Churchill War Rooms to Westminster Abbey: Visit Two London Landmarks in One Day
London is a city steeped in history, and few landmarks capture its essence better than the Churchill War Rooms and Westminster Abbey. We visited both of these iconic London landmarks on the same day. They’re close enough to experience one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. If you plan to visit these iconic sites, check out our guide to help you make the most of your experience.
Visiting the Churchill War Rooms and Westminster Abbey offers a unique opportunity to delve into London’s rich history. From the tense atmosphere of the underground war rooms to the soaring gothic architecture of the Abbey, these landmarks provide a tangible connection to the past.
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Discovering the Churchill War Rooms
The Churchill War Rooms, located in the heart of Westminster, offer a fascinating glimpse into Britain’s wartime history. This underground complex served as the secret command center for Winston Churchill and his staff during World War II.
Getting to the Churchill War Rooms
- Nearest Tube Stations: Westminster (Jubilee, District, and Circle lines) and St. James’s Park (District and Circle lines)
- Walking: The War Rooms are a 10-minute walk from Westminster tube station and a 5-minute walk from St. James’s Park station.
Visiting Tips for the Churchill War Rooms
- Book tickets to the Churchill War Rooms online at the Churchill War Rooms website.
- Arrive early to avoid long entry queues, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Free audio guides are available for self-guided tours, offering insightful commentary on the exhibits.
- The Churchill War Rooms consist of two sections: the original underground war rooms and the Churchill Museum. We recommend allocating at least two hours to fully appreciate both areas.
Transitioning to Westminster Abbey
From the Churchill War Rooms, it’s a short journey to Westminster Abbey, the iconic church where British monarchs are crowned and many historic figures are buried.
Getting to Westminster Abbey from the Churchill War Rooms
- Walking: Westminster Abbey is a 10-minute walk from the Churchill War Rooms. Head west on Horse Guards Road, turn right onto Whitehall, and then left onto Parliament Square. The Abbey will be on your right.
- Public Transport: Take the Jubilee, District, or Circle line to Westminster tube station, which is directly across from the Abbey.
Churchill War Rooms to Westminster Abbey Map
Map via Google Maps
Churchill War Rooms to Westminster Abbey by Underground
To travel from the Churchill War Rooms to Westminster Abbey using the London Underground, follow these instructions:
- Exit the Churchill War Rooms and head southeast on King Charles Street toward Horse Guards Road.
- Walk to Westminster Station, which is just a short walk away, about 5-7 minutes. The station entrance is visible from the exit of the War Rooms.
- Enter Westminster Station and take the Jubilee line towards Stanmore.
- Alight at Westminster Station (only one stop). Since you start at Westminster Station, the journey on the tube itself will be minimal—essentially, you don’t need to take the tube as both the Churchill War Rooms and Westminster Abbey are best accessed from the same tube station.
- Exit Westminster Station and Westminster Abbey is a short walk away, approximately 3-4 minutes on foot.
It’s important to note that walking might be a quicker and easier option, given the proximity of both attractions. The Churchill War Rooms and Westminster Abbey are about a 5-minute walk from each other.
Planning Your Visit to Westminster Abbey
- Opening Times: Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (last entry at 3:00 p.m.). The Abbey is closed to visitors on Sundays.
- Entry Fees: £25 for adults, £21 for students and seniors, and £11 for children (6-16 years). Family tickets are available. Book online in advance for a £2 discount per ticket. (Learn more about Westminster Abbey tickets and current admission fees on the Westminster Abbey website.)
- Arrival: It’s worth noting that the Abbey can get quite busy, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid long queues and crowds.
- Highlights: Don’t miss the Coronation Chair, the Poet’s Corner, the Royal Tombs, and the Cloisters. Guided tours and audio guides are available for a more in-depth experience.
- Time: We recommend allocating at least two hours to explore Westminster Abbey fully. However, if you want to take a guided tour or visit all the highlights, we suggest planning for an additional hour or two.
Bonus Tip: After your visit, take a moment to relax in nearby St. James’s Park or grab a bite at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.
Enjoy a Private Tour of Churchill War Rooms and Westminster Abbey
For a unique experience, why not consider a private tour that includes both attractions?
This Churchill War Rooms and Westminster Abbey private tour highlights significant graves and memorials at Westminster Abbey and includes a visit to the Churchill War Rooms, providing an in-depth look at World War II history. The itinerary features other iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Downing Street. With the convenience of timed tickets to minimize waiting, the tour is available in both morning and afternoon sessions, allowing flexibility in scheduling and maximizing your day.
Churchill War Rooms
What does a visit to the Churchill War Rooms offer? Plenty. This place, beneath the streets of Westminster, served as the underground nerve center where Winston Churchill and his inner circle directed the war efforts during World War II. Here, the Chiefs of Staff for the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force would convene to plan war strategy. Not only can you see the actual war rooms in their preserved state, but the attraction also boasts a museum to the memory of Winston Churchill.
Highlights of the Churchill War Rooms
A visit to the Churchill War Rooms is fascinating. You can see the underground war planning area. You’ll see the cabinet meeting rooms, map room, and communications center in the bunker.
After touring the bunker, you can move on to the museum to learn more about Winston Churchill. Here, you can learn about the life of this great leader, from childhood through his time as Prime Minister and through his later years.
Learn More About Winston Churchill Before Your Visit
Looking to continue soaking up more things related to Churchill, we came across a fun yet informative show on Netflix. The five-episode reality series Churchill’s Secret Agents: The New Recruits, depicts the training that special agents would have undergone in the 1940s. A modern-day class is put to the test in this exciting series.
Also check out our post highlighting fun facts about Winston Churchill.
Travel Resources
We consulted “DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Great Britain” to identify specific attractions to include during our trip. The book was helpful in identifying walking tours and museums and providing days and times that specific places are open to visit. We recommend purchasing a book similar to this one when planning a longer trip.
Listen to our Podcast Episodes
On episode 20, we visit the Churchill War Rooms in London England.
Also check out episode 21 where we visit Westminster Abbey.
Closing Thoughts
We were thoroughly impressed with our visit to the Churchill War Rooms and Westminster Abbey. So much so that we highly recommend these attractions if you find yourself in London.
Happy exploring! We hope to see you at the places where we go.
Julie & Art
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