Tracing the footsteps of Winston Churchill across England historic landmarks

Tracing the Footsteps of Winston Churchill Across England

Traveling to see new and exciting things is a great way to traverse across the globe. The places you visit and the sites you see take on a deeper meaning when you have a chance to learn a little as well. 

Sir Winston Churchill was a familiar figure from history, most notably leading the United Kingdom during World War II. But his imprint on world history goes well beyond those few years of battle with Germany on the European battle lines. In our travels across England, we’ve come across a few can’t miss stops for fans of Winnie allowing us a chance to see some amazing attractions and learning a little along the way.

Winston Churchill statue on display at the Churchill War Rooms in London
Winston Churchill statue on display at the Churchill War Rooms in London

Following Winston Churchill Across England

Our Winston Churchill tour spanned the his lifetime, from birth to death and some points of interest from in between that we’ll share with you here. So even if you don’t have the opportunity to make the same travels we’ve made, you can come along side of us and learn a little with us.

Seeing one of the many grand country homes in England was one of our goals. Blenheim Palace is located northwest of London near Woodstock, not too far from the Cotswold region. Blenheim Palace is often included on lists of the top stately homes to tour and is easy access from London. This was enough to sell us on the idea of visiting, and then learning that this is the birthplace of Winston Churchill was icing on the cake. 

Winston Churchill's mother was visiting Blenheim Palace and went into labor early. On a tour of Blenheim, you visit the room where Winston entered this world, with its walls adored with several original paintings created by Winston.
Winston Churchill’s mother was visiting Blenheim Palace and went into labor early. On a tour of Blenheim, you visit the room where Winston entered this world, with its walls adored with several original paintings created by Winston.

Blenheim Palace had long ago solidified its place in history before Churchill arrived on November 30, 1874. The Palace is the home for the Duke of Marlborough, and is the ancestral home for Churchill. The history of Blenheim Palace dates back centuries. It was initially built as a gift to John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough from Queen Anne in thanks to his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in August, 1704. 

Churchill’s Blenheim Palace Roots

Winston’s connection to Blenheim is deep, and well beyond being his accidental birthplace. As the grandson of the 7th Duke of Marlborough, Churchill at Blenheim was common, with him often spending time walking the grounds. Winston famously said that the two most important decisions of his life occurred at Blenheim; his decision to be born and his decision to propose to his wife Clementine.

Blenheim Palace has a permanent exhibit on the life of Winston Churchill. Winston’s connection to Blenheim includes as the place he proposed to his wife Clementine.

Blenheim Palace has a permanent exhibit on the life of Winston Churchill. A long with personal items from Winston’s life, you’ll find a wide selection of historic artifacts which tells the story of Churchill as a politician, wartime leader, writer and artist.

Throughout Blenheim Palace, there are artifacts and original paintings from Winston Churchill.
Throughout Blenheim Palace, there are artifacts and original paintings from Churchill.

Most impressively is the amount of original artwork from the former prime minister. Churchill created over 500 paintings over the years, and Blenheim Palace has in its own collection an impressive number of those paintings. Winston loved to paint at Blenheim, especially on the terrace that overlooks the impressive gardens at the palace.

There is a permanent display on Winston Churchill, showcasing some of his personal effects as well as telling the story of his leadership especially during World War II.
There is a permanent display on Winston Churchill, showcasing some of his personal effects as well as telling the story of his leadership especially during World War II.

London’s Churchill War Rooms

Churchill’s life spanned several different periods. Of course, the history books focus on his time as the leader of the UK during World War II. Just below the streets of London, you’ll find the Churchill War Rooms that you can tour to learn more about Churchill and this historic time.

Inside the Churchill War Rooms in London, one of the rooms where meetings were conducted to work on strategy to fight and win the war vs. the Germans.
Inside the Churchill War Rooms in London, one of the rooms where meetings were conducted to work on strategy to fight and win the war vs. the Germans.

Located at Clive Steps, King Charles Street in London, this was the safe place for Winston and other key figures during the blitz, when German aircraft bombed London. It is a favorite tourist site to visit, and for good reason as this museum captures those tense moments during World War II and the resilience of the British. The museum features the historic rooms as well as an exhibit dedicated to the 90 year life of Churchill. 

The Churchill War Room Museum gives you a glimpse of daily life, trying to make people as comfortable as possible while also keeping them safe. The safety, though, might have been exaggerated, as this bunker is not especially deep and would have been heavily damaged had there been a direct bomb hit on it.

