world war ii tour london

A Self-Guided WWII London Tour: 8 Top WWII Sites in London

History buffs will love London, England for its incredible wealth of WWII history. Check out this detailed travel itinerary to take a self-guided WWII London tour of the best WWII sites in the city!

Thanks to my brother, Ryne, for writing this post! He’s been living in England on his own, and he has tons of great stories to share.

London is an amazing city, a crossroads of global cultures and truly one of the world’s most influential metropolises. Anything you could want you’ll find in London — hipster music, Victorian architecture, flashy modern buildings, and any type of food that you can dream up from around the world.

Another thing it has in droves: history! You could fill pages with the history that London has to offer , but today I want to focus on one of my favorite topics — London’s WWII history. Let’s explore some of the top WWII sites in London on this self-guided WWII London tour.

Post Contents

Self-Guided WWII London Tour Itinerary

With two World Wars and countless other wars and conflicts, Europe is full of scars of history to keep any war enthusiast busy.

I’m blessed with a rare opportunity to be stationed at a Royal Air Force base not far from London, so I decided to take advantage of it with a quick day trip to the capital city for my own personally-created “WWII History Tour of London”.

Because there are so many WWII historical points to see, I’ve meticulously planned out this route in order to fit it into one day . This self-guided tour will take you from West to East across the city. Read to the end of this post for a map of the route!

1. Bomber Command Memorial

The first stop is the Bomber Command Memorial near Hyde Park.

Hyde Park Corner has a number of monuments related to various wars and military organizations, including the Royal Artillery Memorial and the Wellington Arch . Across the square sits the Bomber Command Memorial .

The Bomber Command Memorial is dedicated to the airmen who manned and supported bomber missions during the war , and the 55,537 who lost their life doing so. While the fighter aircraft protected the homeland, the bomber crews ventured out over enemy territory to project the full power of the Royal Air Force (RAF).

I spent a few moments pondering the incredible sacrifice that these airmen made and reflecting on the oath I’ve taken to do the same to protect my own country. As I walk back through the Arch toward the Tube station, I hope that a world war never forces me to make the same sacrifice, but that if it does, I’ll have the courage to do so with the honor that these airmen did.

2. Victoria and Albert Museum

Our next stop is the Victoria and Albert Museum . You may wonder what an art museum has to do with WWII history.

Well, it’s actually what’s outside the museum that counts. During a campaign known as the Blitz, the German Luftwaffe (air force) peppered the UK with over 30,000 tons of bombs, killing over 40,000 citizens.

London took the brunt of the attack with over 70 individual raids on the city. The raid decimated the city and the country as a whole, but the British citizens carried on through it all with their characteristic toughness and steadfast demeanor.

Most of the damage has been repaired or torn down with time, but it just so happens that one bomb landed outside the Victoria and Albert Museum . Being dedicated to history, they decided to leave the damage as an exhibit .

To find the bomb damage, walk down the left exterior side of the building. It’s hard to know what you’re looking for until you suddenly see chunks of stone missing from the side of the building and damage to the railing. As you walk further, the damage increases.

Stand for a few moments and take an opportunity to ponder both the immense power of the bombs to cause damage to such a solid stone structure as well as the feeling of what it must have been like to live through such attacks night after night.

Related tour: Private Guided Tour of The Victoria and Albert Museum

3. No. 8 Lord North Street Air Raid Shelter

Our next stop is related to that feeling of living through the attacks. Head off the beaten path to Lord North Street.

You’ll find yourself in a quiet neighborhood secluded from the hustle and bustle of tourists just a few streets over. There, just to the left of Number 8 Lord North Street , is a fairly well-preserved air raid shelter sign pointing down to the basement.

For the eight months of bombing raids, the citizens of London dealt with the ever-present threat of attack. Any normal night could change in an instant when the air raid siren wailed.

When that happened, citizens across the UK took whatever shelter they could — a crude bunker dug in the back garden, a basement, or even an internal closet (as little protection as that provided).

In London, community air raid shelters were set up across the city . The most famous were simply Tube stations that allowed hundreds of citizens to sleep on the platform after train services had ended for the night. Others were set up in private basements. There used to exist signs across the city guiding the way to the nearest station, but they are fast disappearing as they become painted over or destroyed.

The sign at No. 8 Lord North Street is one of the few left in the city. The private home is clearly no longer open to shelter-seeking strangers, but it’s incredible that they’ve kept the sign preserved.

4. Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms is an immense museum dedicated to the wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill , his life, his time in office, and his command of the British war effort in WWII.

Even more amazing, it’s located in the exact underground bunker used by his War Cabinet while planning the war . The underground labyrinth of rooms is amazing, even if it doesn’t appear strong enough to withstand a bomb hit (I question the term “bunker” for this particular location…but it’s still incredible to see first-hand where the decisions were made).

There is so much history here that you could easily spend hours (as my sister can attest to after my dad and I forced her to accompany us as we spent 2 hours picking through every morsel of history available).

Also in this area is a Monument to the RAF , located just north of Westminster Pier, if you’re interested in taking a short detour.

Related tour: Historical London Walking Tour in Westminster & Churchill War Rooms Entry

5. St Clements Danes

Our next stop is St Clements Danes Church , dedicated as the “Royal Air Force Church” .

St Clements Danes Church sits in a traffic island in the middle of the busy London street known as The Strand.

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren (who also designed St Paul’s Cathedral) and originally built in 1682, St Clements Danes was all but destroyed in 1941 by bombs from the Blitz.

In 1958, the restored church was re-consecrated as the official church of the Royal Air Force . It now serves as both an active church as well as a memorial to RAF airmen who have given their lives in service of their country.

6. St Paul’s Cathedral

Just a short walk from St Clements Danes is another famous church that was central during the Blitz bombings: St Paul’s Cathedral .

The cathedral is so famous and such a powerful British symbol, that Winston Churchill ordered it protected at all costs in order to preserve the morale of the British people.

Since Churchill’s orders were followed, the cathedral itself doesn’t really have any war scars.

Related tour: St Paul’s Cathedral Admission

7. Firefighters’ Memorial

On either side of St Paul’s Cathedral there are more gems to be found.

On the southern side stands the Firefighters’ Memorial . A simple statue of men battling a blaze, the memorial serves to honor the firefighters who extinguished the flames caused by Blitz bombing and helped the city survive.

In a beautiful bit of artistic vision, the men in the statue point their fire hose straight at St Paul’s, forever watching over the venerable landmark.

8. Christchurch Greyfriars Church

On the northern side of the St. Paul’s, just one block away, sits a less fortunate place of worship.

The 18 th century Christchurch Greyfriars Church was completely gutted by bombing . The incomplete shell that remains surrounds a simple, yet beautiful, garden oasis in the busy city.

Self-Guided WWII London Tour Map

You can plot out this whole tour on Google Maps. Use the map below for the tour exactly as outlined in this post, or customize it to your liking.

You can click the star icon at the top of the map to save it to your favorites and open the route in your own Google Maps app.

Though there are plenty more historical sights to see in this magnificent city, this is where we complete our long tour of WWII sites. If you find yourself with a day to explore London, I highly recommend you take yourself off the beaten track and get to know some of the fascinating WWII history that London has to offer!

Top WWII London Tours (for when you want a guided tour)

Sometimes you just want a hassle-free guided tour, and we totally get it! Check out these great options for guided WWII history tours of London:

Small-Group Wartime London Walking Tour
Historical London Walking Tour — Westminster & Churchill War Rooms
World War II History in London Private Guided Tour
Winston Churchill and The Battle Of Britain — Full Day Private WW2 Tour

Historic Hotels to Stay at in London

Really dive into London’s WWII history on your trip with a stay at any of these historic hotels:

The Dorchester — considered the safest building in London with its “bomb-proof” construction, Dwight Eisenhower took a suite here and made it his headquarters. Many other prominent political and military figures stayed here during the war.
The Savoy — Churchill often took his cabinet to lunch at this hotel. The hotel was bombed during the Blitz but not have to close.
The Ritz — Churchill, Eisenhower, and Charles de Gaulle met in at this hotel to discuss operations during WWII.

Where to Stay in London

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to London, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

Top Hotel: Hotel 41
Great Value: The Belgrave Hotel
Unique Stay: Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard

Save on London’s Top Attractions

Want to save big on London’s top attractions ? With the Go City London attraction pass, you can save up to 55% on the cost of entrance tickets to museums, tours, and attractions all around the city! This is the perfect companion to your WWII London tour!

Visit bucket list attractions, enjoy top tours, and discover hidden gems handpicked by local experts. With one price and one pass, you have everything you need right on your phone.

Get your Go City London attraction pass here.

More London Travel Tips

See more of what London, England has to offer with these fantastic itineraries:

2 Fun-Filled Days of Sightseeing in London, England
Visiting the Tower of London
Where to Eat in London, England

Ready to visit London, England? Plan your trip with these tips.

Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner , my favorite flight search engine.
Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in London using Booking.com.
Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
Get a Guide Book: Check out the guide books from Fodor’s , Lonely Planet , or Rick Steves for in depth info about traveling to London.
Save on Attractions: Save up to 55% on admission to London’s top attractions using the Go City London pass.

Did you find this self-guided WWII London Tour itinerary helpful? What are your must-see top WWII sites in London, England? Comment below!

Ryne is a US Air Force officer, travel-lover, and history buff. He lived in multiple locations around Europe for 5 years and considers London his favorite city.

How to Use Skyscanner to Find Cheap Flights

Skyscanner is a must-use tool for finding cheap flights. This is how you can use Skyscanner to travel for cheap and save a lot of money on airfare.

A Tour of Southern Ghosts Review

Meet professional storytellers telling the tales of Southern Ghosts at Stone Mountain Park. See my review of A Tour of Southern Ghosts here.

Why You Should Intern Abroad in London, England

Interning abroad is a great way to see the world while gaining work experience. Find out why you should intern abroad in London.

8 Best Ways to Ring in the New Year in Atlanta

Atlanta knows how to usher in the New Year in style! Ring in 2023 in Atlanta with these classic New Year’s Eve events.

14 Nerdy Things to Do in Las Vegas

There are so many fun nerdy things to do in Las Vegas! Visit the Atomic Museum, have a geeky drink at the Millennium Falcon Bar, or explore Area 15.

London in the Blitz WWII Tour with St Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral
Museum of London

Perfect companion tour to the Churchill War Rooms
Includes a visit to American Memorial Chapel

London WW2 Blitz Tour

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ .

Churchill War Rooms Tour: A Guided Crash Course

Book a tour.

Our Experts
Working with Context
View All Cities
Sustainable Tourism
Refer a Friend for $50
Travel Updates
Advisor Login
Expert Portal

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Privacy Statement & Security
Cancellation Policy

Get the Hottest Deals First!

Memorials of World War II

About this tour.

An unforgettable journey of discovery and remembrance awaits you as you travel between London, Normandy and Paris on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Explore London’s connections to World War II during a city tour focused on The Blitz. Cross the English Channel, retracing the parallel journey nearly 160,000 courageous Allied troops took on June 6th, 1944, as they set out to liberate Europe from the Nazis. Immerse yourself in the history of Normandy’s D-Day Landing Beaches and visit the Normandy American Cemetery. Visit Saint-Mère-Église, the first French town liberated from the Nazis and learn about the brave paratroopers who parachuted into Normandy on the night of June 5–6, 1944. Conclude your journey in Paris, the City of Light with a festive dinner cruise along the Seine River.

Your Tour Includes

4 Handpicked Accommodations

Included Highlights

London & Paris WWII-Focused City Tours
The D-Day Story Museum
English Channel Crossing

Your Tour at a Glance

8 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $180.00

Activity Level

Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Experience the Peace Memorial Museum that vividly documents the causes and consequences of WWII.

Spend 3 nights in the Normandy region and take a journey back in history to the D-Day landing beaches.

Cultural Experiences:

Retrace the D-Day preparation efforts at The D-Day Story Museum, dedicated to Operation Overlord.

Navigate the path of the D-Day Landings as you cross the English Channel by ferry.

Set foot on the hallowed grounds of the Normandy landing beaches.

Culinary Inclusions:

Enjoy London’s culinary renaissance at a dinner featuring gastro-pub cuisine.

Sample traditional French cider during a visit to an apple orchard in Normandy.

Admire the “City of Light” as you float down the Seine River on a relaxing dinner cruise.

Caen Peace Memorial Museum
Arromanche-les-Baines
Longues-sur-Mer
Apple Cider Farm Visit
Normandy American Cemetery
Omaha Beach
Pointe du Hoc
Airborne Museum
Giverny Gardens
Seine River Dinner Cruise

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

*No Hassle Refunds
Traveling Well Safety
No booking fee, *no change fees
Top Rated Travel Protection

Share This Tour

Looking to add your itinerary for friends and family? Share your Itinerary

Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

Tour Extensions

Hotel-Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton

Hotel-Renaissance La Defense

Join us for a spectacular evening in one of Paris’s most beloved institutions, the famous Paradis Latin. Situated in a building associated with Napoleon and rebuilt by Gustav Eiffel himself, the Paradis has been running here since 1889. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner with wine, then bring on the champagne and let the show commence!

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton From $150 per night

Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton

Portsmouth marriott hotel, mercure caen city center-port de plaisance, renaissance la defense, stay longer.

Post Night: Renaissance La Defense From $150 per night

Need More Information?

Call us toll free at 800.340.5158

Trip reviews.

Live, Unedited, & Independent Traveler Reviews

Filter Reviews: All

Fellow Travelers on Tour

Related blog content, an alpine adventure with collette, my first guided tour with collette (i’m coming back for more), top 10 phrases to know for your next trip to sicily, get a taste of sicilian street food, the wines of sicily, greece: a foodie’s dream vacation, similar tours.

Shades of Ireland

Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria

Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales

London & Paris

Discover Scotland

Exploring Scotland & Ireland

Not seeing the date you want? We can help!

Call our Customer Care Team to inquire about dates beyond what's currently listed and to make an advanced reservation. You can find our full terms and conditions here .

Request a Quote

Please fill out the form below, and a Collette Expert will contact you shortly.

Yes, I'm a Travel Professional
Yes, I am working with a Travel Professional
I am traveling with 8 or more travelers

Find a Travel Agency

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Please tell us everything, we want it all.

We really value your feedback, please be open an honest. Tell us where we can improve, how we can get better. This feedback is anonymous, but if you would like us to get in touch with you regarding an issue provide your email address as part of your feedback and we will get right back to you.

Talk to an Expert

View or download.

Private London WWII Tour | Imperial War Museum & Churchills War Rooms

What to expect

Explore the dramatic history of World War II in London on this fascinating 3-hour private tour of the Imperial War Museum’s Second World War wing followed by the Churchill War Rooms. Begin with a guided tour of London’s Imperial War Museum, visiting the World War II collection and galleries, with color footage of the D-Day Landings, harrowing relics, and heroic stories of the Holocaust and the Blitz. Afterward, head to the Churchill War Rooms – the secret underground Head Quarters of the Prime Minister.

Why book this tour?

Enjoy the personal attention of your expert private guide
Visit the incredible Imperial War Museum
Learn about the dramatic events of World War II
See the interactive collections about the Holocaust and the Blitz
Tour Churchill's secret underground bunker where he ran the war effort

Exclusive private Tours and Experiences. Also offered in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Swedish and Russian

Our prices always include tickets and reservations fees (no waiting in lines!)

