Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cabinet War Rooms:
The 27-room, heavily fortified nerve center of the British war
effort was used from 1939 to 1945. Churchill's room, the map room, and other rooms are
just as they were in 1945. As you follow the one-way route, be sure to take advantage
of the audioguide, which explains each room and offers first-person accounts of wartime
happenings here. Be patient—it's well worth it. While the rooms are spartan, you'll see
how British gentility survived even as the city was bombarded—posted signs informed
those working underground what the weather was like outside, and a cheery notice re-
minded them to turn off the light switch to conserve electricity.
Churchill Museum:
Don't bypass this museum, which occupies a large hall amid the
war rooms. It dissects every aspect of the man behind the famous cigar, bowler hat, and V-
for-victory sign. It's extremely well-presented and engaging, using artifacts, quotes, polit-
ical cartoons, clear explanations, and high-tech interactive exhibits to bring the colorful
statesman to life. You'll get a taste of Winston's wit, irascibility, work ethic, passion for
painting, American ties, writing talents, and drinking habits. The exhibit shows Winston's
warts as well: It questions whether his party-switching was just political opportunism, ex-
amines the basis for his opposition to Indian self-rule, and reveals him to be an intense
