying overhead. Each helicopter was flown by a female pilot and was filled with only female crew members.

This is one of the best World War 2 attractions in London because it’s free and it covers a theme that is often overlooked in studies of the war. It’s a great place to snap a few selfies and think about the role women played in the Second World War.

4.  The Cenotaph

The Cenotaph is a war memorial located close to the Women of World War II Memorial in Whitehall. It started as a temporary structure erected as part of a peace parade at the end of the First World War. It became a permanent structure and is now best known as the centerpiece of the annual Remembrance Service, which honors the men and women who fought in both world wars.

This memorial is dedicated to “The Glorious Dead.” No individual names are acknowledged because the creators wanted to allow each visitor to find their own meaning in the memorial.  Cenotaph  roughly means “empty tomb,” so it’s only fitting that many people who lost loved ones to the wars visit the memorial to grieve their losses and show respect to the heroes.

5.  Royal Air Force Museum

When you’ve had enough touring World War II memorials outdoors, escape the heat or rain with a visit to the Royal Air Force Museum on Grahame Park Way. While it doesn’t focus exclusively on WWII, it offers an impressive collection of memorabilia and educational exhibitions related to the history of the Royal Air Force.

The museum does include some exhibits and information related to the Second World War. It’s educational for older kids and adults without neglecting the younger members of your family. Kids have a blast on the playground and often enjoy watching shows in the 4D theatre. Those kid-friendly options break up what may otherwise feel monotonous to a young child.

One highlight of the Royal Air Force Museum is the  Spitfire Experience . It allows you to climb in the cockpit of a real Spitfire fighter plane. These aircrafts were used in World War II and were known for their lightweight design and speed. The cost of the experience is £25.00 per person.

Preparing for WW2 Attractions in London

You’ll get the most out of these World War 2 attractions in London if you study the war before heading to London. You can look for books on the subject or just read through websites related to the war online. Try to read a variety of sources to get a well-rounded perspective of how the war impacted London.

If you don’t have time to learn before you visit London, start with some of the city’s museums. You can then take a walking or bus tour to view areas of the city that were hardest hit by the bombings. You’ll have a new perspective on the beautiful city views when you see them with knowledge of the devastation that was there in the past.

Related Articles:

• 10 Kid-Friendly London Attractions You Can’t Miss
• Sightseeing London in a Day? What Not to Miss on a Quick Trip
• Top 10 Best Sightseeing Places in London with Kids

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10 of the World’s Most Significant World War Two Sites

Important, and often harrowing, reminders of world war two can be found in sites, museums and memorials across the globe. here are 10 of the most significant..

Harry Sherrin

07 sep 2021.

World War Two’s devastation can still be witnessed the world over. In the old cities of Europe, the conflict’s destruction is demonstrated by the hastily built post-war architecture. The millions of soldiers and civilians who lost their lives are remembered in cemeteries and memorials across the globe. And in the world’s museums, from Auschwitz to Hiroshima, the conflict’s relics can be seen and studied.

Here are 10 of the world’s most significant World War Two sites, where visitors can delve into the history of the conflict.

1. Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park is a country estate fifty miles north of London. In 1938 it was converted from a residential house into a British intelligence centre. It was there that the Government Code and Cypher School, aided by Alan Turing , deciphered the ‘Enigma’, the highly effective code encryption machines used by the Nazis.

Today, visitors can explore the history of Bletchley Park’s role during the war. With a visitor’s centre and an interactive multimedia guide, the museum promises visitors an engaging and informative tour through time.

2. Anne Frank’s House

Anne Frank’s house was the site where German Jewish teenager and Holocaust victim Anne Frank , her family, the van Pels family and later a man called Fritz Pfeffer went into hiding from the Nazis during World War Two. All 8 inhabitants lived in a secret annex in the attic hidden by a moveable bookcase. Tragically, the group’s whereabouts were eventually betrayed to the Nazis. Anne Frank died in Bergen-Belsen in March 1945, but her diary was later discovered by her father and published to worldwide acclaim.

Anne Frank’s House is now a museum, where visitors can see the moving bookcase, walk through the cramped secret annex and gain a true appreciation of the hardship this group endured in their fight for survival. Anne Frank’s original diary is also on display.

3. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial

On 6 August 1945, US forces dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima . It was the first-ever use of the ‘A-bomb’, and it devastated the city. The destruction was so great that only one structure survived the blast. That sole surviving building now houses the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.