Our tour guides and staff are selected experts and speak perfect English

Easy to book and prepay your tours with our secure payment system

Eco-sustainable tourism, designed to respect and support local culture, art and traditions

Tour gallery

This Tour Includes

Expert private guide
Guided tour of Imperial War Museum
World War II Galleries
Holocaust and Blitz collections
Taxi ride between locations
Skip the Line tickets to the Churchill War Rooms
Guided tour of the Churchill War Rooms

Know before you go

The Holocaust Galleries are not recommended for kids under 14

This tour focuses on WWII highlights only. If you prefer a tour that focuses on or includes WWI commentary, please contact our customer service team to arrange a custom bespoke tour.

Our Sustainable Tourism Promise

LivTours’ group size of max 6 participants is and always has been based on sustainable travel, and we are proud to be at the forefront of change and innovation in the industry. LivTours is committed to providing travelers with truly sustainable tours with the lowest possible environmental impact, all while supporting the local industries and people of each unique destination. To learn more about how you can actively support sustainable tourism and how LivTours is contributing, click here .

About our Private tours

When you book a LivTours Private Tour or Experience , you are guaranteed a dedicated, expert guide that allows you the flexibility to start your tour at a time which is convenient for you, making planning easy. Our private tours ensure that you will get a tailored experience to meet all your needs so we go at your pace, perfect for families with younger children, elderly, or individuals with accessibility needs. Please be advised that all private tours begin at a base price starting at two people* . Prices are inclusive of entry tickets where applicable. *Some Ferrari private experiences are inclusive of one person only.

Additional options

Make your experience even more unique by upgrading your LivTours experience. Please note: add-ons are non refundable.

Choose dates later / Buy as a gift

By selecting Choose Dates Later / Buy as Gift at booking, any tour can be purchased without fixed dates. This is the perfect option if you want to purchase your tour as a gift for a loved one, or if you are in the pre-planning phase of your vacation. After booking, you will receive a Travel Voucher Code and full instructions on how to schedule your tours when ready. Once your travel plans are confirmed, you can easily use the Travel Voucher Code on the LivTours website to formally schedule your tours. You can find out more here .

Book your tour

Privacy overview.

Tours of London
Other UK Tours
London Travel Guide
Meet our Guides

WW2 London & Churchill War Rooms Tour

Searching Availability...

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

Already a member.

Username or E-mail

Forget Password?

Don't have an account? Create one.

Private tour for groups of up to 8
Avoid long lines with pre-purchased tickets
Certified Blue Badge Guide

Our WW2 London Tour contains two major components. First, you will embark on a Churchill War Rooms tour. From central Westminster, your Blue Badge Guide takes you underground into the bunker that was home to the headquarters of the British War Department. There you can explore the very site where much of the Allied war effort was managed.

Churchill War Rooms Private Tour

Many of the Churchill War Rooms have been left unchanged. This offers us a real insight into working conditions and allowing you to imagine what it would be like in those times.

You would be forgiven for thinking this would be a hard place to work. The office had no air conditioning or plumbing, and it played temporary home to many people.

However, your guide will share stories about how privileged many of the workers here felt. They were proud of the essential contribution they were making to the war effort.

Your guide can explain how Allied communications were encoded with SIGSALY to hide their contents from Axis powers. You’ll hear about revolutionary advances in cryptography and their effect on the war.

Learn About Churchill Himself

For those of you interested in Winston Churchill, part of this Churchill War Rooms tour includes visiting the museum dedicated to this great man. Let us share with you some of his uniforms, daily schedules, and both formal and informal letters.

The exhibits tell the story of the charismatic Winston Churchill. He was a prime minister and wartime leader, but also a beloved family man.

Did you know that Churchill was also a writer and artist? His studio at home was a favourite retreat during quieter periods.

Perhaps you’d like to see the wanted note offering a £25 reward for turning in a young Churchill, following his escape from prison during the Boer War!

Reaching the halfway point of our London WWII tour, you can enjoy some refreshments and visit the gift shop for a souvenir.

Part Two: World War 2 Walking Tour in London

After finishing our private tour of the Churchill War Rooms, we embark on a journey around Whitehall and Parliament Square to begin Part 2: a World War II walking tour of London.

This area is packed with various memorials and monuments. Some are very obvious, others are hidden in and around ministerial buildings. Your guide will help you find them and share their stories.

Every year, Whitehall plays host to a grand military parade commemorating both World Wars. We will see the poppy wreaths and banners laid on the Cenotaph, the empty tomb.

Walking through the Embankment area, we will visit many memorials dedicated to specific military groups that were involved in the conflict.

Who were the Chindits? Learn about this revolutionary group of men who operated deep behind Japanese lines in Burma. Their commemorative plaque may be small in comparison to some monuments, but your guide will explain the significant impact these men had on the war and also on future styles of military operations.

Where do you find the Battle of Britain memorial? We will show you this beautiful piece and tell you about the pivotal effect the Battle of Britain had on the path of the war.

So ends your World War II walking tour. Your guide will be happy to tell you about more museums you can visit in London or help with suggestions for the rest of your stay.

Winston Churchill was a very influential part of London’s history. But you can learn about other influential people in London, like the Royal Family. See the Crown Jewels on our Tower of London Tour or visit the church where there have been many royal weddings on our Westminster Abbey Tour .

WW2 London & Churchill War Rooms Tour

Cabinet War Rooms
Winston Churchill Museum
The Cenotaph
Battle of Britain memorial

All tours are for private groups only and start from £429. Groups can be up to 8 people. Your entrance tickets to the Churchill War rooms are included. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us !

Departure Point

Churchill War Rooms, Clive Steps, SW1A 2HQ London, GB. By prior arrangement, your guide can meet you at your central London hotel.

Departure Time

Mon-Fri 2:00pm

The tour departs from the Churchill War Rooms beside the steps outside the main entrance. Your Guide will be waiting with a sign showing the lead customer’s name.

Why should you book a tour with our Blue Badge Guides?

All of our Guides are Blue Badge holders, this is Britain’s highest professional tourist-guiding qualification, they are the only external guides able to show you around the most famous attractions.
Blue Badge guides are carefully selected for an intensive 2 year course culminating in an extensive series of exams in all aspects of History, Art, Architecture, Contemporary Britain and much more
Your time on holiday is precious, let our expert team make it memorable for all the right reasons
We pride ourselves on being able to tailor tours to your interest, our guides strive to bring your tour to life, making it enjoyable for all ages

Pick Up Point

5-star rated on tripadvisor, related tours, westminster abbey private tour, natural history museum tour.

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

WWI and WWII Battlefields

329 reviews

Seasonal Sale

Save up to $600

Available Dates

Your itinerary

Dates & prices

11 Day Battlefield Tour of UK, Belgium and France

11 days, 3 countries and 11 cities

Accommodation

10 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

View day-by-day trip itinerary

Travel to the front lines of Europe, where brave soldiers once fought for freedom. On this epic battlefield tour through the countryside of Britain, Belgium and France, you’ll explore the tragedy and triumph of two World Wars.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

Trip code:

Low deposit from $200

Deposit protection

Free booking changes

Trip map & itinerary

Day by day itinerary

11 days itinerary trip from London to Paris visiting 3 countries and 11 cities

Download itinerary

Print itinerary

Expand all days

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore London and Paris with a Local Specialist

Discover Normandy, Amiens, the Somme Region, Ypres, Brussels and Rouen

Visit the Imperial War Museum in London, the D-Day Landing Beaches, Saint-Sulpice church in Paris, Amiens Cathedral, military cemeteries throughout northern France and Belgium, the Australian National Memorial, the Caen Memorial, WWI & WWII Battlefields, the Dunkirk War Museum and evacuation beaches, and the Memorial Museum Passchendaele

View Buckingham Palace in London, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Menin Gate

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

Eurostar high-speed train from London to Brussels

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Three local female weavers in colourful traditional local dress including festooned hats, weaving colourful alpaca wool on the ground

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Large People Preparing To Grow A Small Tree With Soil In The Garden 1198078044

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Large BMG Australia Tasmania Mount Gnomon Farm With Guy Robertson

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Large Aerial View Over Solar Panels And Windmills 1367402534

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELER REVIEWS

WWI and WWII Battlefields trip reviews

#ttbattlefields.

Real moments from real travelers, creating the greatest travel stories they’ll ever tell

Or search for something else

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of The Travel Corporation family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Terms and Conditions

Cookie Policy

World War II History in London Private Guided Tour

Private Walking Tour of London WWII Sights (number of attractions depends on the selected option)
5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in your chosen language
Lots of information about Britain in World War II
Skip-the-line tickets to the Churchill War Rooms (only in 4 and 7-hour options)
Free admission to the Imperial War Museum (only in 7-hour option)
Entry/Admission - Churchill War Rooms
Skip-the-line tickets to the Churchill War Rooms (in 2-hour option)
Admission to the Imperial War Museum (in 2 and 4-hour options)
Option 1 Guards Crimean War Memorial, Waterloo Pl, St. James's, London SW1Y 4AR, UK Meet your guide In front of the Guards Crimean War Memorial, Waterloo Pl, St. James's, London SW1Y 4BN, United Kingdom
Option 2 Costa Coffee, 118 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7RW, UK Meet your guide In front of Costa Coffee, 118 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7RW, United Kingdom. Please wait outside the coffee shop, the staff is not informed about the tour.
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Most travelers can participate
Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
Please note that the number of attractions included in the itinerary depends on the selected option. Churchill War Rooms and the Imperial War Museums are not included in a 2-hour tour.
3- and 4-hour tours: due to museum regulations, 1 licensed guide can lead a group of 1-10 people, so the price of the tour will be higher if you need more than 1 guide.
Skip-the-line tickets to Churchill War Rooms are reserved for a specific time slot, so it's important to arrive at the meeting point on time. You will save time by skipping the line at the ticket office.
Free admission to Imperial War Museums includes the permanent exhibition only.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Churchill War Rooms
Imperial War Museum London
Royal Naval Division War Memorial

Similar experiences

You’ll have 2 starting options See departure details
1 Waterloo Place Stop: 10 minutes See details
2 Imperial War Museum London Stop: 2 hours See details
3 Royal Naval Division War Memorial Stop: 60 minutes See details
4 Palace of Westminster Stop: 60 minutes See details
5 Churchill War Rooms Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
You'll return to the starting point

B8738TBpetera 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent walking tour The tour guide was exceptional, and the pace was perfect, and her knowledge made the experience memorable and educational We considered going on a hop on hop on the bus, but we are so glad we got the up close and personal experience Read more Written May 10, 2024
sfprice1956 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles It’s London. Don’t Forget Your Umbrella We went on the Westminster Abbey tour in early May. The Abbey is directly across from Big Ben and the Parliament. Although it was cold and rainy we still had a wonderful time. The Abbey may be a cathedral, but it is also a mausoleum, with the remains of thousands of England’s notables and not so notables. This adds a slight level of macabre to the tour but also a twist on the normal cathedral visit. Afterwards we walked to Buckingham Palace ( outside view only) and a few other nearby attractions. Our guide was Natasha, a lively, humorous woman who has over 20 years in the local tour guide business. Her knowledge of the Abbey and all things about London is vast. Try as we may, we never stumped her. She was wonderful and really added to our enjoyment of the trip. Read more Written May 4, 2024
martinf347 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lunch in the Members Room . A very pleasant visit . We visited the Members Room Restarunt last week . My sister is a Member . The room has a lovely sunny ambiance . The food was very good and fairly priced . We greeted by a smiling waitress named Cara . Cara took time to talk and advise us on the food etc . I feel that Cara made our visit more enjoyable , Mainly because she appeared happy in her work. We were happy to be there , she was happy to look after us . I must also say that we were impressed by all the various guides who were very knowledgeable and helpful with information and advice . They appear to "Go the extra Mile" in order to be helpful to visitors. Our visit to the V&A was a great day out . We will be visiting again , there is so much to see in the V&A. We are so lucky to have it in London . Read more Written April 27, 2024
garycH202UG 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointing tour and not worth the price Good guide but 80% of the tour is just Westminster Abbey as the Buckingham Palace and Houses of Parliament are cursory and only outside both places Read more Written March 29, 2024
josevE9817NM 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience. I will start by saying that I am not a serial reviewer but my experience in London today with Tom Thornhill from YELLOW MOON TOURS was fantastic. His knowledge of the city, his passion and history telling abilities are unparalleled. We were immerse for a few hours in an incredible experience. I would definitely recommend his services if you are planing to visit London. Read more Written March 24, 2024
johnmT5258FP 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lucy is Brilliant! My teen son and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour with many thanks to our guide, Lucy. She perfectly curated the sights we enjoyed throughout the Abbey and as we further explored the Westminster area. Lucy’s wit and ever-so-clever insights made this tour a delight. Remarkably, several days later we saw Lucy again -only by chance- at Stonehenge, where she quickly and voluntarily reassumed her role as a “fountain of knowledge” and quickly gave her advice for our otherwise self-guided visit. Highly recommend! Thank you! (and Lucy, should you happen see this review, know that we saw the King at Windsor, wish you were there!). Read more Written March 18, 2024
174alberton 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles London days It was an amazing guide with a lot of information to share, we really love it, so if you are on London you should take this tour with Lucy, joyful tour Read more Written March 14, 2024
640suzannen 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Be prepared to walk and learn Our guide was full of knowledge and took her time in explaining all the points on the tour. While 4 hours seems like a long time, we learned many key and interesting facts about Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace as well as the Royal families throughout England’s history. This tour will leave you wanting to know more and googling late into the night to learn even more about England’s fascinating history! Read more Written March 4, 2024
libbyf833 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thoroughly Enjoyed! Isla was an amazing tour guide with a vast amount of knowledge of London’s history. She had a great sense of humor as well. Fair warning- you are on your feet the entire time at a fairly good clip. Read more Written February 27, 2024
chatrinek2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The best day to spent in London!!!! Tour guide, Viona was it? She knows her history. She knows what she’s doing, knowledgeable and friendly too! I’m glad I went with this tour, would recommend!!! Read more Written February 23, 2024
V8079HWannetteh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great afternoon Great guide, very educational. Learned things that I had never heard before. Guide went at a very reasonable pace so everyone could hear her. Took hundreds of photos. Would definitely recommend Read more Written February 19, 2024
H2461HZroberts 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour and a very knowledgable Guide The tour was excellent from start to finish. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and clearly loved the history of Britain. There wasn't too much info on Big Ben but the two hour tour in Westminster Abbey was first class. The walking part of the tour was also great. .... walking through St James Park to Buckingham Palace was very enjoyable. The guide continually pointed out things of interest which would have been missed had we been on our own. I thought four hours would be too long but the time went by so quickly as it was so enjoyable. Read more Written February 16, 2024
appartementen 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great excursie! Lucy was our guide and she did a great job. She told the most beautiful stories, with passion. At first I thought that a 4-hour excursion was long. Because of Lucy this was over quickly and it was a shame that it was over. Lucy was so enthusiastic that she showed us all kinds of special places with a story. It was really great! Read more Written February 15, 2024
fleurd386 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful experience What an amazing experience! We had an amazing tour that took us about 2,5 hours. Our guide had so much information to share! She had humor, but was also very respectful. After the tour she shared some wonderful places to go to after the tour. I recommend this tour! Read more Written February 12, 2024
Hannah N 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful and informative. Guide was punctual and professional The tour was amazing. Our guide Ulrich was so informative and passionate. It made the experience so meaningful and interesting. Read more Written January 24, 2024

More to explore in London

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Buy it with

World War II History in London Private Guided Tour provided by Rosotravel - London Tours

19 WW2 sites in London to visit – explore the city’s historic wartime locations

History lovers looking for WW2 sites in London will find a wealth of museums and sites at their disposal. It’s probably not the sole reason people will visit London, but if you enjoy learning about World War 2 you’ll find plenty there to keep you occupied.

Having a son who loves learning about World War 2 we’ve almost always sought out places to learn more about it and being in London was no different. Each time we go we find something else interesting to explore!

