sitting in Churchill's chair

Alysia Hopper, Brownell travel consultant, seated in Churchill's chair

We shall fight on the beaches.
We shall fight on the landing grounds.
We shall fight in the fields and in the streets.
We shall never surrender.
   —Winston Churchill, 4 June, 1940

Churchill's War Room is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. This secret bunker was constructed eleven foot below ground and located between 10 Downing Street and Parliament. In this small underground room, Winston Churchill and his Cabinet met daily to oversee England's conduct of the Second World War.

The room is soaked with historic significance and with the faint aroma of Churchill's cigars. Most tourists have to queue up for 45 minutes or longer, especially during the busier tourist seasons of the year. After getting to see the War Room and the Map Room, visitors have an opportunity to explore the museum that tells the story of Churchill's life.

True luxury travel means not only skipping the queue but getting behind the glass. Today we had the chance to experience the unique access that Brownell Travel can provide our clients. We can call on the best connected local guides in the business and truly orchestrate something out of the ordinary for your next travel adventure. You can get inside the room and sit in Churchill's chair whilst tourists outside the glass peer through the glass and can only wonder what kind of VIP you must be!

Tomorrow, read how we got up close and personal with the changing of the guards.

copyright  (c)  2016 by David Ourisman LLC.  All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.