Originally constructed in 1915, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial building is a domed structure that once served as an office building. Today, the structure forms part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which also includes a museum. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

4. Cabinet War Rooms

Hidden away beneath the streets of Westminster are the Cabinet War Rooms. It was there, in an underground bunker complex, that Winston Churchill orchestrated Britain’s war effort during World War Two. The War Rooms were left untouched from 1945, when they were no longer needed, until the 1980s when they were restored and opened to the public.

Today, visitors can explore portions of the sprawling underground complex. Churchill’s office, his bedroom and the cabinet war room, where the British government’s war cabinet met, are among the rooms open to the public. Visitors should allow themselves at least 90 minutes to absorb the atmosphere of this iconic World War Two site.

5. The Holocaust Memorial - Berlin

The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, also known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, is an installation commemorating the genocide of the Jewish people perpetrated under Adolf Hitler and the Nazis.

The memorial is devoted to the 6 million European Jews who died in the Holocaust . Made up of a vast dark granite maze and a subterranean information centre containing details about the victims, the Holocaust Memorial is a moving and important site.

6. HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast , a Royal Navy light cruiser ship, was one of the Britain’s most formidable vessels during World War Two and also its largest. In December 1943, during the Battle of the North Cape, the Belfast contributed to the sinking of the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst. She also played a significant role in ‘Operation Neptune’, the naval element of the Normandy landings of D-Day in 1944.

Today, HMS Belfast resides in London and is open to the public under the remit of the Imperial War Museum.

7. World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument

The World War Two Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Oahu, Hawaii, provides an all-encompassing insight into the Pacific theatre during World War Two. It covers everything from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the US entry into the war and beyond.

Visitors can see and experience several of the most important sites from this period, including the USS Arizona Memorial, Ford Island, USS Missouri, the USS Oklahoma Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

8. Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem in Jerusalem is a museum and a memorial of the Holocaust, in which over six million Jews, and at least five million from other ethnic groups, were murdered in an act of genocide perpetrated by the Nazis under Adolf Hitler.

Through exhibits including photographs, victims’ accounts, art installations and information panels, Yad Vashem offers a moving – and harrowing – account of the events of the Holocaust .

9. German Resistance Memorial Centre

On 20 July 1944, Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg and his allies attempted to assassinate Adolf Hitler. The failed coup became known as the ‘July 20 Plot’, or Operation Valkyrie . It was planned in the former Bendler Block in Berlin’s Mitte district, once the diplomatic quarter.

Today, the site contains the German Resistance Memorial Centre, a monument and museum to those who fought against the Nazis before and during World War II. The courtyard of the German Resistance Memorial Centre, where the coup’s perpetrators were executed, contains a memorial statue of a man with bound hands.

10. Kranji War Memorial

The Kranji War Memorial is a monument in the northern Singapore region of Kranji in honour of the men and women who lost their lives defending Singapore from Japanese invasion during World War Two .

The Kranji War Memorial commemorates the three branches of the armies that fought for Singapore’s freedom. Its wing-shaped roof is an ode to the air force. The memorial’s twelve columns represent the formation in which the military marches. And its walls depict a periscope in dedication to the navy.

A family day out

Family reviews of attractions, events, walks and cycle rides, mostly in the UK.

Exploring World War 2 London with children

A visit to the Imperial War Museum in London has been on the cards for some time but we wanted to wait until the children were old enough to understand and appreciate it. They’ve both learnt about the Second World War at school now so during half-term we combined the museum with a trip round London to view some of the other war legacies.

If you’re interested in a similar exploration I’ve listed below the places we visited and further suggestions that could be incorporated. I wouldn’t advise following our exact route; I had specific plans for lunch so our itinerary is based as much around our stomachs as World War 2 sites!

Site of the first bomb on the city of London, Fore Street

We started in Moorgate, looking for a plaque which commemorates the first bomb of World War 2 to fall in the City of London. It’s thought that German bombers were heading for an oil refinery along the Thames but dropped them, possibly mistakenly, over the city instead.

Much of the City was rebuilt after the war but it seems to me that it’s being rebuilt again. The whole area around Moorgate Underground station is a building site which made it a little difficult for us to find the plaque. When we finally found Fore Street a construction worker kindly pointed out where to see it (down the end near St Giles Cripplegate Church).

