Cabinet War Rooms or Imperial War Museum?
 

If you only had time for one of these, which would be the most informative and enjoyable for 2 teenage boys. Trip is planned for June. They would like to include one of these with a trip to Greenwich for a day's activities. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks

Although as an adult, I was touched by the Cabinet War Rooms, I have to believe teenage boys would prefer the Imperial War Museum. The latter has a wide variety of exhibits -- something for everyone.

Having been to both, I would suggest the Imperial war museum. It is a great place to learn about the military history of Britain, and also to see tanks, planes, etc... that will keep your teenagers excited. They will also be able to climb in a bomber.

I took my kids (16 and 11) to the Imperial War Museum and they still talk about it. The trench warfare exhibit is really amazing.I visited the Cabinet War Rooms by myself and thought it was kind of dry.

Hi, <BR> <BR>I loved both. But I agree - a teenager might appreciate the IWM more. More to look at, touch... <BR> <BR>you MIGHT be able to do all three in a day, but I think the IWM closes around 6:00-ish, as do the War Rooms. <BR> <BR> <BR>see: <BR>http://www.iwm.org.uk/ <BR> <BR>you might want to go to the IWM first (opens at 10 AM), see how much of the day you have left once you leave... if it is still early, try the War Rooms. If not, head to Greenwich. <BR> <BR>The last admission to the Royal Observatory is 430 PM, it closes at 5. you can of course still "straddle the Prime Meridian" even if the Observatory is closed... <BR> <BR>by boat, allow maybe 20 minutes or so to get to Greenwich from Embankment (correct me please, anyone...) and another 20-30 minutes to walk to the Observatory. so figure an hour traveling to get to the Observatory, once you have left the IWM. <BR> <BR>see: <BR>http://www.rog.nmm.ac.uk/ <BR> <BR> <BR>if my estimated times are off, please correct me. thanks... <BR> <BR>

Sheila, <BR> <BR>If time is a factor, the Cabinet War Rooms requires less time to explore than the Imperial War Museum. If you have extra time, I agree that the IWM may be somewhat more interesting for many teenage boys. <BR> <BR>The War Rooms are conveniently located in central London, if that is where you are starting from, then you can walk to Embankment Pier to take a boat to Greenwich. Trips take an hour one way and run from 10 am to just after 5 pm. For info: <BR> <BR> http://www.transportforlondon.gov.uk/river/ <BR> <BR>In Greenwich, your boys could also sample the Nautical Museum--another interesting, interactive museum. <BR> <BR>Hope you all enjoy your trip... <BR> <BR>David White <BR>http://www.KidsToLondon.com <BR>[email protected] <BR> <BR>

I will suggest the Imperial War Museum to them. Could anyone suggest the best route to the museum from Baker St. or Marylebone Tube stop? I was thinking maybe the museum in the morning and then on to Greenwich for the afternoon. Thanks. As always, everyone has been helpful.

One more question. When admission is listed for students - does that include colege students and should they bring college ids?

Hi, <BR> <BR>wow, an hour on the boat? Time flies when you are having fun! didn't seem that long... <BR> <BR>just so you know.. from Greenwich, you can walk under the Thames (tunnel) to the DLR station. (in case you want to stay longer than 5 pm) <BR> <BR>you'd want to take Elephant and Castle tube stop, or try Lambeth North which is on the same tube line as your stops. Figure three minutes per stop, or, 21 minutes from Baker street to Lambeth North. From there it's a short, pleasant walk. <BR> <BR>Beth

Definitely the IWM, we visit each time we go to London, in fact went twice on the last trip a month ago. They have a really interesting new exhibit now, The 1940's House, in addition to their regular collections. Also Great cafe and gift shop. I really think teenage boys would appreciate it. I don't know about ID for student rates, they never seem to ask for my senior citizen discount, MMMMWonder why!!Take the Baerloo line from Baker St to Lambeth North , short walk .

Sheila, My oldest son went to the CWR with his grandfather when he was almost 15. It was his favorite London sight. The only one he talked about when I spoke to him by phone. I took my 13 year old this winter to the IWM. He liked it very much and would return. I don't think you can go wrong. I have been to both and enjoyed them equally. <BR> <BR>Let us know! linda