Ticket prices and who pays what
The IWM booking page lists these general admission prices, valid from 2 September 2026 to 31 March 2027:
| Ticket | Price | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £34 | |
| Child, 5–15 | £17 | Must be with an adult |
| Under 5 | Free | Must be with an adult |
| Concession | £30.60 | Aged 65+, student or disabled visitor |
| Carer | Free | One per disabled visitor |
| IWM member | Free | Valid membership card on entry |
An audio guide comes with every general admission ticket, so there is nothing extra to buy at the door. The access page says accessible versions are available in several languages and you do not need your own headphones.
Booking ahead or buying on the day
IWM's ticket FAQs recommend booking general admission online in advance, but also say visitors are welcome to turn up and buy tickets on the day. The museum publishes no sell-out figures, so a booked slot is the safer choice for weekends and school holidays.
How the timed ticket works:
- Your slot is the time you should expect to arrive. You can arrive up to 30 minutes after the slot starts.
- If you are later than that, staff will try to let you in as soon as possible, but you may have to queue.
- Online tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, and valid only for the branch and date bought.
- Show the e-ticket on a phone or tablet, or print it.
The access page says the quietest time is the afternoon after 15:00, though large groups can arrive at any time. Last entry is at 17:00 and closing at 18:00. IWM does not publish a typical visit length. A slot around 15:00 combines the quieter period with three hours before closing; a later slot trades time inside for a shorter queue.
Bags, buggies and security
This is the rule that turns people away. The access page says Churchill War Rooms cannot admit suitcases, wheeled luggage or large holdalls and rucksacks, and has no cloakroom, lockers or pushchair parking. Bags may be searched before entry.
If you are heading to or from a station with luggage, drop it first; our London luggage storage guide compares the options.
Step-free access
The access page says step-free access to the entrance is from Horse Guards Road, by St James's Park. Inside, there is one lift between street level and the basement, and 15 steps for those who use the stairs.
Getting there
The address is Clive Steps, King Charles Street, SW1A 2AQ, and the entrance is next to Clive Steps. The getting here page lists:
- Tube: St James's Park and Westminster.
- National Rail: Charing Cross and Victoria.
- Buses: 3, 11, 12, 24, 87, 88, 159 and 453.
The museum sits between Whitehall and St James's Park, which makes it easy to pair with nearby sights. Westminster Abbey is close to Westminster station, and the Changing of the Guard takes place on set days; if you plan both on the same morning, book a War Rooms slot for the afternoon. Contactless fares for the Tube are explained in our Tube and bus fares guide.