Christ Church Greyfriars

We walked from Moorgate to Christ Church Greyfriars. Almost all churches in the City of London were damaged during the Blitz, including many designed by Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London. Christ Church was one of eight Wren churches hit on the night of 29th December 1940.

The church was almost completely destroyed although the west tower survived and is now a private house; what an amazing place to live! The remains of the church are a public rose garden, perfect for lunchtime breaks.

St Paul’s Cathedral, just a few minutes from Greyfriars, escaped major damage despite almost all of the surrounding buildings being destroyed. This was mainly due to a group of fire fighters who took special care to protect the cathedral.

World War 2 shelter sign – 36 Longmoore Street

Although the Underground stations famously doubled as air raid shelters during the war many other places were also put to use. These were signed to help the public locate them, some of these are still visible today.

One sign can be found at 36 Longmoore Street. Walking along the road you can see that most of the residents have converted their basements to kitchens. Back in World War 2 public shelters were found in vaults in these basements. We could just make out the writing on one of the walls directing people down the stairs to the shelters.

Whilst trying to find out more history of the street I couldn’t resist a peak at property prices. The relatively modest 3 bedroom houses all appear to be worth upwards of £1.8 million, wow!

Tate Britain bomb damage

Few places in London were immune to bombing damage in the Second World War. Even Tate Britain suffered as you can see from the photos below. I wonder how many people notice this when they visit the galleries?

I popped inside briefly to confirm that we were actually looking at bomb damage and spoke with a helpful assistant. He told us that the gallery was damaged by bombs several times in the war but most of the art was moved to Picadilly Underground tunnels for safe storage (the door key is on display in the gallery).

Imperial War Museum

Our main destination was the Imperial War Museum which covers conflicts from World War I onward. Although we were primarily there for World War 2 we also visited the Great War exhibits and had a brief look around at the more recent collections.

I thought the World War I rooms were by far the best, although busy due to school holidays. In comparison the World War II rooms didn’t seem as comprehensive although there was still plenty to see.

Whilst the children liked the big and obvious military exhibits I preferred the personal aspect of war stories. For this reason I focused on the Family in Wartime exhibition which explored the life of the Allpress family during the Second World War. As well as reading and listening to audio clips about how their lives were affected there was a model of their home and an Anderson shelter.

I enjoyed seeing this letter from an evacuee, particularly the postscripts. I could imagine writing them myself as a child!

We missed the Holocaust exhibition out as it’s only recommended for children aged 14 and older. I’ve read that it’s incredibly moving and sobering; definitely worth a visit on a future trip.

Admiralty Citadel

Our last stop of the day was the Admiralty Citadel. I loved seeing this! The Citadel is one of the ugliest and most out of place buildings you can imagine. It’s ‘hidden’ in full view of the public just off of Horse Guards Parade. Can you imagine this getting planning permission nowadays?

The bomb proof citadel was built as the Admiralty communications centre in 1940 and is linked by tunnels to government buildings. It has a 6 metre thick concrete roof which was laid with a grass lawn to help camouflage it. Take a look at this British Pathé film of the roof grass being cut and raked back in 1950.

The building is still in use today; I’d love to pop in for a nose around!

More World War 2 sites in London

We only scratched the surface during our trip. Other World War 2 sites in central London which I came across during my research are shown below.

Cabinet War Rooms, King Charles Street: the secret underground bunker used by Winston Churchill during Word War II. We had planned to visit this but ran out of time. Entrance charge applies.

HMS Belfast: highly recommended. This floating museum ship shows how life was on board during and after the second world war. Lots of stairs and ladders so not for those with mobility issues. Entrance charge applies.

Churches: All Hallows-by-the-Tower survived the Great Fire of London but was almost destroyed in the Blitz; you can still see lead from the roof which melted during the bombing. St Dunstan-in-the-East was destroyed in the war but the ruins have also been turned into a public garden.

Air raid shelter signs:  can be found in Queen Anne’s Gate, Brook Street and Lord North Street

Memorials : The Cenotaph and Monument to the Women of World War II are both on Whitehall. The Animals in War memorial can be found in Brook Gate, Park Lane.

Have I missed any? Let me know if you can suggest other central London World War 2 sites.

37 thoughts on “Exploring World War 2 London with children”

My husband would love this trip, he’s ex services and loves a bit of war time history. I’m fascinated by the damage on the Tate, beautiful battle scars which help to tell its story so well.

I’d have never have realised what the damage on the Tate was without reading about it first, not even something I’d have given a second thought too!

