Winston Churchill’s London
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The name Winston Churchill is nearly synonymous with London history. Churchill was the most recognizable face of the British nation during World War II, engaging in diplomacy and representing the spirit of determination that characterized the British fighting man of the time.
Churchill spent much of his political career in London; as a result, many London hotels can boast that Winston Churchill spent time within their walls, and quite a few display Churchill memorabilia or photographs from his various stays. Winston Churchill’s Britain can be relived in the Cabinet War Rooms, The Churchill Museum and the Imperial London War Museum. Each offers visitors a chance to experience London during the war including the living conditions in London during the Blitzkrieg, replicas of bombed storefronts, bomb shelters, and the authentic sights and sounds of the time period.
London World War II Museums and Winston Churchill
“The The first London museum of its kind, the Churchill Museum covers all ninety years of Winston Churchill’s life, divided into five chapters: his early year’s as British Prime Minister starting May 1940; his later years; his childhood; his early political career and the period famously known as the ‘Gathering Storm’.
The Churchill Museum uses cutting edge technology and unique media displays to chart the life of Winston Churchill, including a fifteen metre long ‘Lifeline’, which visitors can touch to access a digital ‘filing cabinet’ of Churchill’s life, categorised by time.” . . . London Pass
Located completely underground, the war rooms were constructed after World War I as a preventive measure in case of aerial attacks. Work on the facility was begun in 1938 and completed in late August 1939, just in time to allow Churchill and his cabinet to work in relative safety during the worst of the air raids of World War II. After the war, the underground chambers were left sealed and undisturbed until the entire facility was declared a historic site in 1948. Today, the museum and war rooms offer a glimpse of the inner workings of Winston Churchill’s government during one of the most trying times in London’s history. Guests holding a London Pass can visit this historic site at no additional cost, making it an outstanding value as well.
Churchill Hotels
The Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is notable for being one of Winston Churchill’s favored watering holes during his time as Prime Minister. The lovingly preserved bar is exactly the same as it was when Churchill frequented this London hotel during the 1940s; today, the Churchill is one of the classic London hotels, with numerous amenities and luxurious extras for its guests. The afternoon tea at the Montagu, the Churchill’s on-site restaurant, offers traditional menu items including Pol Roger Champagne, the favored beverage of Winston Churchill. Guests will pay a price for the cachet of the Churchill name, however; this London hotel is one of the priciest in the area.
Winston Churchill is also associated with Brown’s Hotel, which lays claim to being the oldest of all London hotels. Founded in 1837, it served an exclusive clientele for its afternoon teas; Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill were among the guests for these formal affairs. Queen Elizabeth II also enjoyed the hospitality of this exquisite London hotel; the Presidential Suite at Brown’s features an archival photo of Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth exchanging pleasantries at an event held at Brown’s.
Of course no visit to Churchill’s London would be complete without a stop to admire the dramatic statue of the statesman in Parliament Square just opposite Westminster Palace. A number of deluxe London hotels are concentrated in this area, allowing admirers of Winston Churchill to obtain accommodations close to the attractions they want to see most. Sites like www.booking.com can provide information on London hotel room rates and availability and proximity to these attractions. For sightseers and history buffs alike, London hotels can be found in nearly every price range and in every part of this legendary city; book early for best rates and selection.
