BootsnAll Travel Community

Has anyone been? Any comments?

quote:

Britain at War Museum

Its somewhere I've not been and the reviews have been absolutely scathing!

If you havent been I throughly recommend the Imperial War Museum South of the Thames in Lambeth (close to Waterloo). Its exceptionally well done and both imformative and thought provoking.

I've been to the Imperial War Museum twice now and I still haven't seen it all. I think its one of the bes in London.

What bad things did you hear about the Britain at War Museum exactly?

Its come across as a very tacky, poorly done "experience" that is more comical for its lack of reality than anything else. I get the feeling that its something for a 10 year old and even they might cringe.

Obviously Ive not been and thats just the impression I have of the place. I'm relaly not in a hurry to find out either for £10!

It is really expensive, that's why I'm asking. It's too bad that its not good. It could be good if they tried.

I've been to the Britain at War museum, I actually liked it, but find that period of history - the peoples' side of it fascinating. It is quite small and not the most polished of museums but still interesting and you can often get money off/ 2 for the price of one coupons, e.g. with train travel.

Another fabulous (and free!) museum is the Museum of London, tells the story of Londoners from about 2 years ago and has some interesting 'Londoner's stories' from the second world war - well worth a visit if you haven't been. A nice manageable size too, you can do it thoroughly in a few hours.

http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/English/

I think there's currently some redevelopment work going on there, haven't been there for a while so can't comment on what is currently unavailable but info should be available on the website.

The Museum of London is wonderful, I've been there as well.

In fact, I've been to most of the museums in London. My goal for this trip is to see some of the more off beat places. I plan on visiting Pudding Lane and Little Venice.

Back when I went (maybe 6 years ago) the war museum was free after a certain time (maybe 4-6pm?) Not sure if they still have the deal. In any case, I thought it was a great museum that would be worth a reasonable admission price. I think they had a special holocaust exhibit when I was there.

Winston Churchill's Cabinet War Rooms are also interesting - this isn't free but again you can get deals.

Pudding Lane and Little Venice - never been to those after nearly 8 years of living in London so can't help you there - let me know if they're any good! Try going for a pint in the Dickins Inn in St Katherine's Dock - near the Tower of London too.

I loved the Cabinet War Rooms. Last I heard they were going to expand, not sure that they have though.

I definitely want to check out an interesting pubs I can find, thanks for the suggestion!

The reason I've been asking about this is because I think this is the only WWII related site in London that I haven't visited. My degree is in WWII and I always make it a point to check out relevant sites.

The price of this museum made me wonder if it was worth it or not. $20 is a lot and I don't want to waste it. After getting everyone's opinions here I checked out TripAdvisor. The only good reviews were from people who had confused the Cabinet War Rooms with the Britain at War museum!

I'm thinking this is a no go for me!

Thanks!

[quote=Kathryn M]My degree is in WWII and I always make it a point to check out relevant sites.[/quote]
I'm kind of a WWII buff.....are there any books/documentaries that you'd particularly recommend?

To be honest I haven't read a WWII book in ages.

However, I did find a book called Concentration Camps that is a travel guide. Its not thick or heavy and I'm bringing it with me.

I also use thissite to find some little know places.

The Imperial War Museum is FABULOUS!!!!

My Papa is English and he and my grandmother used to go here on dates here. He spoke so highly of it I went and I LOVED it!!! I have been here three times; there is SO much to see and it is really fascinating. The Holocaust exhibit is deeply moving. I'm not a military-war person (I'm a peace loving activist) but I loved this museum!