So interesting to do this. In fact, I really should do it as a good history lesson. You’re right though, I’m a long way off before I can take Monkey. We’ve wanted to visit the Cabinet War Rooms for a while now. Great list and one to bookmark

I’m still looking forward to visiting the Cabinet War Rooms at some point too. I had planned to visit but had been very ambitious with the time available.

wow what a cool day trip! history is so fascinating – I loved learning about this kind of thing growing up

Thanks Tianna. I don’t think I appreciated it enough when I was growing up so good to learn about it now.

What a wonderful day out. So much history to learn about! x

Thanks Kim, it was x

Brilliant post. Very interesting. The Citadel looks a weird building.

It is so out of place! I know it was built to help the war effort but I really am amazed it was allowed.

great post! I didn’t know there are so many sites associated with WWII. #the weekly postcard

I didn’t either until I started researching the day out. I had assumed everything had been built over already.

I would love to do this with my children now that they are a bit older and able to understand better. Thanks for a fascinating post #pocolo

Definitely worth waiting until the children are older. I’m glad my two had had a chance to study it at school first to give them context.

Such a great idea to take the kids on a tour of places linked or affected by WW2. When my twins were small my husband used to take them to the Imperial War Museum whenever their grandfather visited. I can see them all loving doing a tour like yours!

It was the first time I’d been to the IWM but my other half had fond memories of visiting it as a child too.

That letter is heartbreaking. “I have not been gassed yet…” 🙁 🙁 🙁

I know, but I think it also shows the resilience of the children.

Really fascinating post Christine. I’m hoping to visit some of these places on my London Museum dash for Sport Relief. I’ll be sure to look around for bomb damage!

Good luck with the museum dash. I think you’ll manage to cover quite a few once you add in the less well known museums.

My hubby really really wants to do this trip. We always seem to be so busy when we are in London I’ll have to see if we can make the time. #mondayescapes

I hope you do manage to visit some of the places. I’d recommend HMS Belfast too; we visited a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it.

Really interesting post and a brilliant idea to get a sense of the cost and damage of war on the city of London. Funnily enough I went past Christ Church the other week when I was visiting the Museum of London – and wondered why half of it was gone – thanks for filling in the gaps. I’ve not been to the Imperial War museum yet – I’m like you though and would take a lot from reading the more personal stories… the letter you took a picture of is so interesting. Thanks for linking to #citytripping

This is such a great idea – I love that there’s so much history in London’s streets, but even living here I don’t think I’ve noticed most of the points you visited. Definitely one to do with my daughter when she’s older. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping

Oh this is very interesting, as your outing could have been designed as a city walk/tour and ending at the Imperial War Museum. I read a post by another blogger on the Cabinet War Rooms which is very interesting as well. Thanks for sharing 🙂 #MondayEscapes

Great post – it’s so important to teach and expose our children to our world’s history – I wish I visited more historical sites with my girls. You’ve inspired me. #citytripping

I have to admit that I have been in the Imperial War Museum but really did not take time to appreciate it properly. Hopefully, when Grace is of an age where she can take it in properly, we will return. What a great review – really concise. #PoCoLo

What a fantastic idea for a post! It’s a great idea to focus on a particular piece of history when visiting a city you know well. I really enjoyed this and will keep to do a similar trail with my two boys. #MondayEscapes

That looks a fab day out and a really hands on way of learning history. I worked in the City for many years and hadn’t seen those Moorgate stops – and yes, isn’t it a building site right now! Thanks for linking up to #PoCoLo

What a fascinating tour of London – I would love to so something similar if I make it to London any time soon. Pinning for future reference!

Another wonderful London historical tour. What fascinating bits and pieces you have dug up. Definitely bookmarked for an appropriate occasion.

The Victoria and Albert also has bomb damage on the Exhibition Road side. I often used to note it as I walked past. Of course, I daresay they moved their stuff into storage too.

Feels a bit grim but yet intriguing at the same time. What a pity to miss the Holocaust exhibition, I would have loved to see it through your post. #CityTripping

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Thanks for sharing this on #MondayEscapes – great post

Hi Christine, I think you were right to wait until the children were old enough to appreciate what happened during the war to take them visiting the sites. Living in the converted war damaged church must be quite special, imagine getting up in the morning knowing you are surrounded by a part of history.

The letter from the evacuee child to their Mum is quite heart string pulling. Imagine having to tell your Mum that you haven’t been gassed or hit yet. Hopefully our children will never have to do that.

