London Museums
 

Has anyone seen the Britain At War Experience on Tooley Street, and the Imperial War Museum on Lambeth Road? I would like to have comments on their relative merits.

Britain at War is a commercial attraction, which I beleive is owned by the Madame Tussauds group (who also have the London Dungeon in Tooley St) it will give you an idea if you have never seen things like ration cards, gas masks etc what conditions were like here in the war (pretty grim). <BR> <BR>The Imperial war museum by contrast is owned by the state and has a much bigger disply of objects including some very big things (tanks, v2 rockets etc). it also doesn't just cover WW11 but WW1 and other conflicts that Britain has been involved in (and that's a lot.) <BR> <BR>It also has an exhibition called "The Blitz Experience" which is quite close to some of the Tooley St Stuff, ie interactive with special effects etc. <BR> <BR>So, one is well presented and designed to make money, the other is a definitive collection of a period of Britain's military history. I know which one I'd prefer. <BR> <BR>Slightly off the point... If you re intersted in WWII you should make a point of visiting the Cabinet War Rooms in Whitehall, very interesting, and if you're intersted in militry planes, then the RAF Museum at Colindle is a must (you can get there on the tube, its on the northern line)

I've not been to the Britain At War Experience, but have been to the Imperial War Museum a couple of times. <BR> <BR>Not only do they have all kinds of war stuff that's just to cool for school, but they have special exhibits like Clothing from WWII or photographs of important moments in history...which is why I've been back.

I have been to the Britain at War Experience (maybe 4 years ago, so it may have been expanded or improved), but it would certainly top my list of attractions to never return to or recommend in London - an over-priced disappointment.

Hi, <BR> <BR>Interesting trivia (I thought so anyway): <BR> <BR>The site of the Imperial War Museum used to be a mental hospital, called Bedlam. Which is where the word came from. <BR> <BR>I would say, definitely see that museum. I also second the Cabinet War Rooms. <BR> <BR>If you have enough time, Bletchley Park (heading out towards Oxford, if memory serves) is also a good bet. This is where the crack code breakers did their stuff during WWII. <BR> <BR>Beth

Thanks for all the great information. I will definitely see the Imperial War Museum. Have already seen the Cabinet War Rooms on a previous trip. It was excellent. How do you reach Blechly Park by public transport?

I too enjoyed the Imperial War Museum very much, especially the "Blitz" and "Trench" experiences. The displays are excellent and the cafe ain't bad either! <BR>My only disappointment was that WWI was the earliest conflict displayed - I was hopeful of seeing Boer War paraphernalia. Does anyone know where this is displayed?

Wesley, re your question about Bletchley Park. It is located in Bletchley which is now part of Milton Keynes. You get there by train from London Euston. The 'stopping' train, operated by Silverlink, stops at Bletchley and it is a short walk to the park. The Express train, by Virgin, stops in Milton Keynes; you could then get to the park by cab or local train back to Bletchley. Please note that Bletchley Park is open only on alternate weekends throughout the year. They have a webpage where you can check the schedule. Well worth a visit if you have an interest in WWII spying, crypytography, Enigma, Ultra, Colossus etc. And to think the government almost tore it down to build housing estates.