Imperial War Museum

Directly around Elephant and Castle appears sketchy, but once by, the neighborhood feels better. The area around the War Museum is fine, frequented and busy. My daughter, age 24, would exit from E&C or approach it from over the bridge as a resident of South London. She had no issues. I just relaxed more once out of the 'circle' surrounding it. If I were a guy, I wouldn't think twice.

Hi, The best Tube station at which get off for the Imperial War Museum is Lambeth North, not Elephant and Castle. Once you exit the station, signs point you to the IWM. Easy to get to within a ten min. walk. When you see the 13 inch guns, that's it. It closes at 1700. The neighborhood around there is just fine.

Chad, I've never had any concerns in that part of London in terms of "safety". I believe I used the Elephant & Castle Tube on my last visit, and didn't have any problems at all (even while carrying expensive Camera gear). Be sure to allow LOTS of time (at least four hours) to visit the Imperial War Museum, as there's LOTS to see on several floors!

Chad: My wife and I went to the Imperial War Museum last November. While the neighborhood is not glitzy or upscale, it appears to be a perfectly normal and safe London neighborhood. We never felt threatened or in any danger...there were lots of people on the street, and crowds of school children visiting the Museum, which is a short walk from the Tube stop. Now London[INVALID]while very very safe as compared to New York or Chicago, to say nothing of Houston or Atlanta, IS a great metropolis. Being from Montana, you may find London somewhat intimidating and frightening (being from North Carolina, I certainly did on my first trip in 1969), but once you adjust to the noise and crowds, I think you will be fine. The basic rule of urban life is that crowds mean safety and deserted areas mean danger. Enjoy the IWM...it is spectacular!

The present Imperial War Museum is the remodeled, refurbished, and enlarged one compared to the IWM I saw during my first visit to London in June 1971. Then, like now, no safety issues at all in the area of Lambeth North.

My husband and I really enjoyed our visit to the Imperial War Museum. Be sure to allow enough time. This is an opportunity to go through the Trenches of WWI and experience the Blitz of WWII. An interesting fact to know is that the museum occupies the former asylum of Bedlam. Captain Bligh's London home is nearby. The neighborhood is just as safe as any in London. We walked from the tube station. You can go really early to the local street markets if you go on the right days. Have a great time.

I think it will be fine I will have my younger sister with me and just need to watch out for our safety. Two years ago I went to NYC for the first time by myself, so I think I can handle London. Pretty excited.

We have been several times to this museum-it is great ! The Holocaust portion of it is sobering but well handled.As the previous writer stated-the trenches became very real to me after seing that exhibit.As to London, have been there 6 times-going again with our Granddaughter in October-and the greatest problem would be pickpockets.We wear moneybelts and just keep small amounts of money plus our tube tickets in our front pockets-not back ! I keep a small puse with the strap wrapped around my body with front of purse facing forward to keep lipstick etc. in.There are a few tube stations where they announce that pickpockets work this station.Be very aware during rush times when trains are full-twice in Europe I have felt someone reach into my pocket of coat-both times I yelled out and they were out of there quickly and nothing was taken since nothing was in there ! Keep your charge cards and passports in your money belt -my husband uses one hung from his neck under his shirt. Enjoy !

Chad, you might also be interested in touring HMS Belfast, which is moored on the south bank of the Thames, not too far from the Tower of London. I spent the better part of a very fascinating day exploring the ship.

I agree with the other posters. The neighborhood is definitely safe. We walked from the Tate Modern to the Imperial War Museum, which was a bit long of a walk for my in laws but the neighborhoods we walked through were certainly safe. Lambeth North is definitely the tube stop to use if going directly to or from the museum. Don't neglect the Holocaust exhibit on the upper floor. It is very powerful. My 12 year old really enjoyed the trenches exhibit.

I also want to go the Metropolitan Tabernacle which is closer to Elephant and Castle. But it looks like I could easily walk from Imperial Ware Museum to Metropolitan Tabernacle.

I was just there a week ago and it's a perfectly ordinary neighborhood. Get off at Lambeth North, walk south one long block on Kennington St., turn left on Lambeth Rd., and you can't miss it. A side note: the museum is five floors high, and only one elevator is operating at the moment (they're replacing the other two), so be prepared to climb a few stairs if it's busy.

My husband has been there on three different trips and it seems like a safe neighborhood. The last time we were there there was a tube strike so he walked back from the Museum across the footbridge over the Thames back to our bed and breakfast. It is one of his favorite places and he tells anyone we know going to London that they should see it.

In all honesty, it isn't the greatest area. Alot of London south of the Thames is a bit questionable. Brixton has a higher crime rate than Elephant & Castle, however.

I was particularly amazed at the size of the bombs that were dropped on London- had no idea they were as large as the one on display= I would say it is a not to miss museum. fine neighborhood!