I wouldn’t have guessed that the damage on the Tate Britain building was bomb damage, quite fascinating!

What a great description of places to visit. We’ve been to Pearl Harbor, but the day to day impact of the War in the US was very different than in London and I think visiting the sites you listed would give my children a greater appreciation of how it affected people’s day to day lives. #Mondayescapes

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10 secret historical sites beneath London

London is a city full of architectural and historical wonders, but some of london’s most surreal historical sites are to be discovered beneath the busy streets….

Paddock is the codename for a back-up secret cabinet war room bunker built during WW2 should Whitehall be no longer viable.

The bunker complex was constructed in total secrecy in 1939 in Dollis Hill, underneath part of the Post Office Research Station site.

Paddock is designed to be a virtually bomb proof bunker, built on two floors and containing forty rooms to house all branches of the military and primary assets of the government.

2 West Norwood Catacombs

The catacombs of West Norwood Cemetery (South Metropolitan Cemetery) reside underneath the former site of the Episcopal Chapel (demolished in 1955 due to bomb damage).

The catacombs and cemetery was opened by the South Metropolitan Cemetery Company in West Norwood to alleviate the overcrowded church yards in the area.

The cemetery was founded by its own Act of Parliament of 1836 and consecrated for its first burials in 1837.

3 Fleet Street Ossuary and Charnel House

The Fleet Street Ossuary and Charnel House are located within the crypts of St Brides Church in London.

Excavations in the 1950’s of the church revealed the a large number of skeletal remains from a medieval charnel house and individuals interred in the ossuary crypt.

4 Billingsgate Roman Bathhouse

The remains of the Billingsgate Roman bath house date from the 2nd-3rd century AD and were first discovered in 1848 during construction of the London Coal Exchange.

They remained preserved in the buildings basement, until further redevelopment at the site in the late 1960’s gave archaeologists the opportunity to further explore the ruin.

The site was to become the first designated protected heritage site in London, forming part of the first Ancient Monuments Act of 1882.

5 Guildhall East Crypt

Guildhall is a Grade I-listed building in the City of London and has been used as a town hall for several hundred years and the ceremonial and administrative centre of the City of London and its Corporation.

Located underneath the Guildhall is the East Crypt,  the oldest part of Guildhall, dating back to Edward the Confessor (1042) and is considered to be one of the earliest and one of the finest examples of its kind in England.

6 Pennington Street Vaults

Pennington Street Warehouse is a grade II listed brick built warehouse and vault situated east of St Katharine Docks.

The vaults date from the early 19th century and served the Western Dock (London Docks) for storing wine and imported goods.

Referred to as ‘one of London’s most majestic ranges of cellarage… The interconnecting sections linked the warehouse with the rest of the London Docks, covering an area of over 20 acres.

 7 All Hallows-by-the-Tower

All Hallows-by-the-Tower (All Hallows Barking) is an Anglican church overlooking the Tower of London.

The church was founded in AD 675 by the Saxon Abbey at Barking and still contains a 7th century Saxon arch built from recycled Roman tiles.

Although the church was expanded and rebuilt several times between the 11th and 15th centuries, in addition to gutted during the blitz, a 2nd century tessellated Roman pavement survives from a domestic roman building in the church crypts.

 8 Crystal Grotto in Painshill Park

Located South West of London, the grotto is one of several follies in Painshill Park and a grade listed monument.

It was designed and created between 1738 and 1773 by the Hon. Charles Hamilton (MP). His creation was among the earliest to reflect the changing fashion in garden design prompted by the Landscape Movement, which started in England in about 1730.

9 Roman Amphitheatre

The Roman amphitheatre of Londinium is situated in a vaulted chamber beneath the Guildhall gallery complex.

Discovered in 1998 during a planned expansion of the Guildhall, the remains are displayed in situ and are now a protected monument. London’s first Roman amphitheatre was built in AD70, constructed of wood, but was later renovated during the 2nd century with rag-stone walls and a tiled entrance.

Able to hold thousands of spectators, the size of the amphitheater is displayed on street level, where the circumference of the arena is marked with a black circle on the paving of the courtyard in front of the hall.

10 Whitehall Palace Undercroft Cellar

The Palace of Whitehall (or Palace of White Hall) was the main residence of the English monarchs in London from 1530 until 1698 when all except Inigo Jones’s 1622 Banqueting House was destroyed by fire.

