Imperial War Museum, London

[Guest]

As my 10 year old is learning about WW2, I persuaded her and my 7 year-old to visit this museum yesterday. I haven't been for many years, so I had forgotten what was there. I must say, it was superb - and not just for those particularly interested in military history. My girls loved it too. Lots of hands-on type stuff, some superb tanks and AFVs, and the cockpit sections of a Halifax and a Lanc. The "Blitz Experience" was good, but the highlight was an actress pretending to be an Auxilliary Fire Service volunteer, who told a story about the 29th December 1940. It was great. There's a quite humbling section about medal winners with their amazing stories. The only bit we skipped was the Holocaust Exhibit - I'll take them when they're older (it's not recommended for under 14s anyway).

Well worth a visit if you are in town. Plus, it's free.

Some less than professional snaps.

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[Guest]

Looks good Tony. Next time I am in London I was going to Hendon again but now must add this one to the list. I am just drawn to these places like a high powered magnet.

Like the two tank commanders !

Laurie

[Guest]

Excellent way to spend time with the little ones Tony,thanks for posting that up!

[Guest]

It's a great museum, with much more than my few pics show. It's in a slightly less than salubrious part of London, but easily walkable from Waterloo.

Next step is to drag them to Hendon, HMS Belfast and maybe Duxford.

[Guest]

Yes Belfast, Tony, is just incredible a must. Shows how those poor blighters had to live with water swishing around & no privacy what so ever. The engine room is just something else. Hope they have made it easier. With all the asbestos stuff around it was restricted to a viewing platform.

All very primitive. But at that time the best on offer.

Laurie

[Guest]

Often pop down to Hendon or the IWM if I'm at a loose end. Where better to spend a free afternoon.

I went to Duxford for the airshow last week and must say they do have a lot to view there but for me the price really limits it to a full days viewing rather than dropping in unfortunately.

If ever your in the area of St. Albans then I'd recommend the Mosquito museum in nearby London Colney for a couple of hours viewing. Just check what days they are open beforehand.

Atb, Colin.