Imperial War Museum (IWM) Tours and Activities
London's Imperial War Museum (IWM) offers an all-encompassing introduction to Britain's war history, complete with military aircraft hanging overhead, army tanks flanking the central exhibition hall, and a recreated World War I bunker to crawl through. Exhibits spotlight not only military equipment and strategy but also the wartime experiences of soldiers and civilians.
The Basics
The Imperial War Museum London is a popular sight for military buffs. With so much to take in throughout the museum's exhibitions, most visitors explore independently, often arriving via hop-on hop-off bus. The Thameside HMS Belfast warship, which lies on the Thames River roughly two miles from the museum, is also part of the IWM, as are the Churchill War Rooms in central London (housed in the former prime minister’s secret WWII bunker).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the museum is free, but small donations are appreciated.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible—lifts and ramps are available on all floors.
- Visitor facilities include restrooms, baggage lockers, a gift shop, and a café-restaurant.
- Note that some exhibits, notably the Holocaust exhibition, may not be suitable for young kids.
How to Get There
The Imperial War Museum London is located on Lambeth Road in London’s Southwark borough. Take the Tube to Lambeth North station (Bakerloo line), Waterloo station (Bakerloo, Jubilee and Northern lines), or Elephant & Castle station (Bakerloo and Northern lines). Bus routes (3, 12, 53, 59, 148, 159, 344, 360, 453, and C10) also serve the museum. Driving is not advised; not only will you find it difficult to secure parking, but if you visit during the week, you’ll have to pay the London congestion charge.
When to Get There
The museum is open year-round from 10am to 5pm but can get crowded during the peak summer months, when it's best to arrive early and opt for a weekday visit if possible.
Exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum
Thanks to a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2014, the museum features a revamped WWI section, with exhibits on the Eastern Front and the famous Christmas Truce of 1914, plus a completely redesigned World War II section. Among the many highlights are the popular display on the 1916 Battle of the Somme; the moving Holocaust Exhibition; the Lord Ashcroft Gallery of Extraordinary Heroes, which honors some of Britain's greatest war heroes; and the Secret War exhibit, which focuses on espionage and the covert operations of MI5 and MI6, as well as cyberterrorism.
Address: Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ, England
Hours: Daily 10am–6pm
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Imperial War Museum (IWM)
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London: WWII Churchill Blitz Walk & Imperial War Museum
Learn about Churchill who lead Britain to victory in WWII while you walk the streets that were destroyed during the destructive blitz. See history brought to life right in front of you by your guide during this detailed tour that
includes a dramatized walk through the London streets affected by the blitz
while learning the truth about Churchill’s top-secret bunker to discover why he was an irreplaceable leader.
…More
From
$55.82
From
$55.82
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Full Day London Pick & Mix Customized Tour
This is the London tour program that you desire. Your choices with no hassle and no time wasted and simply for the person who is tired of comparing agency tours only to find you always have to give up one thing for something else. Just pick the highlights you wish to see & visit from the list below and we will create your very private and bespoke dream itinerary in London with our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides. Now you can have it all with "Tour it your way" Tell us what you want to see and we will carefully plan and customize your full-day London dream-tour with everything you can imagine Select from places like the Big Ben, London Eye, the British Museum, the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and many more. Transportation in the city is no problem at all. We will use our massive public transportation for you. No waiting in long lines - No traffic - More time for fun and frolic. Just ask us.
…More
From
$1,207.67
per group
From
$1,207.67
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Full Day London Pick & Mix Customized Tour
This is the London tour program that you desire. Your choices with no hassle and no time wasted and simply for the person who is tired of comparing agency tours only to find you always have to give up one thing for something else. Just pick the highlights you wish to see & visit from the list below and we will create your very private and bespoke dream itinerary in London with our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides. Now you can have it all with "Tour it your way" Tell us what you want to see and we will carefully plan and customize your full-day London dream-tour with everything you can imagine Select from places like the Big Ben, London Eye, the British Museum, the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and many more. Transportation in the city is no problem at all. We will use our massive public transportation for you. No waiting in long lines - No traffic - More time for fun and frolic. Just ask us.
…More
From
$1,207.67
per group
From
$1,207.67
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
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