Before the fire, it had grown to be the largest palace in Europe with over 1,500 rooms, overtaking the Vatican and Versailles.

An undercroft from Wolsey’s Great Chamber, now known as Henry VIII’s Wine Cellar survives underneath the Ministry of Defence building. The cellar is a fine example of a Tudor brick-vaulted roof some 70 feet (21.3 m) long and 30 feet (9.1 m) wide.

Lost works of the Brother’s Grimm discovered

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Britain’s best places to see: First World War museums and collections 9

by Alison Groom, 11-07-17 Post

The new First World War Galleries at IWM London. Photo Richard Moss

Here are the best places to explore artefacts and collections from the First World War in museums in Britain

The First World War continues to occupy a central place in the British national psyche. Despite the death in 2011 of Harry Patch , the last British veteran to experience the fighting in the trenches, we continue to memorialise and remember the Great War and today museums in the UK are looking at new ways of interpreting what was supposed to be the ‘war to end all wars’. There are dozens of military museums all over Britain where the sacrifices of a whole generation of young men can be explored. Here is a selection of the best of them.

Imperial War Museum London

© IWM London, First World War Galleries

IWM London has undoubtedly the finest collection of objects, archives and artworks relating to the First World War . Their atrium and First World War Gallery,  opened in time for the centenary of World War One, features over 1300 objects from the IWM’s peerless collection, the new gallery also boasts around 60 interactives and films and a newly designed Trench Experience.

Personal stories are told through the artefacts bringing you close to the horrors of the Great War – like the officer’s leather glove, shrunk to the size of a child’s hand by the effects of poisonous gas or the remnants of chamise and life ring worn by a woman who survived the German sinking of the Lusitania after being sucked into the liner’s funnel then blown clear when the engines exploded.

Touchscreen controlled interactive tables and hands-on exhibits tackle everything from recruitment to rations. There are helmets, trench clubs, mills bombs, field guns, ghostly gas masks and relics from the Red Barron, all set within a narrative that begins with Britain as a great Empire Power and concludes with how the war changed the world forever.

The museum’s collections can also be explored via the website where a search of the First World War objects and archives yields pages and pages dealing with different aspects of the First World War and the collections held at the museum.

National Army Museum London

A woman assembles amunition in a factory during WW1, Courtesy of the National Army Museum

Also in London, the newly re-opened National Army Museum in Chelsea houses over 2,000 objects relating to the First World War spread across thematic galleries exploring the changing role of the army in society and the experiences of soldiers

Notable among their collections are the number of artefacts, which tell the story of women’s involvement in the War. Women stepped into a variety of roles traditionally assigned to men during the First World War, freeing up young men to fight on the front line.

The National Army Museum’s online exhibition, First World War in Focus, also reveals the stories of the individuals involved in the  First World War and includes films about uniforms, weaponry and equipment of the British soldier throughout the conflict.

The Black Watch Museum Perth

The First World War Gallery, Courtesy of the Black Watch Museum

Located in Balhousie Castle, Perth, the Black Watch Regimental Museum is part of the Regimental Headquarters of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment).

The First World War Gallery features a kilt worn in WWI still covered with Flanders mud and the colours of the 6th Battalion who were awarded the Croix de Guerre as a unit in 1918.

25 Black Watch Battalions served in the First World War, with more than 50,000 men passing through the Regiment. 8,000 of them were killed and over 20,000 wounded.

The display also features grave markers, a gas mask and silk banners printed with all the names of those killed.

The Museum of Liverpool Liverpool

The Waterfront to Western Front exhbition room, with exhibits on display.

The Museum of Liverpool has a poignant collection of objects used by soldiers in the First World War on show and an exhibition, From Waterfront to Western Front,  which explores life on both the front line and at home in Liverpool. The war took 13,000 Liverpudlian lives over the course of the four year conflict.

In the Battle Gallery you can read a blood-stained diary; see objects hit by shells and bullets; watch actual footage of the King’s Regiment on the Western Front and even hear a soldier describing conditions in the trenches.

This summer visitors to the museum can see the medals of Captain Noel Chavasse , the only serviceman to be awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) twice during the First World War. On display at the Museum of Liverpool from July 31 to January 5 2018 it is the first time this important medal group, on loan from Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC, has gone on public display in Liverpool, the family’s home from 1900.

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Royal welch fusiliers museum caernarfon.

