To mark VE Day, here’s the best WWII museums and sites to visit in the UK
It’s the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8
Imperial War Museum, London and Manchester
Even if you never thought you were into war history, the huge museums in London and Manchester are a must, with galleries, warplanes, personal stories and a Holocaust Exhibition. Entry to the two museums is free, iwm.org.uk
Churchill War Rooms, London
If you have never been here, do go - the underground command centre where Churchill and his War Cabinet directed the war effort, really is fascinating. Adults, £33 and pre-book tickets, as it’s popular, iwm.org.uk
Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire
Similarly, the secret centre of Britain’s code-breakers and the birthplace of modern computing, is a super-popular heritage attraction, with adults and kids. Tickets are £25.50 for adults and it’s advisable to book ahead, bletchleypark.org.uk
Duxford Imperial War Museum, Cambridgeshire
This massive airfield museum has flying displays and WWII aircraft and is worth the trip up or down the M11, for plane, war, or history enthusiasts. Adults £26.80, book ahead during peak times, iwm.org.uk
The National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth
For super-ships, head to Portsmouth and learn all about the Navy’s role in WWII including D-Day, as well as other historic highlights such as The Mary Rose. Adults from £36, historicdockyard.co.uk
Ramsgate Tunnels, Kent
Discover the UK’s biggest underground shelter network, built in WWII in a former rail network. Deep tunnel tours, £9 adults, ramsgatetunnels.org
The Battle of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge
Another interesting WWII bunker is the one which directed British air defence during the Battle of Britain. Bunker tours, £12 adults, battleofbritainbunker.co.uk
Royal Air Force Museum, London and Midlands
Home to hundreds of aircraft, including a Battle of Britain exhibit, Dambusters Experience and WWII planes. There’s one museum in Hendon and another in Cosford, Shropshire. Entry is free, rafmuseum.org.uk
Western Approaches HQ, Liverpool
Discover the once top-secret command centre where the women of the Wrens, and the Waafs, protected Atlantic convoys from U-boat attacks. Adults, £14.50, westernapproaches.org.uk