London: The Imperial War Museum

Atrocity, bravery, camaraderie, these have been the ABCs of British history since before the Romans first carved out Britannia.  Shaping its people and their culture into who and what they are today, war has only made them stronger, ultimately to bring them together.  Eventually, this wee Roman province owned much of the known world!  During World Wars I and II, her people rallied the defense against the Axis onslaught while the rest of Europe either crumbled or cowered in fear.  Now that's a scrappy little island.  If your interest is piqued, don't just pin it to your Pinterest.  Visit...

The Imperial War Museum

For a pittance of £0 (that's right; it's free!) lose yourself in the grandeur of Britain's military might.  As you walk in the front door, see tanks, bombs, airplanes, rockets, covert tech, and everything in between from every major modern war.  If you have little kids, just wandering through the various impressive and informative displays will be well worth a good hour or so of fun and learning.  For teens and older, there is a huge display on Hitler's holocaust of World War II.  This is heavy stuff, and I'd recommend allowing at least an hour for this exhibit alone.  Rushing through it will definitely detract from its potential to really drive home the experience of the Jews under the barbed wire fist of the Nazis.

The Ashcroft Gallery

Supermarine Spitfire: the RAF's staple during WWII

Here's a bit from the wreckage at ground zero of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Check out the website for the latest exhibits.  While I was there, they had a paid exhibit on the photography of Don McCullin, a famous war photographer during World War II.  Also, if you're a history buff and want to locate a particular item, have a go at the collection catalogue as a part of your research.

To find this place, you can plug in the address...

Lambeth Road, City of London SE1 6HZ, United Kingdom

...into google maps, or you can take the tube to North Lambeth on the Bakerloo Line and just follow the signs.  Whether you're game for a grand day out, a quick pop-in, or a reflective paradigm shift, the Imperial War Museum London is sure to deliver.

~Kaleb