Colours – Courtesy of the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum

The Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Museum has five beautifully refurbished galleries occupying two towers of Caernarfon Castle – a World Heritage Site.

You can learn how the Regiment won 14 Victoria Crosses and hear the words of famous writers who served with the Royal Welch during the First World War, such as Siegfried Sassoon, Robert Graves, David Jones, Frank Richards and Hedd Wyn.

The Lloyd George Museum & Highgate Cottage Llanystumdwy

The Versailles Peace Treaty, Lloyd George Museum CNV00018 Courtesy of Gwynedd Archives Service

Home to the future Prime Minister between 1864 and 1880, Highgate Cottage is maintained as it would have been during the Victorian period.

The museum features caskets and scrolls presented to Lloyd George as freedom honours, mainly for his work as Prime Minister when he led the country during the final, bloody years of the First World War.

There are also medals, paintings, photographs and documents, most famous of which being the Versailles Treaty, which was signed at the end of the First World War, imposing harsh restrictions on Germany and arguably fuelling the Second World War.

The Victorian garden and classroom bring visitors back in time to what we now know was the lead up to the Great War.

The Royal Engineers Museum Gillingham

First World War Gallery, Courtesy of The Royal Engineers Museum

In may ways the Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham, which has just reopened, is the perfect place to begin an investigation of the First World War. It was the sappers of the Royal Engineers who designed, developed and in many cases built the trench systems of the Western Front. They were also in charge of accommodation, tunneling, army camps, new developments in military weapons technology and even oversaw the introduction of the Mills Bomb. By the end of the war The Corps had increased in size from 20,000 to 300,000 men.

The museum has a suitably rich collection of objects and artefacts from this pivotal period. Items range from battered pickelhaube helmets, grave markers and sepia photographs to a tunneler’s gas mask, early examples of camouflage, a flame thrower, gas shells and a huge collection of artwork – much of it by Corps members.

The museum also holds several Victoria Crosses awarded to Royal Engineers, among them the VC awarded posthumously to Sapper Hackett, the only tunneler to be awarded a VC in the First World War.

The Tank Museum Bovington

Tank Men Exhibition, Courtesy of the Tank Museum

Of all the killing machinery developed during the First World War, the tank is arguably the most dramatic and enduring. The Tank Museum at Bovington, Dorset, has many relics of the trench wars of 1914-18 and holds the biggest collection of First World War tanks to survive anywhere in the world.

The museum’s Mark V is one of the last First World War tanks to remain in full operating condition and their Mark II actually fought in the Battle of Arras in 1917. You can even get inside the Mark V** which has a fascinating walk-through facility.

Also in the museum is a dramatic trench display telling a soldier’s story – visitors follow in the footsteps of new recruits, arriving on a railway platform, walking the road to the trenches, walking through a British trench, passing through no-man’s land and then finally entering a German trench as a tank breaks over the top.

RAF Museum London

First World War in the Air Gallery. Photo Richard Moss

The RAF Museum’s collossal First World War in the Air Gallery is set in the historic Graham White Hangar. The collection is arguably the most comprehensive display of First World War aircraft anywhere in the world. Redeveloped and opened to the public in 2014 this historic space displays a collection of 13 aircraft of the period of the First World War.

Among them is the Sopwith Camel – the highest scoring fighter of the war – and the German Fokker D.VIII, which saw Herman Goering, later head of Hitler’s Luftwaffe, become an ace. The museum’s massive haul of smaller First World War objects – hitherto in storage – are now beautifully displayed in the three central cases allowing you to pour over personal objects, including diaries, mascots, medals, uniforms, weaponry and bullet strafed fragments of rudder art, all of which help to bring the story to life.

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The Somme Museum Newtownards, Northern Ireland

Messines Exhibition, Courtesy of The Somme Association

In Northern Ireland, just south of Bangor, lies the Somme Heritage Museum. The museum is built on the site where soldiers of the 108th Brigade of the 36th Ulster Division were trained after the outbreak of war.

The museum provides an insight into Ireland’s role in one of the most crucial battles of the entire war. As well as this, free exhibitions explore the role of sea warfare in weakening the German offence and look at the crucial Battle of Jutland which enabled Britain to carry on its naval blockade of Germany. If you want to get the full feel for the impact the dreadful battle of the Somme on Ireland then a one hour tour should do the trick.

National Maritime Museum London

Jutland 1916: WWI’s Greatest Sea Battle © National Maritime Museum, London.