If you’re an enthusiast as well and you’re visiting London you’re in luck because there are a host of WW2 things to see in London . As well as museums you’ll find a number of memorials in the city centre dedicated to those who served.

churchill and roosevelt statue in London

This article probably contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy or book after clicking, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

These are by no means just for the history buffs amongst us but they can be great for those with just a passing interest and for visitors of all ages.

Thinking about visiting as a family? all of these places tend to have child friendly sections so don’t worry too much about whether they are suitable – most will be. Obviously use your discretion if your child is sensitive to war stories though – mine were never particularly sensitive but I know some friend’s children were and would have struggled!

Our Top Pick

churchill war rooms in westminster london

Winston Churchill Guided Tour

This WW2 and Winston Churchill tour will help you see some of London’s most interesting World War 2 sites alongside an enthusiastic guide!

Walking tours of london’s ww2 sites.

There are some great WW2 tours in London and they are really well worth the time for a number of reasons but the biggest one is enthusiastic guides!

Some walking tours cover the Blitz, some cover Winston Churchill and his time in Politics and sometimes they cover both.

If you want a knowledgeable guide to show you round London’s WW2 sites then take a look at these:

3-Hour WW2 Blitz Private Tour
WW2 Westminster walking tour and Churchill War Rooms
Wartime London – Guided Small Group Tour

World War 2 Museums in London

You’re always spoilt for choice in London when it comes to museums but even more so when it comes to WW2 museums! Some of these are solely about WW2 and others might just have small sections dedicated to them

1. Churchill War Rooms

Exterior of Churchill War Rooms in London

Number one on most people’s list to visit when coming to London is a visit to Churchill’s War Rooms. It’s one of the few sites in London that has been preserved from war time.

Inside you can see how Winston Churchill, Britain’s Prime Minister for much of the war, ran the campaigns and strategised. As it lies beneath the streets of London it also provided shelter for him and the workers from incoming bombing raids. You cannot see the war rooms from street level, except from the entrance.

The museum contains:

a maze of corridors and rooms that held top secret messages and plans
rooms that looked just as they did during WW2 – the map room is as it was left when war ended in 1945
exhibitions of artefacts from WW2
an exhibition about the life of Winston Churchill – he lived to 90 and although is remembered mostly for his WW2 contribution, he also had a part to play in many other world events both before and after WW2
an audio guide in included in the ticket price – definitely use this to get the most out of your visit

Leave a good couple of hours for looking round the museum and beware that it can get really busy in the summer months. If you can, head there early or late to avoid the crowds and definitely buy your ticket online in advance to skip the queue.

It’s open from 9.30am – 6pm with the last admission being 5pm.

The museum is located in Westminster and the nearest Tube stop is St James’s Park or Westminster

Buy tickets here: Churchill War Rooms

*you might also like: historic walking tour and cabinet war rooms entrance

2. Imperial War Museum London

WW2 museum in London Imperial War museum

Just south of the River Thames sees the Imperial War Museum London and as the name suggests, its focus is entirely on war.

So that means that it’s not specifically just about WW2, although there’s plenty there to satisfy that if that’s your sole interest.

The building is pretty impressive and can’t be missed as it has 2 large guns (from the ships HMS Ramillies and HMS Resolution – both WW1 ships) outside.

The history of the Imperial War Museum actually goes back before WW2 as it was set up after WW1 as a place to house the artefacts from the time. It originally was based in Crystal Palace but moved to its current home just 4 years before WW2. It had to be closed for most of the war and even sustained some damage from bombs as well.

In the museum there are some permanent World War 2 exhibitions and some temporary exhibitions too so do take a look at the website before going to check what’s on.

Don’t discount it if you have children, it’s a fantastic London Museum for kids and my children visited lots and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The museum is free to enter and it’s open every day except 24th, 25th and 26th December from 10am – 6pm.

Nearest Tube Stop is Lambeth North or Elephant & Castle

3. HMS Belfast

You can’t miss HMS Belfast, a WW2 naval ship moored on the River Thames and if you ever need to convince any travel companions to go with you on your WW2 museum trips just mention the amazing views of London you can get from here!

You have Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and The Shard as landmarks for your backdrop so perfect for some photo memories or Instagram pictures!

Of course, if you’re here to learn more about World War Two then none of that matters and what matters is what there is to see aboard!

HMS Belfast is one of only 3 surviving ships from the D-Day bombardment of Normandy shores and that period was the last time she fired a shot and is one of very few ships from WW2 left.

When visiting you can explore all the decks of HMS Belfast and get a feel of what life was like aboard. There are also some exhibitions about the history of the ship and what she went through.

HMS Belfast is open every day (excepth the 24th, 25th and 26th December) from 10am – 6pm with the last admission beign at 5pm. You’ll want to allow a good couple of hours for your visit at least. Nearest Tube stop is London Bridge or Tower Hill (this one is the other side of the Thames though you can walk over Tower bridge to get there easily)

Get tickets here: HMS Belfast Tickets

4. National Army Museum

The National Army museum is a free attraction that is located in Chelsea. As you can imagine it covers solely the British Army and the history of it so we’re talking about a lot more than just the second world war.

If military history is something you find interested then I’d highly recommend a visit here. There have many changing exhibitions at the museum so even if you’ve been before you’ll likely see something new.

Check their website to see what’s on.

The National Army Museum is closed on Mondays and is open Tues-Sun 10am – 5.30pm with last entrance at 5pm.

The museum is based in Chelsea and the nearest Tube stop is Sloane Square.

While you’re there, why not visit the Royal Hospital Chelsea – home of the Chelsea Pensioners, veterans of the UK army – there’s a museum here also and it’s perfect if you’re interested in our Armed Forces.

5. The Guards Museum

A museum dedicated to the five regiments of foot guards that protect the monarchy and also that serve in the frontline of war, including WW2.

While no Guards served in the Far East they were quite active in the European battlefields. There’s lots of artefacts, uniforms and stories to uncover in the museum.

Located right in the centre of London this is a great one to add on to your day if you’re doing some sightseeing already. It would combine well with a trip to Buckingham Palace, to Churchill’s War Rooms or to the Horse Guards (see below too)

Entrance to the Guards Museum is £8 for adults and free for under 16s (included in the London Pass ). Nearest tube stop is St James’s Park

6. Household Cavalry Museum

Another museum about specific parts of the army, this time the Household Cavalry . You’ll have no doubt seen the modern members of this regiment on horseback in ceremonies involving royalty.

While Horse Guards can be visited as well (and it should part of any London itinerary) including the changing of the Life Guard (daily at 11am or Sundays at 10am), the museum can show a little bit more including how they were involved in warfare through the years, including WW2.

Great if you’re interested in animals in war and how the horses are trained.

Like the Guards Museum above this one is located in central London and so great for sightseeing days. Nearest tube stop is Embankment or Westminster.

Entrance is £10 for adults and £8 for children (included in the London Pass )

7. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

Although much of the National Maritime Museum focuses on the general themes of life at sea and some more earlier history, it’s a must see museum if you’re interested in the Navy and battles at sea. You’ll find old uniforms, paintings and all sorts of artefacts on display.

The museum is free to visit which always bumps it up the list in my mind! It’s located in Greenwich and is a great place to spend quite a few hours, especially if you have kids with you as well.

8. RAF museum Hendon

Heading out of Central London and North we have the RAF museum in Hendon – another amazing free museum.

Like the National Army Museum it covers this branch of our Armed Forces and also covers times both pre and post WW2. It contains hangars of planes and aircrafts, exhibitions about the history of the Royal Air Force and different events as well (some have admission charges).

Check the website to see what’s on when you plan to visit. There are many planes on show from all countries, not just RAF aircraft. Some examples of World War 2 aircraft on display are:

Supermarine Spitfire Vb
Junkers Ju87G-2 “Stuka”
Messerschmitt Bf-109E-3
P51 Mustang
Lancaster Bomber
Bristol Beaufighter
B17g Boeing Fortress
Curtiss Kittyhawk IV

The museum is open every day from 10am -6pm (March – October) and 10am – 5pm in the winter (November – February). Last admission is 30 minutes before the closing time.

As it’s outside of central London it takes around 30 minutes by tube on the Northern Line – the station you need is Colindale (this is a Zone 4 station). There is also parking at the site if you’re coming from afar and want to take a car. There is a parking charge.

You might also like… 3 Day D-Day beaches Road Trip in Normandy

Other WW2 sites of interest in or near London

9. st paul’s cathedral.

St Paul’s Cathedral was a huge symbol of hope during WW2 for Londoners especially during the Blitz. It stayed standing, although was slightly damaged, even though many of the buildings around it had been bombed. Inside the cathedral there is an American Memorial Chapel which is dedicated to the soldiers of D-Day.

Get tickets here – St Paul’s Cathedral Fast-Track Entrance

10. Mudchute Farm nr Canary Wharf

Ok, so you might be wondering why there’s a WW2 attraction in a random part of East London that’s now a children’s play area and city farm! Well, that’s because it contains an anti aircraft gun that was used to protect the docklands area of London during the war years.

The Ack Ack gun seems an unlikely addition to a children’s area but if you’re looking to get a bit of fresh air while in the city you could definitely head east to here for a bit of a different trip out! Plus you get to see pigs, sheep and a number of other animals – what’s not to love!

Nearest DLR station – Mudchute

You might be also interested in a trip to Dover Castle too which I included in my best castles around London article. Many tours go from London, it’s not too far and is where the Dunkirk evacuation was managed from. We loved our trip there! See tours here .

11. Bletchley Park

Although not in London itself it’s a short train journey from the city and so it’s worth including I think!

Bletchley Park is the location of where the codebreakers worked in WW2 and it had a huge impact on the course of the war. It helped to intercept messages from both sea, air and land battles. Unfortunately I’ve not made it to here first hand but I’m hoping to get ourselves there soon and I’ve heard some great things about the place.

There’s a lot to see in the museum and so well worth it for a slightly different story to be told of what went on in the war.

See their website here for more information. It’s open from 9.30am – 5pm and 4pm in winter (Nov-Feb). Trains go from Euston Station to Bletchley and take around 45 – 60 mins. I like Trainline for booking tickets and find it best to see what options are available.

WW2 Memorials and Statues in London

There are a number of memorials and statues in London dedicated to WW2. Most of them are located within walking distance of each other so it could make a nice afternoon stroll if you wanted to take in them all.

12. Animals in War memorial

Location – North East end of Hyde Park. Nearest tube stop – Marble Arch.

13. Bomber Command Memorial

Location – West side of Green Park along Piccadilly. Nearest Tube stop – Hyde Park Corner

14. The Women of World War II statue

Location – Whitehall. Nearest Tube stop – Westminster

15. Sir Winston Churchill Statue

Location – Parliament Square. Nearest Tube stop – Westminster

16. Monument to the RAF – Battle of Britain

Location – Next to River Thames just up from Big Ben. Nearest Tube stop – Westminster

17. Royal tank regiment Memorial Statue

Location – Whitehall Place, next to Horeseguards . Nearest Tube stop – Embankment

18. The Cenotaph

Location – Whitehall. Nearest Tube stop – Westminster

18. Allies Sculpture – Winston Churchill & Roosevelt

Location – New Bond Street. Nearest Tube stop – Green Park

Accommodation Options for London WW2 sites

If you want to stay close by to the majority of these sites then I’d definitely recommend the Central London area. It does come with a more higher price tag but you’ll be able to take in most of these sights really easily. Top End – if your budget allows and you want to stay in one of the best areas of London then check out The Berkeley. Even their most basic rooms are simply stunning – check prices out here Mid Range – The Park Plaza Riverbank is on the other side of the Thames to Big Ben but really close to all you’ll need. Some of the rooms have a view of the river and London’s Skyline too. Check the prices of this hotel here . Budget – A little further away in Covent Garden but still very central is the Travelodge Covent Garden. I love Travelodge for no frills hotels and they are often my top choice when finding a London hotel! See the latest price and availability here

London is really easy to get around so don’t feel like you need to stay in the centre, although it is convenient.

Planning a Britain vacation? Join our FREE trip planning community!

Come and join our FREE Facebook group where you can get help with planning your Britain vacation of a lifetime!

🇬🇧💂‍♀️ London Travel FAQ 💂‍♀️🇬🇧

Do I need insurance for traveling to London?

YES! I always recommend people take travel insurance when exploring the world!

Check Travel Insurance Master for quote comparisons from different providers.

Do I need a car for visiting London?

NO – If you’re just visiting London then a car is not recommended and can be more of a hindrance than a help.

If you plan to explore more of the UK then I recommend DiscoverCars to compare car rental prices

How to book accommodation in London?

For hotels I recommend Booking.com

For apartments and cottages check out VRBO

Will my phone work in London?

Perhaps – it depends if you have roaming enabled and beware this can be an expensive way to use your phone.

If you need a SIM for use in the UK I recommend GiffGaff which you can get and set up before traveling.

What’s the best guidebook for London?

I really like the Lonely Planet Guidebooks

Where to get flights for London

Expedia is my first port of call for finding cheap flights to London.

Do I need a visa for London?

Many countries don’t need a visa for visiting England as tourists (USA, Canada, Aus, NZ and Europe) – it’s always best to check first though .

Pin for later!

London ,England is a great place to visit for history buffs and especially if you like war history too. There are museums, Winston Churchill's war rooms, a navy ship to explore and countless memorials. London museum | ww2 history in London | world war two in London | London historical sites | London, UK | military history UK | British history travel

Kirsty Bartholomew

2 thoughts on “19 WW2 sites in London to visit – explore the city’s historic wartime locations”

Great article Kirsty! Extremely helpful information – thanks! Just to let you know, the App, StatueFindr includes specific categories dedicated to War Memorials, The British Army, The Royal Air Force and The Royal Navy.

Thanks so much Grace – yes I need to download and use your app for my next visit to London in a couple of weeks!

England in World War II Group Tour

Visit the important sites in London from where Churchill rallied a nation in its darkest hour - the Churchill War Rooms and his underground bunker, the Houses of Parliament, 10 Downing Street, HMS Belfast and the Imperial War Museum. Also the American Memorial Chapel at St Paul's. Then travel out of London and explore how the war effort was supported across the UK.

Your Details

Your enquiry, tour highlights.

The Churchill War Rooms and underground bunker under London. Walk the top-secret corridors and glimpse what life would have been like during the tense days and nights of the Second World War.
The warship HMS Belfast. Step on board this iconic London landmark and navigate around the rooms of this floating city, climbing up and down ladders to visit all nine decks.
The Imperial War Museum with its famous World War II Galleries and various exhibitions including Turning Points: 1934 – 1945 and The Holocaust Exhibition.
American War Memorial Chapel in St Paul's Cathedral.
Key sites in London including Downing Street, Houses of Parliament, the Cenotaph, the war memorials along Whitehall and the statues of President Roosevelt and President Eisenhower.
Bletchley Park, where specialist Codebreakers worked night and day cracking the Nazi codes and ciphers.
Beaulieu, a secret training establishment for agents of the Special Operations Executive (SOE).
The D-Day Museum in Portsmouth, showcasing all aspects of the D-Day landings in Normandy.
Blenheim Palace, where Winston Churchill was born and his Kent home of Chartwell with its Churchill memorabilia.
Dover Castle and Operation Dynamo, conducted from secret underground tunnels.
Battle of Britain Museum with the world's largest Battle of Britain collection of memorabilia and artefacts from over 700 crashed aircraft on display.
Imperial War Museum Duxford to see the American Air Museum and Spitfires take to the skies from the airfield where they first flew. Get up close to gigantic aircraft and walk in the footsteps of the men and women who served here.
Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial.