Winston Churchill's bedroom on display at the Churchill War Rooms, underground in London. This is where he would often be during bombing raids by German aircraft.
Winston Churchill’s bedroom on display at the Churchill War Rooms, underground in London. This is where he would often be during bombing raids by German aircraft.

The War Rooms exhibits feature meeting rooms, a map room to track troop movement, and a communication room including a radio studio where Churchill would famously broadcast during “Britain’s darkest hour.” You also can see the living areas for Churchill, his wife and others that were fortunate enough to be in this space during relentless attacks on London by enemy planes. As comfortable as the accommodations were, Winston was notorious for leaving the bunker and heading up to the rooftops to watch the action of the Battle of Britain.

Battle of Britain Memorial

If you’re traveling to Dover to check out the White Cliffs like we did, consider a quick stop at the Battle of Britain Memorial. Not only will you see a moving monument to the brave men and women who fought during this pivotal point of World War II, you’ll also see some stunning views of the Cliffs of Dover.

On the edge of the White Cliffs of Dover, the Battle of Britain Memorial offers insight into the details of the pivotal battle to save Britain.
On the edge of the White Cliffs of Dover, the Battle of Britain Memorial offers insight into the details of the pivotal battle to save Britain.

It is called “The National Memorial to the Few,” which is a nod to the famous Churchill quote “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” Churchill uttered those now famous words in a speech to the House of Commons during the Battle of Britain, in praise to the Royal Air Force pilots.

There is plenty to see at this memorial with Churchill’s Battle of Britain influence very obvious. At this memorial you’ll also see several aircraft that you can get up close to as well as other exhibits. Inside The Wing, the visitor’s center at the memorial in the shape of a Spitfire’s wing, are various attractions including the Scramble Experience, a interactive attraction that uses audio-visual effects, a video wall and other special techniques to give you a feel for what people experienced back in 1940. Upstairs you’ll find an open balcony that offers spectacular views of the memorial and the English Channel. On a clear day, you might even be able to spy a view of Calais, France on the other side of the channel.

Churchill stopped being Britain’s Prime Minister shortly after the war ended in 1945. He returned to Number 10 Downing Street to become Prime Minister again from 1951 to 1955. In fact, he was Queen Elizabeth’s first Prime Minister when she began her reign in 1952. Even after stepping down in 1955 due to declining health, he remained a member of parliament until 1964. 

Churchill’s Memorial at Westminster Abbey

As you tour Westminster Abbey, you will find a memorial for Churchill. It is placed very near the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. Churchill was known for his quippy remarks, and said on his decline to be buried at Westminster, he didn’t want to be “walked upon in death as he had been in life.” Churchill is said to have elaborated, saying that he didn’t get along with many of the people buried there in real life so why would he want to spend eternity with them too.

A memorial for Winston Churchill at Westminister Abbey. Fittingly, this is located near the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
A memorial for Winston Churchill at Westminister Abbey. Fittingly, this is located near the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

​Winston Churchill’s Final Resting Place

Rather than being buried at Westminster or St. Paul’s in London, Winston decided to be with family. A short drive from Blenheim Palace, you will find a his grave at Bladon churchyard, just behind St. Martin’s Church in Woodstock. This stop is not a part of a tour of Blenheim Palace but we highly recommend the detour to pay respects. Churchill is buried here along side his parents and his brother Jack. Churchill’s wife Clementine is also buried there.

The grave of British leader Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine is located in Woodstock, UK. The grave is near Blenheim Palace, where Winston was born.
The grave of British leader Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine is located in Woodstock, UK. The grave is near Blenheim Palace, where Winston was born.

There are several other spots you can check if you’re a fan of Churchill. We haven’t got to all of them yet, but would love to see his home in Chartwell. Around London are a few sites as well, including a pub with a focus on Churchill. The Churchill Pub in Kensington has been around since 1750. Back in the 1800’s, this pub was frequented by Winston’s grandparents, which led the owners to change the name of the pub during World War II. The building is ornate on the outside, and filled with Churchill memorabilia on the inside. 

It might not be normal to plan travel around a specific individual. But in the case of an itinerary based on Winston Churchill historic sites, such travel would hit a wide variety of places. Must see places like Westminster Abbey and Blenheim Palace each feature prominently in British history, as well as in the life of Winston Churchill. We have plenty of London reviews that go well beyond Winston’s life – check them out!

Similar Posts