5 places to discover England’s World War II history

1. Imperial War Museums

Take a trip to London and explore the Imperial War Museums. The museum has a collection of World War II memorabilia, including weapons, uniforms, and vehicles. Visitors can experience what it was like to live during WW2 by visiting the Blitz Experience, which recreates the London Blitz. The museum also has a large collection of photographs, artwork, and film footage documenting the war.

2. Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms in London is where Winston Churchill and his government ran the British war effort during WW2. The underground rooms offer a unique insight into what life was like during the war, with maps, documents, and personal belongings of Churchill and his team on display.

3. Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park, located in Buckinghamshire, was the base for British codebreakers during WW2. Visitors can see the machines and equipment used to decipher messages, as well as some of the messages themselves. The site also played a crucial role in the development of the world’s first programmable computer, Colossus.

4. RAF Cosford

The Royal Air Force Museum at Cosford, in Shropshire, has a collection of over 70 aircraft, including fighter planes and bombers which played a key role in the Battle of Britain. Visitors can also see how aircrew and ground staff lived during the war in recreated wartime environments.

5. Eden Camp

Eden Camp in North Yorkshire is a former prisoner of war camp that has been transformed into a museum. Exhibits give visitors an insight into different aspects of the war, such as life on the home front, propaganda, and the experience of being a prisoner of war.

Visiting these locations will bring to life the different aspects of the Second World War that changed the course of history. It is important to remember and honour the sacrifices of those who fought.