churchill war rooms - London

I visited the Churchill War Rooms years ago as a kid with my dad, and recently, while in London with my daughter, I decided to take her there after exploring the Transport Museum. We bought our tickets at the entrance for £33 for an adult; children under 5 are free. We happened to visit during a really busy time, so it was packed, but we still had fun and spent about an hour there. The tour is self-guided, which allows you to take your time.

Located in Westminster, London, these secret underground headquarters served as the command center for the government during World War II. From 1940 to 1945, hundreds of men and women worked down here, and it soon became the sanctum for the government.

The bunker closed its doors in August 1945 and was left undisturbed until Parliament designated it as a historical site in 1948. That same year, the War Rooms opened to the public.

WW1 pillbox - Newington - Kent #2

 WW1 pillbox 

                                      March | Location Newington | Delmoished - No |

This was the second pillbox we examined, located not far from the first one we explored earlier. This one was slightly more interesting because it still retained some of its original features, such as the wooden shutter inside.

There isn't much historical information available about WW1 pillboxes, but they typically housed one or two people.

WW1 Pillbox Newington - Kent #1

WW1 pillbox

Date March | Location Newington | Delmoished - No |

My four-year-old and I had some free time in the afternoon, so I thought we would check out a WW1 pillbox that I keep passing by whenever I head down this way. I also had a few other places I wanted to explore with her, including another pillbox and a church.

We parked safely down the road and then followed the footpath until we reached the pillbox. 

Upon looking at the pillbox, I noticed it was definitely smaller than all the others I have seen, but still quite interesting. My four-year-old turned to me and said, "This is small, not like the other ones we looked at, Mommy!" 

Compared to most pillboxes I've explored, this one is a WW1 pillbox located in Newington, Kent. There isn't much history available about WW1 pillboxes, but they typically had one or two people inside them.

St Rumwold's Church, Bonington - Ashford

 St Rumwold Church 

Date March | Location Bongton | Delmoihsed  No |

This was the third church we visited that day before heading to the event we were attending, as it was on the way. This church was quite charming and very similar to other churches we have explored in our area. It was a relaxed visit, but we weren't inside for long.

The church was built by the Normans and is a Grade I listed building.

 

St John the Baptist Church, Mersham - Ashford

 St John The Baptist 

Date March | Location Ashford | Delmoished No 

About 10 minutes from the Smeet Church, we found a lovely little church. Most churches have a similar layout, but each one is very cute and unique in its own way. Since we had some time to kill, we decided to go inside and look around. As usual, my daughter started asking me all kinds of questions.

Once again, St. John’s is one of the churches that is part of the Stour Downs parish. It is noted that the church dates back to 1086 AD, as recorded in the Domesday Book, but it was rebuilt by the Normans. It is also said that the church has remained substantially the same since then.

St Mary the virgin - Smeeth - Ashford

 St Mary the Virgin 

                                      Date : March | Location Smeet - ashford | delmoised - No 

This beautiful little church is open to the public and is tucked away in a small town called Smeeth. There are several other churches to visit in the area. My daughter and I spent some time there taking photos and exploring. She was full of questions, which was lovely to see.

It is noted that this charming church is one of six churches in the "Stour Down Parish." The church was built using flint sourced from a local quarry, and its origins date back to Norman times. A chapel was added in the 13th century, and the porch was constructed in the 15th century. The church tower was restored in 1881.