Secrets Beneath London

Step back in time and explore the secret underground headquarters where the course of the Second World War was determined

“To each, one of us falls the honour of being a link in the great chain of history” – Winston Churchill

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Churchill War Rooms , King Charles Street, London - Shutterstock

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In today’s email: 

• Secrets Beneath London

• In the Footsteps of Dickens

• Around The Web: A Hidden London Gem; V&A East Storehouse Opens May 2025; Visitors guide to Royal Palaces, Castles and Residences in the UK and more.

• From Social Media - The Statue of Roman Emperor Trajan stands in front of the oldest wall in London, close to the Tower of London

• Yum Recipes - NEXT Level Fish Finger Sandwich!

• Extra - Inside the Churchill War Rooms: A Guided Tour with Curator Nigel Steel

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Secrets Beneath London

Discover the underground headquarters where Winston Churchill and his wartime staff made critical decisions during the Second World War. The Churchill War Rooms, preserved beneath the streets of London, offer an immersive journey through history. Walk through the historic Cabinet War Rooms, experience the daily realities of life underground, and explore Churchill’s extraordinary legacy in the dedicated museum. Families can learn together, with discounted tickets available for students and children. Make your visit extra special with a luxury afternoon tea, served in this atmospheric wartime setting on select dates. An unforgettable glimpse into Britain’s wartime past

The telephones lined up along the desk in the war Map Room , which were connected to the armed service - Shutterstock

In the Footsteps of Dickens

Between Bloomsbury and the City of London lies Clerkenwell, a neighbourhood steeped in rich history, revolutionary ideas, and timeless stories. Once home to monastic orders, radical thinkers, printers, and reformers, it later became a favourite haunt of Charles Dickens, who knew its streets well. He walked through its alleys, observed its people, and wove its spirit into novels like Oliver Twist, Bleak House, and Little Dorrit.

In Clerkenwell, the past lingers in every corner. You’ll find medieval gatehouses, Victorian pubs, and peaceful squares that once stirred with protest. There's the evocative Bleeding Heart Yard, a location wrapped in legend and literature, and the Charles Dickens Museum just a short stroll away in Bloomsbury, where you can stand in the very study where he penned some of his most famous works. Nearby, Exmouth Market buzzes with modern life, but traces of its working-class roots remain, echoing the vibrant London Dickens captured with such vivid detail

Charles Dickens museum, in London - Shutterstock

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Around The Web

A Hidden London Gem

Tucked away in Belgravia, The Grenadier is a historic pub known for its cosy charm, seasonal fare, and a ceiling full of stories - and money. A must-visit for traditional British hospitality

V&A East Storehouse Opens May 2025

Explore behind-the-scenes access to over half a million objects at the new V&A East Storehouse, opening in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Enjoy self-guided tours, curated displays, and the groundbreaking David Bowie Centre

Kingston’s Iconic Sculpture

Visit Old London Road to see Out of Order (1989) by David Mach – twelve classic red telephone boxes toppling like dominoes. This striking public artwork is surrounded by quirky, independent shops perfect for a leisurely browse

Soar Above the Thames

Experience London from 90 metres high on the IFS Cloud Cable Car, the capital’s highest river crossing. Enjoy breathtaking skyline views and 50% off tickets when visiting The O2 or shopping at the Outlet

The Rolling Bridge of Paddington

Watch a bridge curl like a caterpillar at Paddington Basin’s remarkable Rolling Bridge, designed by Thomas Heatherwick. Visit at 12 noon on Wednesdays or Fridays to see this engineering marvel in motion

Visitors guide to Royal Palaces, Castles and Residences in the UK

The United Kingdom is home to some of the most iconic royal palaces, castles and residences in the world. From the towering turrets of Windsor Castle to the elegant interiors of Buckingham Palace, these historic buildings offer a glimpse into the lives of Britain’s royal family.

Buckingham Palace - Love to Visit London

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From Social Media

The Statue of Roman Emperor Trajan stands in front of the oldest wall in London, close to the Tower of London

Yum

NEXT Level Fish Finger Sandwich!

Extra 

Inside the Churchill War Rooms: A Guided Tour with Curator Nigel Steel

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