Picture Gallery

What Our Clients Say

I was very fortunate to be on their 70th and 75th D-Day celebration tours. The service and attention to details was exceptional. It was very moving to go back.

As a Jane Austen enthusiast, this tour was perfect - and the Jane Austen Festival in Bath was just fabulous to see!

Words fail me...The Downton Abbey was a perfectly wonderful travel experience! We did not know we would be the ONLY guests at the Abbey. When we realised how truly exclusive our tour was we were speechless! Surreal being there and actually meeting Lady Carnarvon.

Other Tours our Clients Liked

Winston Churchill Group Tour

World War 1 Group Tour - England, France & Belgium

Normandy Group Tour

Battle of the Bulge Group Tour

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

World War Two Tour of London

Tour Information

Wwii london, wwii london highlights.

Just some of the locations covered...

St. Paul's Cathedral
The ruins of Grey Friar's and the Memorial Garden
The Barbican
The Guildhall

Searching Availability...

SEE OUR FULL CALENDAR OF FREE TOURS HERE .

London's only pay-what-you-like World War Two Tour is here!

On September 3rd, 1939 the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. Over a year later on the 7th of September 1940, London was at the receiving end of Germany's ‘Lightning’ (the Blitz).

For 56 out of the next 57 days and nights, London would be reduced to rubble, but not Londoners, who "Kept Calm and Carried On."

This tour will take you back in time to one of London's most defining periods. You will learn all about the Blitz and London during the 'phony war.'

You'll walk past damaged remains such as Christopher Wren's lost Grey Friar, and miraculously saved icons such as St. Paul's Cathedral.

Together with your guide, you'll uncover hidden treasures that were unearthed during the war and you'll learn who was responsible for the rebuilding of our city.

Expect memorial gardens, harrowing tales, heroic deeds, and tragic losses.

This tour will uncover the behind-the-scenes world of London at war, revealing how these terrifying events have reshaped and rebuilt the city that we know today.

Tour information

Reservations: Required. Click here to reserve . Walk-ups will be permitted, if space is available.

Where: Tour begins from the Blackfriar Pub opposite Blackfriars Underground Station. ( map )

The Tour ends at Bank Station.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

When: View our Calendar .

Cost: This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it’s done. A name-your-own-price tour is a tour for anyone’s budget.

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Our Heritage
Tour Introduction
Booking Terms & Conditions
Exclusive Custom Tours
London Tours
The Grand London Tour
Express London
Royal Windsor & London
Royal London
London by Night
Beatles London
Harry Potter London
Royal Greenwich London
Sir Winston Churchill London

World War II London

Jack The Ripper London
Haunted London
Shopping London
Historic Pubs London
James Bond London
Walking London
River Boat London
Double Decker London
Other London Tours
Day Tours From London
Royal Windsor & Hampton Court Palace
Oxford & Blenheim Palace
Stonehenge & Royal Windsor
Royal Windsor, Stonehenge & Bath
Downton Abbey Country, Oxford & Blenheim Palace
The Cotswolds
The White Cliffs & Canterbury
Stratford & Warwick Castle
Oxford & Cambridge
Cambridge & Ely Cathedral
Chatsworth House & Hardwick Hall
Maritime Portsmouth
The Battle of Britain
The Thames Valley & Cliveden House
The Chiltern Hills & Waddesdon Manor
Other Day Tours
Downton Abbey Tours
Downton Abbey Classic
Downton Abbey Country
Downton Abbey London
Scotland & Ireland Tours
Great British & Irish Tours
Scottish Tours
Irish Tours
Paris & France Tours
Paris Tours
Paris, Le Grand Tour
Paris by night
The Champagne Region
Corporate Events
Corporate Coach Charter
Corporate Boat Charter
Guides & Chauffeurs
Special Occasions
Private Boat Charter
Private Coach Charter
VIP Transfers
Client Testimonials

Winston Churchill & London in World War II Walking Tour

Set out on a journey through time as you walk in the footsteps of Winston Churchill amidst the shadows of London’s wartime past. Imagine peeling back the layers of history, uncovering tales of resilience and leadership that shaped a nation.

As you traverse the streets of London with Nathan, your guide , a tapestry of stories awaits, each corner revealing a new chapter in the city’s narrative. But what secrets lie within the Churchill War Rooms and the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey ?

Join this immersive tour and unlock the mysteries that bind Churchill to the heart of London during its most tumultuous era.

Winston Churchill & London in World War II Walking Tour - Key Points

Explore London’s WWII history with expert guide Nathan
Visit iconic sites like Churchill War Rooms and Westminster Abbey
Enjoy a family-friendly and educational tour experience
Gain deep insights into Churchill’s leadership and London’s wartime role

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

Ranthambore National Park Safari Booking
The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea
The Ultimate Jack the Ripper
The Cloak and Dagger Tour in London

Tour Overview

Set out on a captivating journey through London’s World War II history with the Winston Churchill & London Walking Tour, offering a small-group experience led by expert guide Nathan. This tour provides interactive engagement , allowing travelers to enjoy historical anecdotes brought to life by Nathan’s expertise.

As participants stroll through London’s iconic landmarks, they’ll uncover fascinating stories and insights about Winston Churchill, the Churchill War Rooms, Big Ben , Westminster Abbey, and 10 Downing St. Nathan’s knack for storytelling ensures that visitors of all historical knowledge levels enjoy an educational and entertaining experience.

The tour also caters to families, offering an optional visit to the Churchill Museum for a deeper dive into this pivotal period in history.

Tour Details

Step into the detailed world of the Winston Churchill & London Walking Tour by exploring its intricate Tour Details.

Historical Insights : Dive into London’s rich history with a knowledgeable guide providing in-depth information on Winston Churchill’s impact during World War II and the historical significance of landmarks like the Churchill War Rooms.

Interactive Experiences : Engage in interactive activities throughout the tour, such as reenactments of key events, to bring the past to life and enhance your understanding of the challenges faced by Londoners during the war.

Group Size and Dynamics : Enjoy a small-group setting of up to 15 travelers, allowing for personalized attention from the guide and fostering group discussions to further enrich the historical experience.

Tour Highlights

Discover the iconic landmarks and pivotal sites that define London’s World War II history on the Winston Churchill & London Walking Tour’s engaging Tour Highlights.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore Churchill’s legacy by visiting the renowned Churchill War Rooms, where they can gain insight into his wartime strategies.

The tour also includes stops at the historic Big Ben , the majestic Westminster Abbey, and the iconic 10 Downing Street.

For those interested in further exploring Churchill’s life, there’s an optional visit to the Churchill Museum.

This family-friendly tour offers a rich historical experience filled with educational and entertaining anecdotes, making it suitable for visitors with varying levels of historical knowledge.

Don’t miss this chance to learn about London’s significant landmarks and Churchill’s enduring legacy.

Booking Information

For a seamless booking experience, travelers can secure their spot on the Winston Churchill & London in World War II Walking Tour by selecting their preferred date and number of participants.

Lowest Price Guarantee: The tour offers the lowest price available for an enriching historical experience in London.

Flexible Group Size : Enjoy the tour with a small group of a maximum of 15 travelers for a more personalized and interactive experience.

Ease of Booking: Reserve now and pay later, with the added benefit of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts for convenience and peace of mind.

Joining this tour ensures not only the best value for your money but also a memorable exploration of London’s wartime history with a limited number of fellow participants.

Customer Reviews

Upon browsing through the reviews of the Winston Churchill & London in World War II Walking Tour, visitors consistently praise the tour guide Nathan for his exceptional knowledge and engaging storytelling. Customers express high satisfaction with the tour experience , highlighting Nathan’s expertise and humor. They appreciate the depth of historical information provided during the tour, making it a memorable experience for families and groups. Many reviews consider this tour a must-do in London, commending the content and duration of the experience. Below is a summary of the customer reviews:

Host Responses

Nathan’s expertise and passion shine through in the heartfelt responses from the tour hosts, emphasizing the value of the enriching experience offered on the Winston Churchill & London in World War II Walking Tour.

Hosts express gratitude for the positive feedback, appreciating the recognition of their efforts.
They highlight Nathan’s deep knowledge and enthusiasm, which are evident in every tour he leads.
The hosts acknowledge the importance of storytelling in history, recognizing its power to engage and educate visitors effectively.

These responses not only showcase the hosts’ dedication to providing an exceptional experience but also serve as a testament to the tour’s ability to offer an enriching experience that leaves a lasting impact on all participants.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

London Eye River Cruise and Standard London Eye Ticket
London by Night Sightseeing Tour – Open Top Bus
The Beatles London Walk
Private Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour in London
Inner Circle Access of Stonehenge Including Bath and Lacock Day Tour From London
White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Cathedral Tour From London

Common questions

Is There a Specific Dress Code Recommended for the Walking Tour?

For the walking tour, there is no specific dress code, but comfortable shoes are recommended for the best experience. It’s important to be at ease while exploring London’s attractions, such as the Churchill War Rooms.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available Along the Tour Route?

Restroom breaks are crucial during tours. Nearby facilities are strategically located along the route for convenience. Visitors can easily access these amenities without disrupting the tour experience. Comfort and accessibility are top priorities for all participants.

Will There Be Opportunities for Shopping or Souvenir Purchases During the Tour?

While on the tour, visitors can explore gift options , local crafts , historical memorabilia , and art galleries for souvenir purchases. The experience offers a chance to find unique items and mementos along the way.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for participating in the tour. The dress code is casual and comfortable. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the historical experience. Souvenir purchases are not included in the tour.

Is There Any Specific Preparation or Research Recommended Before Joining the Tour to Enhance the Experience?

Preparation and research are not required but can enhance the historical context and interactive experience of the tour. Participants with prior knowledge may find deeper connections, enriching the overall learning adventure.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

Leeds Castle Private Tour From London With Admission Tickets
Retrace the Final Steps of King Charles I on a Self-Guided Audio Tour
Total London Experience Including Blue Badge Tour Guide
London Skyline Tour
London Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game
The Shard Entry Ticket With Skip the Line Entrance
Bournemouth and Durdle Door Jurassic Full Day Private Tour
Private London Tour – British Museum, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Downing Street
Harry Potter Filming Locations in London: Private Walking Tour
2-Hour Private Photography Walking Tour in Greenwich
Oxford City Full-Day Private Tour From London

Winston Churchill & London in World War II Walking Tour - Last Words

Experience the Winston Churchill & London in World War II Walking Tour for a fascinating journey through the city’s wartime history.

Led by expert guide Nathan, this interactive and educational tour promises to bring the past to life with visits to iconic landmarks and engaging storytelling.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore London’s rich history and the impact of Winston Churchill during this pivotal period in the city’s past.

Book your tour now for an unforgettable experience!

Eat & Wine Taste Through Shangrila & Yunnans Tibetan Region

Nestled amidst the clouds like a well-guarded secret, the culinary wonders of Shangrila and Yunnan’s Tibetan region beckon to those…

From Sanur to Nusa Penida : Snorkeling Tour 3 Spots

Set out on an aquatic escapade with the ‘From Sanur to Nusa Penida: Snorkeling Tour 3 Spots.’ Swim alongside Manta…

Private Acropolis for Families Tour

Step into the ancient footsteps of history with the Private Acropolis for Families Tour, where the stones whisper tales of…

Lombok:Hire Driver-Guide For Cruise Ship Passangers-Day Tour

Set out on a journey where every turn reveals a new facet of Lombok’s splendor with a dedicated driver-guide tailored…

Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm)

While some may question the timing of the Inverness City Daily Walking Tour, with schedules at 11:30am, 2pm, and 5:30pm,…

Quad Biking – Sete Cidades From North Coast (Half Day)

Unbeknownst to many, the ‘Quad Biking – Sete Cidades From North Coast (Half Day)’ tour offers a unique perspective of…

Escorted Tours
Obtaining a Passport Book
Tour Contract
Travel Protection Plan
Physical Condition Guide

Included Features

Currency and CC Information
Privacy Policy

Dates & Prices

The Image Tours Team
Superior Value
Membership & Alliances
Travel Agents
Find a Travel Agent

16-day World War II Memorial Tour of Europe

NORMANDY, FRANCE

The Higgins boat monument at Utah Beach

Colleville-sur-mer, france.

The American Cemetery near Omaha Beach honors over 9000 fallen soldiers

Paris, france.

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the end of the famous Champs-Élysées Avenue

Amsterdam, the netherlands.

Quaint row houses line the canals of this influential city

Antwerp, belgium.

The main city square is lined with 16th-century Flemish Guildhouses

Dachau, germany.

The memorial at Dachau Concentration Camp was designed by Holocaust survivor Nandor Glid

Munich, germany.

Get a taste of Oktoberfest all year round at the Hofbräuhaus beer hall

Caen, france.

The Caen Peace Memorial & Museum

Nuremberg, germany.

The colossal Congress Hall was built to seat the Nazi Party congress

Rhine river, germany.

This legendary waterway is lined with castle ruins, vineyards, and romantic villages

Pricing disclaimer.

16-day tour featuring Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland and France. Revisit the dramatic history of World War II at famous battle sites, war museums and memorials. Many scenic and cultural highlights are also included, providing an enjoyable combination of learning and leisure.

Tour Year 2024

Tour itinerary.

DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Europe.

The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in and for your arrival in Europe. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport – Bavaria.

Upon arrival, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach on the way to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. Get acquainted with your fellow tour members during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner. (Dinner)

DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Nuremberg - Bavaria.

Your bus transfer into the city center introduces you to the history of Nuremberg. Hitler staged his propaganda rallies here and, after his fall, it was chosen as the location for the War Trials. You will have an opportunity to see the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Congress Hall, and Palace of Justice where the War Trials were held. Consider the causes and consequences of Nazi Germany during a visit to the Documentation Center (visit the temporary exhibit during the 2023 renovations). Discover the Old Town’s half-timbered buildings and gingerbread shops before returning to your Bavaria hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Dachau - Munich - Tyrolean Village.

Travel to Dachau for a somber visit to the Concentration Camp Memorial. At the entrance, you are prompted to reflect on the incomprehensible as your tour manager translates the German phrase on the iron gate: ARBEIT MACHT FREI (Work Makes One Free). Study the exhibit recounting the “path of the prisoners” and see the site of the former barracks. Your tour continues to Munich, the elegant capital of Bavaria. Pass points of interest, such as the Hitler Building, on your way to the Marienplatz, a pedestrian-only zone where historic buildings are cleverly interspersed with modern store fronts. The centerpiece of the square is the Rathaus (Town Hall) with its captivating Glockenspiel (clock tower). Following your visit to Munich, head south into the mountain range along the German/Austrian border, where you will spend the next two nights in a Tyrolean Village. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5 - GERMANY/AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village.

Enjoy a relaxing day in the surroundings of your hotel. Your Alpine Village offers a variety of options for leisure activities amid the spectacular mountain scenery. Another choice is to join the full day optional Salzburg & Eagle’s Nest with Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions), which includes a guided visit to the Kehlsteinhaus, Hitler’s mountain hideaway, followed by an afternoon in Salzburg, known as Mozart’s birthplace and the setting for “The Sound of Music.” Spend a second night at your peaceful Tyrolean Village hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 6 - GERMANY . . Ulm – Bad Herrenalb.

After breakfast, travel to Ulm to view the imposing Ulm Minster with the tallest church steeple in the world. This afternoon, make a stop at the grave of Erwin Rommel, the German general who was forced to commit suicide when Hitler suspected him of treason. End the day with a buffet dinner at your hotel in Bad Herrenalb, on the northern edge of Germany’s Black Forest. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7 - FRANCE . . St. Avold – Fort Hackenberg & GERMANY . . Trier.

