The True Gem of London

If you are a huge fan of WWII history, London is the hub of some of the most profound relics of the Allied forces. From statues, monuments, to plaques and dedications, the city is crawling with tangible looks into one of the most tumultuous wars in recent history. But my personal favorite spot in London to learn more about this war and its effect on Londoners, is the Churchill War Rooms.

This bunker-turned-museum is every history nerd's wet dream. Upon entering the site, you see the cabinet room where Churchill himself sat and lead meetings with some of England's top officers and strategists (the room has supposedly been left untouched since the war was declared over, if my memory serves me). You have this little remote-looking thing that plays audio for you describing each part of the walk-through museum, delving you deeper into the time period that this bunker was up and running at full-speed. Everything has a certain stillness to it, like you can feel the history seeping into every old notebook, phone, map, and bedroom. The look and feel of each room and hallway places you in 1940s England—from the old fans mounted on the walls, to Mrs. Churchill's wash basin. You can't help but feel the energy from this place seeping into your bones.

The chair directly in the middle of the hanging map is where Churchill sat. It's pretty surreal. And no, that's not a person; it's a wax figure. Not weird.

As you tour the private bedrooms, map room, and secret door where Churchill phoned President Roosevelt, the voice on your audio guide tells you how each nook and cranny served a purpose—and then you enter a Churchill museum. It's more up-to-date than the rest of the place, with touch-screen displays with important dates throughout the war, inter spliced with photos of Churchill from his childhood and young officer days (there's even a lock of his hair from infancy on display). Private letters and notes are preserved alongside Churchill's over-sized coat, glasses, and cigar. His old military uniform stands proudly behind glass, while recordings of his voice echo throughout the basement-turned-relic. It's a whole sensory-shock situation. Plus history.

The simple act of walking through this space directly related to the Second World War is something I can't accurately describe. As with any historical site you visit, the feeling of walking through a place where monumental events took place where famous people lived and breathed—it's an experience you'll carry with you for a lifetime. I still look at the black long-sleeved shirt and jeans I wore there with glee; it's like a part of the War Rooms are somehow ingrained in the stitching.

Creepy wax figures are posed to look like they're working on winning the war.

If you have the chance to visit London, please, PLEASE go visit the Churchill War Rooms. The line is well worth the wait, but get there first thing in the morning if you want to avoid the longer lines. A tour through this place is bound to send every history lover into a frenzy (I was smiling like an idiot both times I visited). The gift shop at the end is also full of postcards and posters with WWII advertisements that you will absolutely decorate your desk and room with.

Now, go buy plane tickets to London.