Opened to mark the centenary of the Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle of the First World War, the National Maritime Museum’s permanent exhibition Jutland 1916: WW1’s Greatest Sea Battle brings to life the story of the clash which claimed more than 8,500 lives.

The galleries focus on the ships, technology and the people behind the battle, telling the personal stories of the sailors and their families, and exploring the experience of serving both on British and German ships. The exhibition also explores the frustrations around the battle of which the human cost was so high, but no decisive victory was achieved.

There are incredible objects on display – many for the first time – including a shipbuilder’s model of the HMS Queen Mary, the naval battlecruiser sunk at the battle, leaving just 188 survivors. The story of the battle is revealed through paintings, photographs, models and medals and there is also material from German archives which uncovers the other side of the battle.

HMS Caroline Belfast

The HMS Caroline [now a museum ship based in Alexandra Dock in Belfast] © William Murphy (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Belfast’s Titanic Quarter is dominated by not just one famous ship. The sole survivor of the Battle of Jutland and the only British First World War light cruiser still afloat, HMS Caroline is a true WW1 relic, and an absolute must-see. Launched not long after the outbreak of war in 1914, the ship has been an iconic part of Belfast’s maritime life for more than 90 years, and is now a floating museum revealing the cruiser’s history and the story of the greatest WWI naval battle.

A film about the Battle of Jutland summarises the tense 36-hour clash and recreated spaces on-board reveal life in the Captain’s quarters, mariners’ mess, sick bay and galley. In the engine rooms you can see HMS Caroline’s original engines and listen to the authentic thunderous roar that they would have made at full speed.

Fleet Air Arm Museum Yeovil

Sopwith Pup © Hugh Llewelyn (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Focusing on naval aviation, the brilliant Fleet Air Arm Museum charts the history of military air power at sea, from the early manned kites and bi-planes to the incredible naval technology we see today.

Each hall takes you through a different era in naval aviation – in Hall 1 The Navy’s Air War commemorates the Royal Naval Air Service, the air arm of the Royal Navy which operated during the First World War. With WW1 aircraft, interactives and personal stories from the early days of naval aviation, the display tells the story of the humble beginnings of air warfare at sea.

Also in Hall 1 Jutland 1916 – Frederick Rutland tells the long and fascinating story of one plane and its pilot which fought in the Battle of Jutland – the first time an aircraft was used at sea to assist the fleet. The Short 184, on show in the display survived World War I but was badly damaged during World War II, and its pilot Frederick Rutland has an equally fascinating story.

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9 comments on “ Britain’s best places to see: First World War museums and collections ”

I am amazed that there is no reference to the NMRN exhibition on the Battle of Jutland – in Portsmouth! or indeed HMS Caroline in Belfast- which fought at the battle of Jutland!!

Very good call Tim. We will certainly add HMS Caroline and also reconsider the NMRN, which wasn’t included as we were focussing on visits where a permanent collection could be explored. Richard (editor)

then we need to add HMS M.33 unique survivor of Gallipoli and a permanent collection!

Or to the excellent Bombardment of the Hartlepools gallery at the Museum of Hartlepool, a partner venue of the NMRN Hartlepool.

Excellent articles all! Now there are more sites that must be added to an ever growing list of British military (and natural history) museums to visit on a planned trip to the U.K. next year.

The national Army museum, disappointing, although very good for children it is very poor compared to what it was like prior to the reconstruction. The fantastic collection of medals are no longer on display, and some, especially the Peninsular Gold Medal are not captioned.

From a military collector’s point of view it is not worth the visit. This comment is echoed by many other collectors in the British medal Forum

A great wee museum …. https://www.facebook.com/Military-Museum-Scotland-SCIO-591070184353808/?ref=bookmarks

King & Country, Bankfield Museum Halifax winner of the Public History Prize by the Royal Historical Society.

The exhibition opened on the 4 August 2014 and runs until the 22nd December 2018. Each year we have also hosted a range of related events and talks. It ‘s not a permanent exhibiton, so really needs to be brought to anyones attention. We have been several times it is so good. Covers many aspects and gives personal perspectives. Access is (surprisingly) only by staircases, otherwise it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

We have a gallery at the Royal Pavilion which looks at the Indian Military hospital based at the Pavilion and two other Brighton venues. It provides a fascinating insight into some of the Commonwealth soldiers who fought in WW1. https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion/history/ww1-and-the-royal-pavilion/

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