Follow a scenic route through the Alsace Region and the Vosges Mountains. This area was the site of heavy fighting in the fall of 1944. You will make a stop at Lorraine’s American Cemetery in St. Avold, the largest American World War II cemetery in Europe. The afternoon is reserved for a tour of Fort Hackenberg, part of the Maginot Line, which was constructed between the world wars as a defense against any future German invasions. Your hotel for the next two nights will be in Trier, the oldest city in Germany, located near the three-country border of France, Luxembourg and Germany. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 8 - LUXEMBOURG . . American Cemetery - Diekirch, BELGIUM . . Ardennes – Bastogne & GERMANY . . Trier.

The morning stop is at the American Cemetery in Luxembourg where General George Patton is buried. Continue into the Belgian Ardennes Region and arrive in Bastogne to view the star-shaped Mardasson Monument, a tribute to the soldiers who died in the Battle of Ardennes. You will also see the fox holes used by Easy Company, whose stories inspired the TV mini-series “Band of Brothers.” Your travels this afternoon take you to the Luxembourg National Museum of Military History in Diekirch. Trier's famous Porta Nigra provides an intriguing backdrop for your independent dinner before returning to your hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 9 - GERMANY . . Rhine River – Remagen – Rhine-Ruhr Region.

Motor to one of the most beautiful stretches of the Rhine River where you will board a river steamer for a boat ride past endearing villages, medieval fortresses, and hillside vineyards known for producing the distinctive Rhine wines. Continue through the Rhine River Valley to Remagen to view the remains of the Ludendorff Bridge, the last standing bridge on the Rhine, which was captured by U.S. soldiers on March 7, 1945. By mid-afternoon, continue to your Rhine-Ruhr region hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 10 - HOLLAND . . Groesbeek – Nijmegen – South Holland.

Crossing the border, focus on sites significant to World War II liberation efforts in The Netherlands (Holland), including locations associated with Operation Market Garden. The bridge over the Waal River at Nijmegen was a strategic asset reclaimed after the historical crossing of American paratroopers. Travel Hell’s Highway and stop at the memorial in Overasselt, commemorating the site of the largest airborne operation of all time. This day will also feature a visit to one of the local museums documenting the World War II resistance in The Netherlands. Continue to your South Holland hotel for check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11 - HOLLAND . . Amsterdam – South Holland.

Travel through Holland's countryside, characterized by canals, dikes and windmills, as you make your way to the dynamic city of Amsterdam. Your visit begins with a ride aboard a glass-topped boat through Amsterdam’s harbor and canals where you will see numerous bridges, boathouses and bicycles while gliding past 17th-century gabled houses. During an independent lunch, try a pannekoek (Dutch pancake) or other local specialties. This afternoon, walk to the main square, an ideal focal point for your individual exploration. Return to your South Holland hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 12 - BELGIUM . . Antwerp & FRANCE . . Caen.

Today consists of a full day of travel from Holland to Caen, France, with a stop in the port city of Antwerp, Belgium. Explore the central market square with its irresistible chocolate shops and convivial outdoor cafés serving Belgian Waffles. Continue the drive into France for an early evening check-in at your Caen hotel where dinner is served shortly after your arrival. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 13 - FRANCE . . Normandy Landing Beaches – Caen.

The entire day is spent touring the famous Normandy Landing Beaches. From Caen, drive to the coast and stop at Pointe du Hoc to view the German fortifications. You’ll also travel to Utah Beach and Sainte-Mère-Église, the site where paratroopers landed during World War II as portrayed in the movie “The Longest Day.” Visit Sainte-Mère-Église Airborne Museum before continuing to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Proceed to the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer. At today’s final stop in the village of Arromanches, view remnants of the artificial harbor and reflect on the sights of the day over an independent dinner. (Breakfast)

DAY 14 - FRANCE . . Caen – Paris.

Spend the morning touring the Caen Peace Memorial and Museum, established to honor the liberators, victims, and all those who continue to fight for peace. As you depart Caen, pause at the Pegasus Bridge to understand how its capture by the British 6th Airborne division was instrumental in deterring a German counterattack. Arrive in Paris by early evening and join your travel companions for a festive “Farewell Dinner” of enticing French dishes at an authentic Parisian bistro with roving musicians. The return transfer provides additional impressions of the city at dusk. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 15 - FRANCE . . Paris.

The day is devoted to Paris, La Ville Lumìere ("City of Light"). On your way into the center, see the Arc de Triomphe which has been the staging area for victory parades throughout history including those following World War II. Your tour manager will also direct you to the location of other principal sights, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, and Louvre Museum (open every day except Tuesday). Before beginning your free time, we suggest joining the optional Seine River Cruise excursion (see Optional Excursions). Spend the evening exploring the Montmartre District, where Paris looks as it does in old paintings and artists still display their works. An uphill walk to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica rewards you with expansive views of the cityscape. Montmartre boasts excellent restaurants and characteristic sidewalk cafés perfect for an independent dinner in the French capital. (Breakfast)

DAY 16 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.

Transfer to the Paris Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)

Travel Time

Overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Frankfurt.

Arrival at Frankfurt Airport . Meet your tour manager, board your deluxe motor coach and travel (1¾ hrs) through the Franconian Wine Region . After a rest stop, continue (1½ hrs) to your hotel located in the festive state of Bavaria for a "Welcome to Europe" dinner. ( Dinner )

During an introductory sightseeing (1 hr), experience the history of Nuremberg and view the site of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, the Congress Hall, and the Palace of Justice where the War Trials were held. Return (½ hr) to your hotel in Bavaria for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Dachau - Munich - Alpine Village.

Depart Nuremburg (1¼ hrs) and after a morning stop travel (1¼ hrs) to Dachau Concentration Camp . In the afternoon continue (½ hr) to the elegant Bavarian capital of Munich . Depart Munich in the late afternoon and head south (2 hrs) to an Alpine Village hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5 - GERMANY/AUSTRIA . . Alpine Village.

Enjoy a day of leisure or join your tour manager for the full day optional Salzburg & Eagle's Nest with Dinner excursion, including a guided visit to Hitler's mountain hide-a-way (1 hr), sightseeing in Salzburg (½ hr) and an authentic Austrian dinner (1 hr) before returning (1 hr) to your Alpine Village hotel. (Breakfast)

Return to Germany (2 hrs) and after a morning stop proceed (1½ hrs) to Ulm for an independent lunch and views of the imposing Ulm Minster. Next, travel (1 hr) to the Rommel Memorial. Continue (2¼ hrs) to Bad Herrenalb , on the northern edge of Germany's Black Forest. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7 - FRANCE . . St. Avold – Fort Hackenberg & GERMANY . . Igel.

Follow a scenic route (1¾ hrs) through the Alsace Region and Vosges Mountains. On to (1 hr) Lorraine's American Cemetery, the largest American World War II cemetery in Europe. From here continue (1 hr) to Fort Hackenberg , part of the Maginot Line. After a visit, continue (1½ hrs) to your hotel in Igel . (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 8 - LUXEMBOURG . . American Cemetery - Diekirch, BELGIUM . . Ardennes – Bastogne & GERMANY . . Trier – Igel.

It's a short ride (¾ hr) to the American Cemetery in Luxembourg . Drive (1½ hrs) through the Belgian Ardennes Region and arrive in Bastogne . In the afternoon travel (¾ hr) to the Luxembourg National Museum of Military History in Diekirch . Transfer (1 hr) to Trier , the oldest city in Germany, for an independent dinner before returning (¼ hr) to your hotel in Igel . (Breakfast)

In the morning, travel (2 hrs) to the legendary Rhine for a boat ride along one of the most beautiful stretches of the river. After disembarkation, proceed to Remagen (1 hr) to view the Ludendorff Bridge. Continue (1¼ hrs) to your hotel in the Rhine-Ruhr Region . (Breakfast, Dinner)

Cross the border (2¼ hrs) on the way to Nijmegen to focus on the sites significant to WWII liberation efforts in the Netherlands. Visit (½ hr) one of the local museums before traveling (1½ hrs) through the Dutch countryside to your South Holland hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Transfer (1½ hrs) to Amsterdam where a boat ride through the canals is followed by ample free time. In the evening, return (1½ hrs) to your South Holland hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

A full day of travel. Head south (1¾ hrs) into Belgium to visit the historic town of Antwerp . After free time in Antwerp, drive (2 hrs) to a lunch break near the French/Belgian border. Continue (2¼ hrs) to an afternoon stop in northwestern France. Just before dinner time, arrive (2 hrs) at your hotel in Caen . (Breakfast, Dinner)

The entire day is spent touring the famous Normandy Landing Beaches , including a visit to Pointe du Hoc, Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église Airborne Museum and stops at Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and Arromanches (travel time between stops varies from ¼ hr to ¾ hr). Short transfer (½ hr) back to Caen . (Breakfast)

Transfer (¼ hr) to the Caen Peace Memorial and Museum for a visit and then continue (½ hr) onto the Pegasus Bridge. Stop for lunch (1¾ hrs) in the French countryside on the way (1¾ hrs) to Paris . Spend the evening in the Montmartre District, an ideal place for your independent dinner (¼ hr). (Breakfast)

A full day for individual exploration (¾ hr transfer in each direction) of Paris , during which you may wish to join the optional Seine River Cruise excursion. This evening, join your travel companions for a festive “Farewell Dinner” at an authentic Parisian bistro. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Transfer (1 hr) to Paris Charles de Gualle Airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)

Favorite Traveler Experiences

View Hitler’s Nuremberg Rally Grounds with solemn contemplation
Examine the eye-opening exhibits at Dachau Concentration Camp
Listen to the chiming of the Glockenspiel on Munich’s main square
Tour part of the Maginot Line defense structure at Fort Hackenberg
Explore Bastogne, synonymous with the “Battle of the Bulge”
Glide past castles and vineyards on a scenic Rhine River boat ride
See first hand the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe in Paris
Take a serene boat tour through the famed canals of Amsterdam
Tour the Normandy Landing Beaches and Military Cemetery
Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class or First Class hotels
14 Breakfasts and 10 Dinners in addition to any in-flight meals
Tour Manager for the full European duration of the tour
Land Transportation in Europe by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach
Image Tours Touroclopedia® trip preparation tips
Trip Documents with luggage tags, final details and travel guidance

Traveler Reviews

Kenneth & tammie j., andrew & jean b., paul & tammy k..

The Availability, Departure Dates, and Rates are for illustration and planning purposes only. Since final pricing and single availability can only be confirmed with a travel agent, steps 4 & 5 of this on-line booking module is reserved for your travel agent only. (Please Call) indicates that we still have some tour availability; however, you should have your travel agent call our office to confirm air availability.

Select Departure Month

Upcoming departures, jun 12, 2024, jun 27, 2024, $4,940 p.p.d.o., sep 04, 2024, sep 19, 2024, almost sold out, sep 11, 2024, sep 26, 2024, may 07, 2025, may 22, 2025, $4,990 p.p.d.o., jun 11, 2025, jun 26, 2025, sep 03, 2025, sep 18, 2025, oct 01, 2025, oct 16, 2025, tour hotels.

NH Collection Nürnberg City

Air Conditioning
Satellite TV
In-Room-Safe

Seminaris Hotel Nuremberg

satellite TV
in-room safe
fitness center

Landhotel Kirchenwirt

wellness area

Parkhotel Luise Bad Herrenalb

indoor swimming pool
safety deposit box at reception

Vienna House Easy Trier

NH Hotel Capelle

air conditioning
in room safe

Van der Valk hotel Ridderkerk

Mercure Caen Côte de Nacre

restaurants

Holiday Inn Express - Canal de la Villette

internet center

Optional Excursions

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DETAILS

Our tours are carefully planned to offer a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment and leisure time. Optional Excursions provide the flexibility to choose between leisure time or additional guided sightseeing activities. Unless otherwise noted, optional excursions must be booked with and paid to your tour manager during the tour. Prices are in U.S. Dollars. MASTERCARD®, VISA®, or DISCOVER® (no other credit cards are accepted) are recommended to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. You must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager. If you bring a DISCOVER® card, also bring a VISA® or MASTERCARD®, as DISCOVER® is not widely accepted in Europe. Cash payments during the tour must be in Euros. Personal checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted. The operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes or cancel excursions at their sole discretion.

SALZBURG & EAGLE'S NEST WITH DINNER

Upon arrival in Berchtesgaden, Germany, you will take a bus and elevator up to the Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s mountain hide-away. In the case of halted bus operation, we will substitute a visit to the Obersalzburg Documentation Center. After an independent lunch, become acquainted with nearby Salzburg, famous home of the “Sound of Music” and Mozart. This excursion includes a traditional Austrian dinner at an alpine village restaurant.

SEINE RIVER CRUISE

Glide along the Seine River by boat, while viewing the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and several other impressive sights in Paris. This excursion provides for excellent photo opportunities.

Tour Extensions

Paris post-tour extension, paris and london post-tour 3-night extension, tour year 2025.

Today begins your World War II Memorial Tour of Europe adventure. The Image Tours "Departure Instructions" will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” for directions on where and when to meet your Tour Manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach on the way to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. Get acquainted with your fellow tour members during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner. (Dinner)

Your bus transfer into the city center introduces you to the history of Nuremberg. Hitler staged his propaganda rallies here and, after his fall, it was chosen as the location for the War Trials. You will have an opportunity to see the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Congress Hall, and Palace of Justice where the War Trials were held. Consider the causes and consequences of Nazi Germany during a visit to the Documentation Center. Discover the Old Town’s half-timbered buildings and gingerbread shops before returning to your Bavaria hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Travel to Dachau for a somber visit to the Concentration Camp Memorial. At the entrance, you are prompted to reflect on the incomprehensible as your Tour Manager translates the German phrase on the iron gate: ARBEIT MACHT FREI (Work Makes One Free). Study the exhibit recounting the “path of the prisoners” and see the site of the former barracks. Your tour continues to Munich, the elegant capital of Bavaria. Pass points of interest, such as the Hitler Building, on your way to the Marienplatz, a pedestrian-only zone where historic buildings are cleverly interspersed with modern store fronts. The centerpiece of the square is the Rathaus (Town Hall) with its captivating Glockenspiel (clock tower). Following your visit to Munich, head south into the mountain range along the German/Austrian border, where you will spend the next two nights in a Tyrolean Village. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Enjoy a relaxing day in the surroundings of your Tyrolean Village hotel, which offers a variety of options for leisure activities amid the spectacular alpine scenery. Another choice is to join the full day optional Salzburg & Eagle’s Nest with Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions), which includes a guided visit to the Kehlsteinhaus, Hitler’s mountain hideaway, followed by an afternoon in Salzburg, known as Mozart’s birthplace and the setting for “The Sound of Music.” Spend a second night at your peaceful Tyrolean Village hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 10 - THE NETHERLANDS. . Groesbeek – Nijmegen – South Holland.

Crossing the border, focus on sites significant to World War II liberation efforts in The Netherlands (Holland), including locations associated with Operation Market Garden. The bridge over the Waal River at Nijmegen was a strategic asset reclaimed after the historical crossing of American paratroopers. Travel Hell’s Highway and stop at the memorial in Overasselt, commemorating the site of the largest airborne operation of all time. This day will also feature a visit to one of the local museums documenting the World War II resistance in The Netherlands. Continue to your, in the region of South Holland, for check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11 - THE NETHERLANDS. . Amsterdam – South Holland.

Travel through Holland's countryside, characterized by canals, dikes and windmills, as you make your way to the dynamic city of Amsterdam. Your visit includes a ride aboard a glass-topped boat through Amsterdam’s harbor and canals where you will see numerous bridges, boathouses and bicycles while gliding past 17th-century gabled houses. During an independent lunch, try a pannekoek (Dutch pancake) or other local specialties. This afternoon, walk to the main square, an ideal focal point for your individual exploration. Return to your South Holland hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Today consists of a full day of travel from The Netherlands to Caen, France, with a stop in the port city of Antwerp, Belgium. Explore the central market square with its irresistible chocolate shops and convivial outdoor cafés serving Belgian Waffles. Continue the drive into France for an early evening check-in at your Caen hotel where dinner is served shortly after your arrival. (Breakfast, Dinner)

The entire day is spent touring the famous Normandy Landing Beaches. From Caen, drive to the coast and stop at Pointe du Hoc to view the German fortifications. You’ll also travel to Utah Beach and Sainte-Mère-Église: the site where paratroopers landed during World War II as portrayed in the movie “The Longest Day.” Continue to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Proceed to the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer. At today’s final stop in the village of Arromanches, view remnants of the artificial harbor and reflect on the sights of the day over an independent dinner. (Breakfast)

Spend the morning touring the Caen Peace Memorial and Museum, established to honor the liberators, victims, and all those who continue to fight for peace. As you depart Caen, pause at the Pegasus Bridge to understand how its capture by the British 6th Airborne division was instrumental in deterring a German counterattack. Arrive in Paris by early evening and join your travel companions for a festive “Farewell Dinner” of enticing French dishes at an authentic Parisian bistro with roving musicians. The return transfer provides impressions of the city at dusk. (Breakfast, Dinner)

The day is devoted to Paris, La Ville Lumìere ("City of Light"). On your way into the center, see the Arc de Triomphe which has been the staging area for victory parades throughout history, including those following World War II. Your Tour Manager will also direct you to the location of other principal sights, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, and Louvre Museum (open every day except Tuesday). Before beginning your free time, we suggest joining the optional Seine River Cruise excursion (see Optional Excursions). Spend the evening exploring the Montmartre District, where Paris looks as it does in old paintings and artists still display their works. An uphill walk to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica rewards you with expansive views of the cityscape. Montmartre boasts excellent restaurants and characteristic sidewalk cafés perfect for an independent dinner in the French capital. (Breakfast)

16-day World War II Memorial Tour of Europe Map

Northern Europe and the British Isles

A Smithsonian magazine special report

Made Possible Through the Support of

History | May 8, 2024

At 200 Years Old, the London National Gallery Is Redefining What It Means to Be a ‘National’ Museum

Despite its decidedly traditional art collection, the British cultural institution is adopting a contemporary approach to public outreach and accessibility

Anne Wallentine

Throughout the National Gallery’s 200-year history , the London museum’s collection has served as both a cultural touchstone and a flashpoint for political swirl. In 1914, suffragist Mary Richardson strode into the gallery with a meat cleaver and slashed Diego Velázquez’s depiction of a mirrored nude woman, The Toilet of Venus (also called the Rokeby Venus ), to protest the arrest of a fellow activist. During World War II, the gallery hid its masterpieces in Welsh mines for safekeeping, leaving a rotating “ picture of the month ” as a cultural reprieve for a bombed and battered London. Nearly 80 years later, in 2020, the gallery closed for an unprecedented 111 days , shifting, like other museums, to digital outreach amid the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As the gallery prepares to celebrate the 200th anniversary of its founding on May 10, 1824, it’s worth reflecting on a broader question: What gives a national gallery of paintings—whether it’s the London museum, the National Gallery of Art in the United States or the National Gallery of Australia —such significance, and why does this type of collection matter today?

The United Kingdom’s National Gallery is “a free, current and constant reference point,” says Martin Caiger-Smith , head of the master’s program in curating at the London-based Courtauld Institute of Art. “It’s a voice of authority, for better or worse.” The gallery houses around 2,300 Western European paintings spanning the 13th to early 20th centuries, a collection that has historically reflected—and shaped—the canonical tradition of Western art history.

The Toilet of Venus (Rokeby Venus), Diego Velázquez, 1647-1651

In the late 18th century, a trio of aristocratic collectors known as the Bridgewater Syndicate spurred a fervor for classical Western European art in the U.K. The syndicate’s profitable public exhibitions laid the groundwork for a permanent national institution that would continue to promote this shared visual idiom in art history.

“The National Gallery has held a special place in British history and culture for 200 years,” says the museum’s director, Gabriele Finaldi . “It was established specifically to create a collection of the best possible art for the enjoyment of the entire British public, for free.”

The gallery opened in London’s Pall Mall area in 1824, in the former townhouse of banker John Julius Angerstein . The government had purchased 38 paintings from Angerstein’s private collection, which were soon augmented by works from other collectors.

The National Gallery When at Mr J. J. Angerstein's House, Pall Mall, Frederick Mackenzie, 1824-1834

“Old Masters” like Titian , Raphael and Anthony van Dyck formed the majority of the gallery’s founding collection . But “from the very beginning, it [housed] British [and] contemporary art,” too, says Christine Riding , the gallery’s director of collections and research. “The longer history of the National Gallery shows you just how much people really grappled with the notion of, ‘If you’re a “national” gallery, should you just have national art?’ Or can you … be national in the sense of being a center of excellence and a center of human endeavor and creativity?”

The gallery’s initial ethos was informed by the era in which it was founded. “Like most national galleries, it was born of that early 19th-century sense of nationhood” that developed in Europe, says Caiger-Smith. That nationalism grew in the U.K. alongside an industrializing, urbanizing population. Its educational aims were spurred by “top-down” philanthropy —including the concept of making fine art freely available to the public—that aimed to address widening economic and social gaps.

National competitiveness also came into play. After the Napoleonic Wars ended in 1815, Riding explains, there was “a sense of slight embarrassment that the United Kingdom, despite having come out of the war … one of the wealthiest nations in the world, didn’t have the kind of provision that other [European] countries had” for publicly accessible art .

Self-Portrait as St. Catherine of Alexandria, Artemisia Gentileschi, circa 1615-1617

Unlike many European national collections, the London gallery was created through an “act of Parliament as the nation’s gallery, rather than [as] a nationalized royal collection,” says Riding. “To have something that from the very beginning was developed specifically for the public and collected for the public is actually a really good message in the 21st century.”

Other democratic, formerly colonized countries followed the U.K.’s lead in establishing free institutions in their capital cities—albeit with collections that have centered more closely around emerging ideas of national identity. The National Gallery of Canada was established in 1880, creating a wide-ranging collection that today highlights Indigenous and Canadian art. The National Gallery of Australia ’s extensive, global holdings include the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

Though Australia’s national collection originated in the 1910s , the gallery’s establishment took a back seat to other political priorities until 1967, and the building was only completed—and dedicated by Elizabeth II —in 1982. Located in Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle , on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, it occupies a prominent position comparable to the U.S. National Gallery of Art ’s prime location on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., a short stroll from the Capitol building.

The Washington gallery, established in 1937 through the donation of industrialist art collector Andrew Mellon and a joint resolution of Congress, provides another example of the ties between art, money and politics. It supplanted the previous “ National Gallery of Art ” that formed part of the varied holdings of the Smithsonian Institution and evolved into today’s Smithsonian American Art Museum . The U.S. collection—which is not part of the Smithsonian—centers European and American art. Its Neoclassical architecture evokes the same humbling, powerful motifs as the U.K. gallery, with a similar Grecian portico, central cupola and extended wings.

Angerstein’s townhouse could hardly compete with other national museums like France’s palatial Louvre , so Parliament agreed to fund a new home for the gallery. The imposing Neoclassical building seen today opened in Trafalgar Square in 1838. Its central London location—between the wealthy West End and underprivileged East End—was chosen to reinforce the idea of the gallery’s public, cross-class accessibility. The London gallery’s “popularity was almost immediate, and certainly by the 1850s, it was getting about a million visitors a year,” Caiger-Smith says.

In the decades since, the gallery’s prominence has been bolstered by the location and its symbolism. When the museum was founded, Trafalgar “was a very populist area,” Caiger-Smith says, and “the site of key public events and protests. In some ways, it still is.” London Pride and various protests march through the square today.

Portrait of the Duke of Wellington, Francisco Goya, 1812-1814

By extension, the gallery’s collection has also become a target for activists. Richardson set a precedent for painting-based protests that has continued into the present. In 1961, retired bus driver Kempton Bunton confessed to stealing a Francisco Goya portrait as an objection to retirees having to pay BBC television license fees, in an almost too-good-to-be-true story that was dramatized in the 2020 film The Duke . In 1987, Robert Cambridge shot at a Leonardo da Vinci drawing to express his dismay with “political, social and economic conditions in Britain.”

More recently, in 2022, environmental campaigners from Just Stop Oil threw tomato soup at Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers and glued their hands to the frame of John Constable’s The Hay Wain , returning in 2023 to attack the protective glass of the Rokeby Venus with hammers. The gallery’s art has served as a high-profile target for these disparate issues because of its national—and now global—recognition.

While the collection has served as a canvas for protest, it has equally been a source of inspiration, especially during times of upheaval. Despite evacuating much of its art to the cavernous Manod slate quarry during World War II, the gallery’s remaining “picture of the month” and popular lunchtime concert program earned public acclaim. A 1942 letter published in the London Times explained the offerings’ symbolism: “Because London’s face is scarred and bruised these days, we need more than ever to see beautiful things.”

Just Stop Oil protesters threw cans of tomato soup on Vincent van Gogh's "Sunflowers" painting at London’s National Gallery. pic.twitter.com/Fx73buTDCN — USA TODAY (@USATODAY) October 16, 2022

The gallery also hosted contemporary exhibitions of war artists like Paul Nash , Henry Moore and Eric Ravilious . The museum’s wartime role “underlines how an institution like ours could actually be a real focus for culture and society,” Riding says, exemplifying its method of “bringing people together … galvanizing them and supporting them in a very positive way.”

“There’s a considerable loyalty to it,” Caiger-Smith says. After the museum closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, “the response we got from people when they were able to come again to the gallery was really moving,” Riding says. “It really showed that we did matter, and that people … wanted to come back.” Annual visitors numbered around six million pre-pandemic, returning to three million in 2023 after a steep drop in 2022.

The way the collection is shared and received by that audience is constantly changing. “How you represent the national story, or national stories, in an era of globalization … needs to be rethought and re-presented all the time,” Caiger-Smith says. Like many other U.K. museums, the gallery is in the process of “negotiating its past,” investigating the “the legacy of slave ownership [and] questioning where its collectors, its donors, its trustees got their money,” he adds.

Staff evacuate paintings from the National Gallery during World War II.

Beyond this postcolonial shift, scholars are reconsidering the diversity and depth of national collections and their relationship to the art historical canon . National galleries “are seen to be central to upholding the canon, or what is important in art. That’s something which is increasingly under scrutiny … with ideas of opening up the canon and exploding the canon,” Caiger-Smith says. But change can come slower for a national institution: Consider, for instance, the London gallery’s acquisition of a single piece by George Bellows in 2014, the first major American painting to join its collections. “Those are quite radical moves for a historic collection of European painting,” the academic adds. “You move from where you are.”

According to Caiger-Smith, the gallery’s “great challenge is to remain relevant while its collection increasingly is seen to be centered in the past,” and to figure out “how you take the past into the future, particularly at a time when you might say, arguably, that white, European collections are seen by many, particularly the young, as less and less central, less and less relevant, even. How do you keep [it] contemporary?”

The gallery has continually navigated the malleable boundaries of its collections, categorizations and hierarchies in tandem with other U.K. institutions. In 1996, the gallery and the Tate Modern museum agreed that the former would collect paintings created up to 1900, while Tate would house modern and contemporary works. But history and modernity are not static categories: “Every year, [1900] gets that little bit further [into] the past,” Caiger-Smith points out.

Riding sees a kind of symbiotic relationship between contemporary and historic art in the national collection. “All art was contemporary,” she says, and soon becomes historic. “No matter how cutting-edge [J.M.W.] Turner thought he was in his own lifetime … we now see him very much as a historical artist.” Though the gallery does not acquire contemporary art for its permanent collection, it has sponsored contemporary artist residencies since the 1980s.

“You underestimate at your peril how important contemporary artists have been” to the gallery’s history, Riding says. “So many of them were directors and forged the way that the National Gallery developed really for the first 80 years of its existence.” The curator adds that artists have also influenced the gallery’s collection through the donation of their own works, “in order to insert themselves into the grand narrative of Western painting.”

The museum has further aimed to contemporize its collection through digital access and social media, the demands of which have accelerated museums’ public-facing duties over the past few decades. “I’d argue that the National Gallery has been one of the most innovative of England's national museums in recent years in sharing its collection both digitally and physically,” and in how it presents its exhibitions, says Maxwell Blowfield , author of the Maxwell Museums newsletter. The gallery has “gone far in ridding [itself] of an image of being a bit traditional and a bit stuffy. … If that shows other big institutions they, too, can be more nimble and more fun, then that’s a good thing.”

On May 10, the gallery will celebrate its bicentenary and evince its evolution into a contemporary model for what a museum can offer the public—even with a traditional collection. Plans for the bicentenary include mounting 12 displays of the gallery’s “ National Treasures ” across the U.K., taking significant works in the collection beyond the locus of London to reach the broader population.

View of the National Gallery in London's Trafalgar Square

“Public ownership and access to world-class paintings and art is just as vitally important now for a thriving civic society as it was in 1824, and these fundamental principles of excellence and access are still what guide us today,” says Finaldi, the museum director. To mark the anniversary, the gallery will also host a series of contemporary performance art events staged by Jeremy Deller , bolster online research and accessibility to its collections, create educational programs, and present exhibitions on van Gogh and 14th-century Sienese painting , culminating in an ambitious rehang of the permanent collection in 2025.

“Two hundred years later, we do things a little differently,” Finaldi says. “Key to this is that, although we are very proud to welcome millions of people each year to Trafalgar Square, we no longer expect everyone to have to come to us in order to discover the power of art. Our paintings are owned just as much by those in the U.K. who can’t visit Trafalgar Square as those who come to see their favorite painting every week.”

The director adds, “We continue to seek new ways to bring the experience of seeing and understanding great paintings to as many people as possible, through digital channels and also through an intense engagement with contemporary artists.”

Though the gallery’s approach may look different, its purpose remains constant. “Why people felt it was so important to [have a national gallery] 200 years ago is often the answer as to why it’s important now,” Riding says, “because in essence it’s all about … learning, creativity and engaging” people with art. Today, a national gallery is an ever-evolving space to preserve and interact with beauty, history, hierarchy, influence and power.

Get the latest History stories in your inbox?

Click to visit our Privacy Statement .

Anne Wallentine | | READ MORE

Anne Wallentine is a writer and art historian with a focus on the intersections of art, culture and health. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and the Courtauld Institute of Art, she writes for outlets that include the Financial Times , the Economist , the Art Newspaper and Hyperallergic .

Statistics Stats
You are here:
Rodrigo, Olivia
May 17, 2024 Setlist

Olivia Rodrigo Setlist at The O2 Arena, London, England

Edit setlist songs
Edit venue & date

Edit set times

Add to festival
Report setlist

Tour: GUTS World Tour Tour statistics Add setlist

There are no songs in this setlist because the concert hasn't started yet.

If you know the scheduled start time of Olivia Rodrigo you could add set times .

Otherwise, just check back later to view, add or edit the setlist.

Edits and Comments

1 activity (last edit by Rhino1053 , 4 Apr 2024, 14:06 Etc/UTC )

Olivia Rodrigo

Related News

Live Debut: Olivia Rodrigo Adds "So American" To "GUTS" Tour Set

Five Live Pieces of Vinyl to Snatch Up on Record Store Day

Six Surprise Guests at Coachella 2024 Weekend One

Olivia Rodrigo Kicks Off Massive Guts Tour in Palm Springs, CA

The o2 arena.

Olivia Rodrigo This Setlist Add time Add time
Remi Wolf Add time Add time

Olivia Rodrigo Gig Timeline

May 14 2024 The O2 Arena London, England Start time: 8:30 PM 8:30 PM
May 15 2024 The O2 Arena London, England Add time Add time
May 17 2024 The O2 Arena This Setlist London, England Add time Add time
May 18 2024 The O2 Arena London, England Add time Add time
May 21 2024 Sportpaleis Merksem, Belgium Add time Add time

8 people were there

ell3sbell3s
iloveoliviarod
olivershorthose
sebforthedeaf

Share or embed this setlist

Use this setlist for your event review and get all updates automatically!

<div style="text-align: center;" class="setlistImage"><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/olivia-rodrigo/2024/the-o2-arena-london-england-23ab182f.html" title="Olivia Rodrigo Setlist The O2 Arena, London, England 2024, GUTS World Tour" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=23ab182f" alt="Olivia Rodrigo Setlist The O2 Arena, London, England 2024, GUTS World Tour" style="border: 0;" /></a> <div><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=23ab182f&step=song">Edit this setlist</a> | <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/olivia-rodrigo-bc9194e.html">More Olivia Rodrigo setlists</a></div></div>

Last.fm Event Review

[url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/olivia-rodrigo/2024/the-o2-arena-london-england-23ab182f.html][img]https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=23ab182f[/img][/url] [url=https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=23ab182f&step=song]Edit this setlist[/url] | [url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/olivia-rodrigo-bc9194e.html]More Olivia Rodrigo setlists[/url]

Tour Update

Marquee memories: cold war kids.

Cold War Kids
May 13, 2024
May 12, 2024
May 11, 2024
May 10, 2024
May 9, 2024
May 8, 2024
FAQ | Help | About
Terms of Service
Ad Choices | Privacy Policy
Feature requests
Songtexte.com

The explosion of joy had not yet erupted. But there, in the heart of London, darkness was strangely absent on one city street. A stream of light illuminated almost an entire city block.

Some happy soul had raised a blackout shade. And for the first time in nearly six years, it was done without fear of inviting an air raid warden’s citation or German bombs.

That marvelous lighted scene, foretelling the end of Europe’s deadliest period, has stayed with me all these years. The date was May 7, 1945.

I was 20 then and on a three-day pass from my air base outside of Norwich, a five-hour train ride away. On an underground train en route to Piccadilly Circus, I kind of got the picture after spotting a newspaper headline. “Unconditional Surrender Imminent” it screamed in thick black letters.

The lighted street seemed to confirm the headline.

By 3 p.m. the next day, it was official.

Standing on the War Ministry balcony above Whitehall at that hour a beaming Winston Churchill flashed his usual V sign. This time, though, his usual “V” for victory, was no symbolic promise.

The hostilities with Germany were over.

“This is your victory,” he told a huge crowd that had gathered.

Cheers grew into one helluva party. People poured into the streets, shouting, dancing, embracing. They mounted double-decker buses and utility poles, waved flags, started bonfires and danced the hokey pokey around a statue of Queen Victoria. Sirens blared, car horns honked and church bells pealed.

In four neat one-syllable words, a newspaper headline expressed the mood of the country: “Our Day of Days.”

I found myself drawn to Buckingham Palace. A roar from the crowd and wild applause greeted the appearance of persons on the balcony.

From where I stood among a mass of humanity, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, their princess daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret, and Prime Minister Churchill were a distant blur. The next day newspaper pictures showed them responding to the crowd’s adulation with smiles and waves.

That night floodlights illuminated Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament for the first time since the Battle of Britain began in 1939. And Big Ben’s toll, signaling the official end of the war in Europe, was greeted by exploding fireworks and screaming sirens.

Spend your days with Hayes

Subscribe to our free Stephinitely newsletter

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

The celebration went on for two days. Bus and train service in and out of London was halted, and thousands who had flocked to the city to witness and participate in these historic moments jammed hotels and parks.

U.S. military personnel passes were extended for two days because of the mass transit breakdown. Great, except for the fact that the Red Cross servicemen’s hotel and other hotels had no vacancies, and my money had run out. I wasn’t alone and joined hundreds of others, spending a damp, chilly night trying to keep warm and sleep near one of the bonfires in St. James Park.

A thin, dark-haired girl I met also was left out in the cold — unable to return to her suburban home because trains weren’t running. Doreen, that was her name, said her mother had come to London decades earlier to celebrate the end of World War I and met and married a Yank.

She couldn’t wait for the end of rationing, she said, especially for the day when nylon stockings would be available in England. Back in the States several months later I answered her prayers, and mailed her three pairs of nylon stockings. The anticipated thank-you note never arrived, though.

Memories of those tumultuous days will be rekindled as England today observes the anniversary of VE Day and the end of World War II in Europe.

I’ll be there in spirit, recalling the joy and that chilly night in St. James Park. This time, though, I’ll be with my wife of nearly 75 lucky years. And as the sole survivor of my fun-loving, nine member B24-bomber crew, I’ll drink a toast to my departed buddies.

Till we meet again.

Si Liberman, 99, a retired editor of the Asbury Park Sunday Press, lives in Palm Beach.

MORE FOR YOU

ONLY AVAILABLE FOR SUBSCRIBERS

The Tampa Bay Times e-Newspaper is a digital replica of the printed paper seven days a week that is available to read on desktop, mobile, and our app for subscribers only. To enjoy the e-Newspaper every day, please subscribe.

Release date of Stray Kids comeback album explored

Stray Kids 2024 Comeback Album Release Date Revealed

By Arpita Adhya

JYP Entertainment’s popular K-pop act Stray Kids will reportedly release their comeback album this June. A new report reveals the release date of their comeback album.

Before Stray Kids ‘ much-awaited 2024 album release, the group will release their single “ Lose My Breath ” featuring Charlie Puth on May 10 at 1 p.m. KST and 12 a.m. ET. The teaser of the new single reveals a mystic atmosphere, where Stray Kids member Felix narrates the difference between humans and creatures of the sea. The song depicts mermaid lore, where group members must decide what to choose: land or sea.

K-media reveals the release date of Stray Kids 2024 comeback album

Stray Kids will reportedly release their comeback album on July 19. All group members, including Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N, have participated in the forthcoming album.

#StrayKids reportedly making their summer comeback on July 19, 2024 pic.twitter.com/QqpJ3CaSD2 — BOY GROUPS CHARTS (@kbgcharts) May 9, 2024

Meanwhile, Stray Kids have made history with their last four albums and extended play releases. The K-pop octet topped the Billboard 200 chart with their previous four consecutive releases, including Oddinary, Maxident, 5-Star, and Rock-Star.

Two of their latest drops — the 3rd full-length album, Five Star, and the 8th mini album, Rockstar — were ranked in the top 5 of the 2023 Global Album Sales Chart. This was announced by the International Association of the Recording Industry Association, making the act the most successful among 4th generation K-pop idols.

Along with impressive sales numbers, Stray Kids has also received international recognition through various award shows. The K-pop act won the Best K-pop Album award for 5-Star at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards and the trophy for K-Pop Album of the Year at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

After an epic 2023, Stray Kids aims for the stars with their 2024 career goals. Before their album, the group will kickstart their world tour with forty stops. The “Back Door” crooners will perform at the Hyde Park, London concert on Sunday, July 14, 2024.

Arpita covers K-pop, K-drama and Asian Entertainment scoops for ComingSoon.Net. From in-depth coverage of Asian Entertainment gems to the latest fan obsession, she is dedicated to bring out the best of Asian pop culture to the world one story at a time.

Orbiter 9 Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Netflix

The Other Me Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Amazon Prime Video

Rainbow (2022) Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Netflix

echo-daredevil-charlie-cox-how-many-episodes-is-he-in-marvel

Daredevil: Born Again & Ironheart Get Official Release Date Windows

Agatha Gets Final Name Change, Disney+ Release Date Set

James Gunn Talks GotG 3 F-Word Usage, Teases MCU Returns

Chris Pratt Confirms Return as Star-Lord, Will ‘100%’ Also Star in DCU

Go Kyung-Pyo’s JTBC K-Drama Frankly Speaking Episode 5 Release Date & Trailer Revealed

Purple Rain 4K, Digital Release Date Set for Prince Rock Drama

Stray Kids to perform at Good Morning America (GMA)

Stray Kids’ Good Morning America Episode Release Date & Time Revealed

How Many Kids Does Jon Gosselin & Wife Kate Have? Age & Where Are They Now?

How Many Kids Do Jon Gosselin & Wife Kate Have? Age & Where Are They Now?

Things To Do | Wiltwyck Cemetery to offer free Memorial Day…

Things To Do

Things to do | wiltwyck cemetery to offer free memorial day tour on may 25.

Wiltwyck Rural Cemetery in Kingston in June 2012. (Google StreetView image)

KINGSTON, N.Y. — A free Memorial Day tour will be held at Wiltwyck Cemetery on Saturday, May 25, according to an announcement.

The announcement said the tour will focus on some of the veterans buried in the cemetery, from the Civil War to World War II. Following the tour, refreshments will be served at the cemetery’s Community Mausoleum.

The tour is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will conclude at 2 p.m., with a rain date scheduled for Sunday, May 26. Wiltwyck Cemetery is located at 205 West O’Reilly St.

The event is free. Donations to the cemetery’s Tree Planting Fund will be accepted.

To RSVP for the tour, call (845) 331-0199.

More in Things To Do

Things To Do | The Indie Bestseller List for the week ending May 12, 2024

The company unveiled its Icon category, described as “extraordinary experiences from the world’s greatest icons.”

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Kevin hart, doja cat, ‘up’ house part of airbnb’s new icon experience.

Things To Do | The Mid-Hudson Library System’s most-requested ebooks for the week ending May 12, 2024

Willow Smith is the third member of her family to write a book. But instead of exploring her own psyche in a memoir, she penned a novel of historical fiction to explore the possibility that Viking warriors encountered African cultures.

Entertainment | Willow Smith, daughter of Jada and Will, becomes third author in her family

Daily Southtown | Landmarks: Story of Roosevelt’s globe…

Daily Southtown

Daily southtown | landmarks: story of roosevelt’s globe highlights revived dixie highway tour.

Students file through the library during a passing period May 10, 2024, past a giant globe created during World War II that's identical to ones made ifor President Franklin Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. (Paul Eisenberg/Daily Southtown)

Something important was happening on the city’s East Side at a time when most of the world’s attention was focused on armed conflict that had engulfed the globe.

The secret turned out to be a gift for the president being put together in a workshop at 12th Street and McKinley Avenue, where the Weber Costello Company long had manufactured school supplies such as blackboards, erasers, maps and globes.

The firm’s top mapmakers, including chief cartographer B.E. Brown, of Steger, and Chicago Heights resident Arthur Wallmeyer, head of lithography, were recruited for the effort. They oversaw “nine months of secret and sometimes feverish activity,” according to an account published a few years later, on display at Bloom Township High School library in Chicago Heights.

“The War Department placed the full resources of the government at their disposal,” including supplying “secret geographical information” from the Office of Strategic Services. “Scarce materials needed in the plate making department were rushed by plane from all parts of the country,” the account states.

By the time it was finished, they had assembled a 50-inch globe that was “unique in mapmaking history.” Weber Costello described it as “the largest ever manufactured,” with a caveat.

“Actually, larger spheres have been made, but since they were planned for display rather than the shaping of world decisions, their maps have been drawn on the surface of the finished ball and they do not present the hairline accuracy of the 50-inch map,” the company stated in a promotional booklet.

Chicago Heights figures prominently on a 50-inch globe made in the city by Weber Costello, one of several that were sent to Allied leaders during World War II. (Paul Eisenberg/Daily Southtown)

The item originally planned as a Christmas present for President Franklin Roosevelt became part of the war effort. Identical copies were made for British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the U.S. War Department and other agencies. Midcentury newspaper accounts indicate Roosevelt’s model accompanied the president to a summit in Casablanca, Morocco, where world leaders plotted to drive their German and Italian enemies from North Africa.

Weber Costello made several of the 50-inch globes during the war and a few more by commission into the 1950s, marketed as The President Globe. In an advertising pamphlet from the ‘40s, the company printed an endorsement from Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall, who had received the third one.

“The globe and its companion will serve a high purpose in our war effort, and I thank you again on behalf of the War Department as well as personally for your tireless work and splendid cooperation in the face of many difficulties,” Marshall wrote.

Marshall’s globe is on display at the American Geographical Society Library at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Roosevelt’s globe, which he initially situated prominently behind his Oval Office desk, is at his presidential library and museum in New York . Churchill’s globe is at his Chartwell estate museum in Kent, England.

A 50-inch globe created by Weber Costello Co. in Chicago Heights, along with the U.S. War Department, is displayed at Bloom High School in Chicago Heights. (Paul Eisenberg/Daily Southtown)

Another of the 50-inch globes that had such a prominent role in World War II history was proudly housed at the Weber Costello headquarters.

Decades passed. Gradually the new-globe sheen faded and its WWII provenance became old hat. By 1964, Weber Costello’s globe had been loaned to Kline’s Department Store in Chicago Heights, which used it to promote its annual August sale of sheets, according to a Star Newspapers story from that year.

Not long after that, Weber Costello went out of business and the globe was donated to Bloom High School. By then, it had seen better days. In the early 1970s, the school threw it out, according to a 1990s newspaper story, but a social studies teacher retrieved it and placed it in his classroom. When that teacher retired, someone proposed splitting the cherry wood globe at the equator and turning it into two large planters.

Instead, a group of teachers undertook a public fundraising effort to restore the globe . Donations poured in from alumni, history buffs and community members. The School Board chipped in the remainder, and when word got out, the Chicago History Museum requested the artifact on temporary loan for a Chicago in Wartime exhibit marking the 50th anniversary of World War II in 1992. By the time it returned to Bloom, a special niche had been carved for the historic globe in the school’s library.

Bloom High School in Chicago Heights May 10, 2024. The first high school in Illinois to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places will be a stop on the upcoming Day on the Dixie tour. (Paul Eisenberg/Daily Southtown)

Tim Jacko, the school’s librarian, said it’s a great addition to the first high school in Illinois to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. Built in Art Deco style amid the Great Depression, the school also is filled with art from famous creators , some dating to the institution’s old building in the 1910s.

For many students, though, it’s just part of the backdrop of regular high school life.

“It’s kind of just there, and students are like, yeah, it’s the globe,” Jacko said.

Others, who might be more enthusiastic about its history and role in worldwide events, don’t get much of a chance to see this artifact.

“It’s a rarity that we have visitors come in and look at the globe, because we are a school,” Jacko said. “It’s not like people can come in off the street and take a look at it.”

But one of those opportunities is coming up June 22, thanks to a group of car enthusiasts who will once again drive the nearby Dixie Highway.

The Crete-based A’s R Us Model A Car Club revived the annual June event formerly known as Drivin’ the Dixie last year, though it was a last-minute effort.

Members of the A's R Us Model A Ford club erect new storyboard signs along the Dixie Highway in 2015, the 100th anniversary of the historic highway. (Phil Serviss)

Started as the Dixie Dash in 2002 as a 200-mile timed distance event from Blue Island to Danville along the historic named road, the car caravan transitioned the following year into a more relaxed touring format taking motorists from Blue Island to Momence with stops highlighting the rich history of the south suburbs.

It also became a fundraiser for efforts to promote the Dixie Highway as a destination in its own right, much like a similar national project along Lincoln Highway.

“We made it to the 100th anniversary of Dixie Highway in 2015, and that’s when we put up the story boards and signage that runs from Blue Island All the way down to Danville,” said Phillip Serviss, of Beecher, who’s coordinating the event. “By 2018, time moved on for a lot of people. People were tired and we turned it over to the Blue Island Historical Society as a keeper of the drive kind of thing.”

Drivin’ the Dixie returned for 2019 going from Momence to Blue Island, and then “the pandemic hit and destroyed lots of things,” Serviss said.

The break reenergized interest among the classic car crowd, “so we revived it last year and had about 60-65 cars,” he said. It was sort of a last-minute effort, without much publicity, but now “we have another year under our belt and we’ve refined the whole thing.”

Drivers, who can be in any sort of vehicle, will start in Markham, which “has really stepped up,” Serviss said, with breakfast at the Markham Roller Rink. And the route will extend south past Momence “along the original Dixie Highway” — now farm roads — to St. Anne, where a reception event is planned with food and live music. Details about participating are at as-r-us.com/ .

Just as in previous incarnations, Day Along the Dixie will feature stops highlighting points of interest, including a free ice cream cone in Homewood at one of the original Dairy Queen shops, and a history presentation by South Cook Explore map compiler and local history author Kevin Barron at Thornton Distillery, the oldest standing brewery in Illinois .

In Crete, a display will highlight the village’s plethora of Sears kit homes, including one street with a concentration of “six or seven of them.”

“If you didn’t know Sears had kit homes, you will after June 22,” Serviss said.

A presentation in the village of Grant Park will showcase how the grain elevator there works, and “the complexity of maintaining grain so that it doesn’t rot.”

Along with Bloom, historic buildings such as the Farm Museum in Momence, the Thornton Historical Society and the old Depot in Beecher will be open.

Phil Serviss, left, and John Maracic, members of the A's-R-Us Model A Ford club based in Crete, erect a new Dixie Highway sign in April along the route of the historic road in Crete. June's Day on the Dixie tour will raise money for maintenance and more signs along the route, Serviss said. (Phil Serviss)

As in the past, the event is a fundraiser for maintenance and new signs along the Dixie Highway, a cause dear to Serviss.

“I was born in Harvey, raised in Homewood, when I got married I ended up in Glenwood and I’m back in Beecher now, so I’ve never left Dixie Highway,” he said. “It was the first north-south highway in the country, but it’s kind of a forgotten highway. We’re trying to not forget it.”

And it offers a chance to ensure other highlights of suburban history aren’t overlooked either, such as the Weber Costello globe tucked away in a corner of Bloom’s library.

“To see something like this, something that Churchill and Roosevelt used to plan the war, it’s kind of cool,” Jacko said. “Not to mention it has this link to Chicago Heights history. You get to see how this town contributed to the war. It’s a good experience.”

Landmarks is a weekly column by Paul Eisenberg exploring the people, places and things that have left an indelible mark on the Southland. He can be reached at [email protected].

More in Daily Southtown

Firearms recovered were recovered from the Lockport area home of John Shadbar, who is being held pending trial on attempted first-degree murder charges.

Daily Southtown | Lockport area man held pending trial in shooting of neighbor

The U.S. Department of Labor has accused a manufacturer of glassware for medical use of failing to properly train workers at its Chicago Heights factory, and is recommending $145,415 in penalties, according to a statement from the department.

Daily Southtown | Chicago Heights factory fined more than $145,000 for unsafe conditions, training concerns

The Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act, introduced by Kelly and U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson, an Ohio Republican, in April, would require the Federal Trade Commission to update its web portal with information about scams targeting seniors to allow consumers to search for scams by region and access contact information for law enforcement and adult protective service agencies.

Daily Southtown Opinion | Column: Senior financial fraud getting worse, says U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly

Four students at Palos South Middle School are organizing a celebration of different cultures at the school in Palos Park.

Daily Southtown | Middle School students unite to host culture celebration in Palos Park

Trending nationally.

‘9-1-1’ crew member dies in California car accident after 14-hour overnight shift
Check your doctor’s bill: You just might find a whopping facility fee
From Golden Gate Bridge to Farallones: Long-distance swimmer makes history
Even hotter days ahead: ‘Feels-like’ temps of up to 112 degrees expected in South Florida
Plan a perfect weekend in Colorado’s secret wine town

IMAGES

London: World War II History in London Private Guided Tour in London
London: World War II History in London Private Guided Tour
Private London WWII Tour
[Guest Post] WWII Tour of London, England
Private London WWII Tour
Top World War II History Sites in London

VIDEO

Pearl Harbor Memorial, Hawaii Livestream Tour with Robert Kelleman & Harry Phillips
Attack aircraft exhibited at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Enjoy a Narrated Virtual Tour
World War II Tour With Vehicles In Warmuseum Overloon
Fighter aircraft exhibited at the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Enjoy a Narrated Virtual Tour
Fixed wing transports exhibited at the National Museum of Naval Aviation, a Narrated Virtual Tour
Foreign aircraft exhibited at the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Enjoy a Narrated Virtual Tour

COMMENTS

The 7 best World War 2 tours in London (2024)
6. London: World War II History in London Private Guided Tour. Rated 5.0 out of 5 (2 reviews) | Run by Rosotravel UK. This private, guided tour of London's WW2 sights has quite a few options meaning you can tailor the trip to your needs and time available. There are 2, 4 and 7 hour options available to you.
A Self-Guided WWII London Tour: 8 Top WWII Sites in London
4. Churchill War Rooms. The Churchill War Rooms is an immense museum dedicated to the wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill, his life, his time in office, and his command of the British war effort in WWII. Even more amazing, it's located in the exact underground bunker used by his War Cabinet while planning the war.
WW2 London Walking Tour & Churchill War Rooms Entrance Ticket
Immerse yourself in the rich history of World War II on an enriching and emotionally stirring tour of London. Descend to the subterranean Churchill War Rooms, and enrich your knowledge of British history with commentary that covers little-known facts. As you explore, see iconic London sights like the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, and delve into the life and work of former British prime ...
World War II History in London Private Guided Tour
Unleash your interest in modern history on this original tour, visit important sites and museums related to WWII, and learn about the events and personalities that shaped the course of the war. Book a 2-hour walking tour of WWII sites with an Expert-Guide. You can find many war monuments and memorials in London, such as the Royal Naval Division ...
London WW2 Blitz Tour
London WW2 Blitz Tour. This two and half hour tour focuses on East London and the Square Mile, around St. Paul's cathedral, one of the most heavily bombed during the war. It's the perfect counterpart to our Churchill War Rooms tour. We start round the corner from the Museum of London at the Fore Street site where the first Nazi bombs fell, from ...
World War II Memorials Tour
An unforgettable journey of discovery and remembrance awaits you as you travel between London, Normandy and Paris on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Explore London's connections to World War II during a city tour focused on The Blitz. Cross the English Channel, retracing the parallel journey nearly 160,000 courageous Allied troops took on June ...
Small-Group 2-Hour World War II-Themed Walking Tour of London 2024
History enthusiasts will love this World War II-themed walking tour of London. Your guide will tell you stories of wartime courage and sacrifice and show you places that were significant to the war effort, including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the Ministry of War. The tour ends outside Winston Churchill's War Rooms, which you can explore further independently, if you like.
Private London WWII Tour
What to expect. Explore the dramatic history of World War II in London on this fascinating 3-hour private tour of the Imperial War Museum's Second World War wing followed by the Churchill War Rooms. Begin with a guided tour of London's Imperial War Museum, visiting the World War II collection and galleries, with color footage of the D-Day ...
London: Churchill's Life & WW2 with Tour of War Rooms
GetYourGuide traveler - Netherlands May 18, 2023 - Verified booking. Our guide Ben showed real passion and shared numerous inspiring stories related to Churchill, London and time of WW II. The tour has been highlight of our visit to London. Can recommend this to everybody with keen interest in history and learn more about Churchill.
WW2 London & Churchill War Rooms Tour
Part Two: World War 2 Walking Tour in London. After finishing our private tour of the Churchill War Rooms, we embark on a journey around Whitehall and Parliament Square to begin Part 2: a World War II walking tour of London. This area is packed with various memorials and monuments. Some are very obvious, others are hidden in and around ...
WWI & WWII Battlefields Tour
11 Day Battlefield Tour of UK, Belgium and France. Travel to the front lines of Europe, where brave soldiers once fought for freedom. On this epic battlefield tour through the countryside of Britain, Belgium and France, you'll explore the tragedy and triumph of two World Wars. Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?
World War II History in London Private Guided Tour
Uncover London's fascinating WWII history as you visit sites such as Westminster Palace, the Cenotaph, and the Royal Air Force Memorial. Choose from a variety of different tour options, from 2 hours to a full-day tour, including additional visits such as the Churchill War Rooms and the Imperial War Museum.
World War II History in London Private Guided Tour
London in WW2 Walking Tour with Churchill War Rooms Visit. 68. Historical Tours. from. $88.20. per adult (price varies by group size) WW2 London Walking Tour & Churchill War Rooms Entrance Ticket. 122. Historical Tours.
19 WW2 sites in London to visit
11. Bletchley Park. Although not in London itself it's a short train journey from the city and so it's worth including I think! Bletchley Park is the location of where the codebreakers worked in WW2 and it had a huge impact on the course of the war. It helped to intercept messages from both sea, air and land battles.
Tours International
Step on board this iconic London landmark and navigate around the rooms of this floating city, climbing up and down ladders to visit all nine decks. The Imperial War Museum with its famous World War II Galleries and various exhibitions including Turning Points: 1934 - 1945 and The Holocaust Exhibition. American War Memorial Chapel in St Paul ...
London: Westminster WW2 Tour & Churchill's War Rooms Ticket
Explore London's maze of underground rooms that served as bunkers in World War II. See the secret war rooms of Winston Churchill. Enjoy a walking tour of Westminster's war sites. Learn about the governments and monarchs of Europe forced into exile in London. Discover the life and legacy of Churchill and his special relationship with Roosevelt.
Historical World War 2 Tour of London
Imperial War Museum London; Royal Air Force Museum London; A historical World War II tour of London is a great way to visit these war landmarks over a couple of days. Read on as we explore each historic site in more depth. Churchill War Rooms. No place in London evokes the spirit of wartime London quite like the Churchill War Rooms. Located in ...
World War 2 Tour of London
Together with your guide you'll uncover hidden treasures that were unearthed during the war and you'll learn who was responsible for the rebuilding of our city. Schedule: Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays. Start Time: 10:30am on Sundays / 2:00pm (14:00) on Mondays and Thursdays. Tour Language: English. Duration: 2 Hours.
World War II London
World War II London "Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few" Tour Highlights: The Imperial War Museum, The Cabinet War Rooms, London wartime statues, significant buildings, monuments, The D-Day Museum at Southsea or the code breakers headquarters at Bletchley Park.
World War II History in London Private Guided Tour
Explore the pricing options and booking details for the World War II History in London Private Guided Tour to plan your immersive wartime experience efficiently. The tour price starts from A$407.61 and varies based on group size. Take advantage of the Lowest Price Guarantee and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Winston Churchill & London In World War II Walking Tour
Host Responses. Nathan's expertise and passion shine through in the heartfelt responses from the tour hosts, emphasizing the value of the enriching experience offered on the Winston Churchill & London in World War II Walking Tour.. Hosts express gratitude for the positive feedback, appreciating the recognition of their efforts.; They highlight Nathan's deep knowledge and enthusiasm, which ...
16-day World War II Memorial Tour of Europe
Tour Map. 16-day tour featuring Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland and France. Revisit the dramatic history of World War II at famous battle sites, war museums and memorials. Many scenic and cultural highlights are also included, providing an enjoyable combination of learning and leisure. 2024 Departure Dates.
Tower of London
A 360 degree view of the Imperial State Crown showing St Edward's Sapphire, the Black Prince's Ruby, the Cullinan II diamond and the Stuart Sapphire. Discover the Crown Jewels Discover the world-famous collection of treasures including more than 100 objects and over 23,000 gemstones.
At 200 Years Old, the London National Gallery Is Redefining What It
During World War II, the gallery hid its masterpieces in Welsh mines for safekeeping, leaving a rotating "picture of the month" as a cultural reprieve for a bombed and battered London.
The BEST London World War II 2024
Our most recommended London World War II. 1. London: The London Eye Entry Ticket. Step into your capsule and feel the exhilaration as you rise up over the water and come face to face with the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Soar above them, up to 135 meters on the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel.
Olivia Rodrigo Setlist at The O2 Arena, London
Get the Olivia Rodrigo Setlist of the concert at The O2 Arena, London, England on May 17, 2024 from the GUTS World Tour and other Olivia Rodrigo Setlists for free on setlist.fm!
When the lights went on at the end of World War II
A vast crowd assembled in front of Buckingham Palace, London, on VE Day, May 8, 1945, cheers the Royal Family as they come out on the balcony, center, minutes after the official announcement of ...
Stray Kids 2024 Comeback Album Release Date Revealed
Before their album, the group will kickstart their world tour with forty stops. The "Back Door" crooners will perform at the Hyde Park, London concert on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
Wiltwyck Cemetery to offer free Memorial Day tour on May 25
The tour is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will conclude at 2 p.m., with a rain date scheduled for Sunday, May 26. Wiltwyck Cemetery is located at 205 West O'Reilly St. The event is free.
Landmarks: Roosevelt's globe highlights revived Dixie Highway tour
June's Day on the Dixie tour includes chances to explore area history, including Chicago Heights' contribution to Roosevelt in World War II at Bloom High School.

A Self-Guided WWII London Tour: 8 Top WWII Sites in London

Self-Guided WWII London Tour Itinerary

1. Bomber Command Memorial

2. Victoria and Albert Museum

3. No. 8 Lord North Street Air Raid Shelter

4. Churchill War Rooms

5. St Clements Danes

6. St Paul’s Cathedral

7. Firefighters’ Memorial

8. Christchurch Greyfriars Church

Self-Guided WWII London Tour Map

Top WWII London Tours (for when you want a guided tour)

Historic Hotels to Stay at in London

Where to Stay in London

Save on London’s Top Attractions

More London Travel Tips

Similar Posts

How to Use Skyscanner to Find Cheap Flights

A Tour of Southern Ghosts Review

Why You Should Intern Abroad in London, England

8 Best Ways to Ring in the New Year in Atlanta

14 Nerdy Things to Do in Las Vegas

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

London in the Blitz WWII Tour with St Paul's Cathedral

London WW2 Blitz Tour

You May Also Like

Churchill War Rooms Tour: A Guided Crash Course

Get the Hottest Deals First!

Memorials of World War II

Your Tour Includes

Included Highlights

Your Tour at a Glance

Travel Style

Extension Style

Book with Confidence

Getting Prepared

Unique Experience

Enhance Your Trip

Accommodations

Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton

Need More Information?

Call us toll free at 800.340.5158

Filter Reviews: All

Fellow Travelers on Tour

Shades of Ireland

Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria

Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales

London & Paris

Discover Scotland

Exploring Scotland & Ireland

Request a Quote

Find a Travel Agency

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Talk to an Expert

Private London WWII Tour | Imperial War Museum & Churchills War Rooms

What to expect

Why book this tour?

Tour gallery

Read more about your London WWII Tour

This Tour Includes

Know before you go

Our Sustainable Tourism Promise

About our Private tours

Additional options

Choose dates later / Buy as a gift

Book your tour

WW2 London & Churchill War Rooms Tour

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

Don't have an account? Create one.

Churchill War Rooms Private Tour

Learn About Churchill Himself

Part Two: World War 2 Walking Tour in London

WW2 London & Churchill War Rooms Tour

Departure Point

Departure Time

Why should you book a tour with our Blue Badge Guides?

Pick Up Point

WWI and WWII Battlefields

11 Day Battlefield Tour of UK, Belgium and France

Accommodation