Tour Details
About the Tour
- Category
- History, Your Perfect Trip...
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Location
- London
Photos & Highlights
- Explore the Churchill War Rooms in the company of a expert historian
- Includes skip-the-line tickets to the Churchill War Rooms
- Churchill War Rooms
Tour Description
During this three-hour tour led by a historian, we will delve into the depths of one of London’s most important eras—the 267 days between September 1940 and May 1941 when German forces made over 70 air raids on the city—known as the London Blitz. We’ll explore daily life in London during World War II and its impact on the city, as well as the figure of Winston Churchill and the key decisions he made as Prime Minister.
Sites Visited
- Churchill War Rooms
Included
- 3 hours with a PhD or MA-level guide
- Skip-the-line tickets
Itinerary Details
Our tour starts at the Churchill War Rooms. After a brief introduction, we’ll delve right into the daily operations in this high security bunker. Together, we’ll hear the story of how in 1938 the New Public Offices building, with its strong steel frame, large basement and strategic location, was selected to host the most secretive and important office of WWII.
The discussion will focus on Prime Minister Winston Churchill, including his crucial role in the fight against the Axis Powers and his ability to cement the 'Big Three' Alliance with Russia and the United States. We’ll take in the famous Map Room, the techniques used to communicate with the outside world, and examine how the Cabinet War Rooms remained operational for six years.
After our visit to the War Rooms, we’ll emerge at Whitehall, shifting our narrative to other public figures and normal Londoners of the time. We may continue our walk through the famed neighborhood, taking in the Guards Chapel, and Buckingham Palace. Here, we will discuss the role of the Royal Family during WWII, such as the famous speech of 1939, when King George VI spoke to the people of Britain and the Empire about the bombing of Buckingham Palace and the active role that the Queen had in supporting Londoners during their darkest hours.
We will leave each other with a deeper knowledge at the havoc caused by the Blitz of London and how the local community came together to restore the city to its former glory. We’ll also gain insight into Winston Churchill and his legacy as a political strategist, and mythical figure in history.
Interested in a different tour in London? See our offerings such as the Tower of London Tour or our British Museum Tour.
Interested in a different tour in London? See our offerings such as the Tower of London Tour or our British Museum Tour.
FAQ
What is a private tour?
Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your traveling companions. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the walk best fits in your trip), the ability to tailor your itinerary (we'll work to match the itinerary to the interests and dynamics of your group), and more personalized time with your guide.
What is a small group tour?
Our small group tours cover many of the same itineraries as our private tours, but they place you with other travelers in groups of 6 or less. They operate on a pre-scheduled calendar, and are designed to provide an opportunity to engage with and learn from other travelers.
Does the London Pass cover the Churchill War Rooms?
The London Pass does include access to the War Rooms, but not skip-the-line, which is essential in order to take full advantage of the three hours. Because of this, pre-purchased tickets are required.
The London Pass does include access to the War Rooms, but not skip-the-line, which is essential in order to take full advantage of the three hours. Because of this, pre-purchased tickets are required.
How much time do we spend in the Churchill War Rooms?
We generally spend about one hour in the War Rooms. If you are interested in a more in-depth, exclusive visit, we can arrange private visits before and after hours to the Churchill War Rooms. Contact us for more information.
We generally spend about one hour in the War Rooms. If you are interested in a more in-depth, exclusive visit, we can arrange private visits before and after hours to the Churchill War Rooms. Contact us for more information.
Where You'll Start
Tour Experts
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Author of the best-selling travel guide, “The Rough Guide to London” (now in its 10th edition), Rob knows pretty much every museum, gallery and hidden nook and cranny of London. With a degree from Cambridge, a background in theatre and 20 years’ experience visiting and writing about the sights of London, Rob can combine personal experience and academic knowledge to every one of his walks.
Enthusiastic and fun, Laura was formerly a professional actress working in theatre and television. She loves storytelling, imparting her knowledge of London in an engaging way and really bringing a subject alive. Having worked extensively with children since the birth of her own daughter Ruby, she specialises in working with families, children and small groups and feels that versatility is all important, adapting to a clients needs and making the experience memorable, personal and very special.
181 Reviews
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Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Peter was very knowledgeable but not just the facts but the back stories. Great personality as well.
Mark
Jul. 4, 2022
After many years of travel and several trips using Context, we are confident in saying that Peter is the among the finest guides we’ve ever had. Both at the Churchill War Rooms and during the Walking Tour of London he came ready with a compelling narrative; but just as impressive as his commanding knowledge and passion and storytelling skills was his second sense, his ability to intuit when someone had a question or perhaps required a rest or a change of subject.
His passion during the Walking tour of London was contagious.
His tour of the War Rooms, both challenging of conventional wisdom and, at times, extraordinary emotional, was the highlight of our ten days of London exploration.
If we were organizing this trip all over again, we would book Peter for the entire journey!
Marc
Jul. 1, 2022
Peter was the best!
David
Jun. 30, 2022
