Discover the fascinating history of HMS Belfast, highlighting its remarkable contributions during World War II, including participation in the D-Day landings as well as service in the Korean and Cold Wars. Explore Churchills secret underground Cabinet War Rooms hidden below the streets of Westminster.
Begin your journey at HMS Belfast, where a friendly and knowledgeable guide will greet you and outline the day’s itinerary.
Get ready for an exciting river cruise to Westminster Pier, where you’ll hop off and explore the St James and Westminster area.
Then head off on a Wartime London Walking Tour towards Whitehall and Churchills secret underground bunker.
At the conclusion of the tour, you have the option to visit the Churchill War Rooms.
Tour details
HMS Belfast
Begin your tour at HMS Belfast. This remarkable warship, one of the few left from World War II, is now permanently docked as a museum.
Discover nine decks filled with history whilst Immersing yourself in life aboard through a range of exhibits that highlight the ship’s role in major conflicts of the 20th century.
Featuring family-friendly activities and presentations by veterans and eyewitnesses from the Imperial War Museums (IWM). Plus, you can enjoy stunning views of the River Thames from this fantastic location.
Whether you’re interested in naval history or modern maritime defence, HMS Belfast offers a fascinating insight into the Royal Navy’s heritage and its future.
Thames Cruise
Next, board your cruise and set off on a delightful trip along the River Thames to Westminster Pier. Enjoy the views of Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.
Westminster Pier sits directly opposite the beautiful Palace of Westminster and the iconic Big Ben.
Suggestions for lunch in the Westminster area, known for its diverse global cuisine.
Wartime Walking Tour – London at War
From Westminster to Churchill War Rooms
Westminster offers a fascinating mix of historic sites, ancient institutions, beautiful parks, and contemporary dining choices, making it an exciting district to discover.
Next, we make our way to The Churchill War Rooms, exploring Westminster and uncovering how the Blitz influenced the development of modern London.
Take in famous landmarks including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. Get ready for lots of chances to snap some great photos along the way!
Visit Churchill’s War Rooms
Consider adding the Churchill War Rooms to your itinerary. This hidden underground bunker was an essential command center between 1939 and 1945. Situated under the Treasury building close to Whitehall.
As part of the Imperial War Museums (IWM), this site offers an intriguing glimpse into where Churchill and his cabinet made crucial wartime decisions. Follow in Churchill’s footsteps as you explore the historic rooms, preserved virtually unchanged since the war.
The bunker features rooms including staff dormitories, private quarters for military officers and senior ministers, typing rooms, the Transatlantic Telephone room, and Churchill’s office bedroom.
Guided Tours
The Churchill War Rooms provide daily guided tours, giving you the chance to discover the complex before it opens to the public. You can also enjoy self-guided tours, letting you explore at your own pace.
History
The Cabinet War Rooms, situated under the Treasury building in Whitehall, started construction in 1938 and were fully operational by August 27, 1939, just a week before Britain declared war on Germany.
Churchill’s War Rooms is an optional stop on the tour, but a fascinating and worthwhile experience while visiting London.
Length of tour: Approximately 5 hours