Winston Churchill's London At War. A Private Walk Through Britain's Darkest Hour

London , United Kingdom

Winston Churchill's London At War. A Private Walk Through Britain's Darkest Hour

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(3 reviews)

3h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Join your own expert Guide on a private tour that explores Winston Churchill's life and journey to becoming Britain's War Time leader. Starting with his Childhood home this flexible and personalized tour will go on to visit the most important buildings and sites relating to World War Two in London.

From top secret MI5 and intelligence offices to the Head Quarters used by General Dwight D Eisenhower in the lead up to Dday. Many of the buildings key in WW2 planning and operations are now unmarked or used for non Government purposes, fortunately you will have a personal guide to share the hidden history and secrets from these buildings.

The final destination on the tour is the Churchill War Rooms, the top secret bunker and Map Rooms perfectly preserved and frozen in time. All maps and room items are original. Your tour includes Fast Track Entry.

Informative yet fun, and fully personalized for you by a 100% 5 star Reviewed Guide and Churchill Expert

Available options

Winston Churchill's London At War. A Private Walk Through Britain's Darkest Hour

What's included

Entrance to Churchill War Rooms

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The exclusive area where Winston Churchill first lived. His family home is still here, as is his Bachelor House and first Marital Home.
On this part of the tour learn all about Winston Churchill's long and eventful Career and his path to British Prime Minister and War Time Leader.

The heartwarming statue of two friends and colleagues President Roosevelt and Winston Churchill commissioned to celebrate the friendship between the leaders and the two countries.

The St James area of London is home to Gentleman's Tailors, Private Members Clubs and WW2 Intelligence offices and departments including MI5. This area also has links with what became the CIA. Learn about WW2 Espionage and even a little about James Bond!

Visit the store where Winston Churchill bought his Cigars. You can even try out his favourite chair for a photo.

Norfolk House. The secret London HQ for Dwight Eisenhower during the DDay preparations. It was here that the top level Allied Chiefs of Staff would meet to plan Operation Overlord.

The former German Embassy. From 1936 to 1938 this was the office of Joachim Von Ribbentrop. SS Guards were stationed outside the Embassy and official cars flew the Swastika. Ribbentrop left in 1938 and became Nazi Foreign Minister

Stop 7

This area has the highest concentration of important WW2 Buildings. From Admiralty House where Churchill lived as First Lord during the early days of WW2 to secret communications Centres, and Bunkers.
This area is also home to the Ministry of Defense and the Old War Office. Your guide will unlock the history of these fascinating buildings.

Stop 8

Downing Street the official home of the British Prime Minster will feature in this part of the tour, and stories of Winston Churchill's dangerous night time visits to the roof of the foreign office to watch London being bombed during the Blitz.
Your guide will point out scarring on the buildings that were damaged during the air raids, and explain how this area held one of the biggest secrets of WW2.

Stop 9

Home of the House of Commons and Lords. During WW2 Large Air raid shelters were located under the square. Winston Churchill's statue dominates the southern end of the square, and your guide will explain why the statue is in this special spot.
Churchill also addressed the crowds from the balcony of the nearby Ministry Of Health on VE Day. Look up at that balcony and imagine hearing that War in Europe was over.

Stop 10

The final stop is the Churchill War Rooms. This was the secret HQ under Whitehall where Winston Churchill declared "from this room I shall direct the War"
Your guide will give you an overview of the War Rooms, and ensure you have fast track access to skip the queues. You will then have as much time as you like to enjoy the Churchill Museum and Map Rooms.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Outside the main Entrance of the Ritz Hotel in Arlington St.

Important notes

Contact us to confirm your accommodation details if you require guide to meet you at your hotel.
or meet directly at the start location of the Ritz Hotel

About London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.

Historical 2-3 hours £28 (adult ticket)

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.

Historical 1-2 hours £27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)

The British Museum

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)

The London Eye

A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.

Entertainment 30 minutes £27-£33 (adult ticket)

Westminster Abbey

A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.

Religious 1-2 hours £27 (adult ticket)

Tower Bridge

An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Architecture 1-2 hours £11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.

Snack Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Kayaking on the Thames Cycling tours Afternoon tea Spas and wellness centers Punting on the River Cam Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center

By train

London Waterloo, London King's Cross

By bus

Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon

Getting around

Public transport

The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Westminster Camden Town Soho Notting Hill Shoreditch Greenwich

Day trips

Windsor Castle

34 km from London • Half day to full day

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.

Stonehenge

130 km from London • Full day

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Brighton

80 km from London • Full day

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Festivals

Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August London Film Festival • October New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31

Pro tips

Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets