Each week at Quingo Scooters, we bring to you a fresh attraction in our Accessible Attractions series. Throughout the UK, we are lucky to have incredible attractions for all ages! This week we’re taking in some of Britain’s history with a trip to the capital.
With so many attractions to choose from in London it can be hard to pick just one. But we think we’ve cracked it this week! Heading to the Churchill War Rooms, we review some of the most iconic moments of one of Britain’s most historical figures.
The Churchill War Rooms
These really do define the story of Winston Churchill’s life and the stories hidden beneath the streets of Westminster. Visitors can explore the underground bunker that protected the staff and secrets at the very heart of Britain’s government during the Second World War; as Churchill and his inner circle plotted the route to Allied victory.
Visitors can also walk in the very same footsteps as Churchill himself, taking in a glimpse of what life was like during the tough days and nights of the Second World War. The War Rooms are where Churchill and his War Cabinet met to discuss the War, as well as plans and tactics. The Map Room has remained exactly as it was left on the day the lights were switched off in 1945.
The Bunker
Visitors can discover more about the stories of the staff who spent thousands of hours working on vital projects from 1938 onwards in the Cabinet War Rooms. Featured are historic images, objects and interviews from the men and women who worked in the underground bunker. They reveal what it was like to work secretly alongside Winston Churchill during the Second World War.
The city bunker invites visitors in to discover the story of Winston Churchill’s remarkable 90-year life. From his lonely childhood, to his military career and two periods as Prime Minister; the award-winning museum has many interesting interactive activities.
Churchill’s life
Another interesting part of the attraction is that you can hear extracts from Churchill’s rousing wartime speeches, as well as reading some of the hundreds of devoted letters Churchill exchanged with his wife Clementine. Personal objects, such as his paintings, favourite cigars and the door of No. 10 Downing Street are included.
A 15-metre-long interactive table, chronologically conveys major world events and Churchill’s activities during his life. It features thousands of documents, images, animations and films available to bring Churchill’s story to life.
Prices and opening times
The prices are as follows (including a 10% voluntary donation): adults £19, children (aged 5-15) £9.50, concessions £15.20, carers and children under 5 can enjoy free entry. The museum is open every day from 9.30am – 6pm, including bank holidays. Summer opening hours (5 June – 27 August) are 9.30am – 7pm every day. The museum is closed on 24, 25 and 26 December.
Accessibility
For scooter user visitors, we recommend that you enter the museum via the front entrance on Birdcage Walk by St James Park. Once inside, the Churchill War Rooms are accessible for scooter users. Within the museum, there is a lift to the basement level and accessible toilets. For more information, visit the website here.
Getting there
Within the centre of London there are many forms of travel for tourists. If you are travelling by tube, the nearest stations are Westminster (Jubilee, District and Circle Line) 8-10 minutes from the museum, and St James’ Park (District and Circle Lines) 7-10 minutes from the museum. For more travel information plan your journey with Transport for London.
The nearest train stations are Charing Cross (10-15 minutes from the museum), Victoria (15-20 minutes) and Waterloo (15-20 minutes). For more information on rail services around London visit the National Rail website.
For visitors travelling by bus, the routes that can be used are: 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 87, 88, 109, 148, 159, 184, 211 and 453. Plan your journey using the Transport for London website.
If you’re travelling by car, there are no designated parking spaces for the museum use. Metered parking is available in the local area, charges apply from 8.30am – 6.30pm Monday to Friday. The nearest car parks are Abingdon Car Park, Great College Street SW1P 3R, and Trafalgar Car Park, Spring Gardens SW1A 2BN. The museum is within the London Congestion Charge zone. Visit the website here for more details on how to pay the charge.
About Quingo
The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this, or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.
Keep up-to-date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up-to-date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.
All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC). AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.