April 30, 2025
8 mins
Destination: London
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6 Things to Know About VE Day
At Active England, we love sharing the stories, places, and history that have shaped Britain into the country we love to explore. One of the most significant moments in modern British history is VE Day, a time of celebration, remembrance, and reflection. Whether you’re visiting the UK for the first time or deepening your love for its incredible heritage, understanding VE Day will add new depth to your travels.
Here are six essential things to know about this momentous day and where you can walk in history’s footsteps.
What is VE Day?
VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day, and it’s celebrated every year on May 8th. It marks the day in 1945 when Germany officially surrendered to the Allied forces, bringing World War II in Europe to an end.
After nearly six years of bombing raids, rationing, blackouts, and battles, people across Britain could finally exhale. The war in Europe was over. Towns and cities erupted into celebration; singing, dancing, cheering in the streets.
But VE Day was about more than just victory. It was a mix of relief, joy, sorrow, and reflection. Families mourned those they’d lost. Soldiers looked forward to coming home. Ordinary people had survived something extraordinary, and now, they were ready to rebuild. Children, many of whom had never known peacetime could finally look to a future beyond the shadow of war.
VE Day reminds us not only of the end of the war, but of the incredible resilience shown by communities all over Britain. It’s a story that still shapes British identity today with historical reminders dotted throughout the towns, cities and villages.
What Happened on VE Day 1945?
It was actually the 7th May that German General Alfred Jodl signed the surrender document in Reims, France, on behalf of the German armed forces.
It was then at 23:01 on 8th May that all German forces were ordered to cease active operations, effectively ending the war in Europe. This day was celebrated as VE Day in many parts of the world.
The celebrations on VE Day 1945 were truly historic. In London, thousands of people packed the streets, singing, dancing, and cheering. Union flags (and a few homemade banners) were waved proudly. Strangers hugged in the streets.
In one of the most iconic moments of the day, King George VI and Winston Churchill appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, waving to the jubilant crowds. Churchill, in particular, was hailed as the wartime hero who had steered Britain through its darkest days.
Despite the celebrations, the day was also tinged with sadness. Many paused to remember the fallen and to acknowledge the challenges that lay ahead in rebuilding a shattered Europe.
How Was VE Day Marked in the USA?
While Britain and Europe were celebrating the immediate end of fighting on their continent, VE Day was also deeply significant across the Atlantic.
Americans marked VE Day with their own wave of joy. President Truman, newly in office after President Roosevelt’s death, declared it a moment to honour Roosevelt’s legacy and to celebrate the victory whilst reminding everyone that the war in the Pacific was still on going.
There were parades, church services, and spontaneous street parties from New York to small towns. In Times Square, crowds gathered, cheering and dancing, taking in the moment.
2025 Marks the 80th Anniversary of VE Day
May 8th 2025, marks 80 years since VE Day, a huge anniversary, and one that’s sure to be filled with events, stories, and tributes across the UK.
If you’re planning to visit England in 2025, it’s a fantastic time to dive into the country’s wartime history. From special exhibitions at museums to remembrance ceremonies and community celebrations, the anniversary will be a national moment to reflect and reconnect with the past.
There will be:
Commemorations at iconic places like the Cenotaph and National Memorial Arboretum
Wartime-themed events at heritage sites
Walking tours, church services, concerts, and even vintage vehicle parades
Temporary museum exhibits, talks, and Royal appearances
It’s a chance to not just learn history, but to connect to the past, walk in the footsteps of those who were there and get a sense of what that day meant.
5 Great Places in England to Visit for VE Day
If you want to go beyond the history books and step into the places where VE Day happened, here are five great stops to include on your journey:
1. Buckingham Palace
This is where the Royal Family stood waving to thousands gathered below on VE Day. You can still visit the outside all year round, and parts of the inside are open in summer. The Victoria Memorial, situated in front of the palace, is a perfect spot to imagine the joy and noise of that day in 1945. It is infamous for being in the centre of the action in present day celebrations as well as the past.
2. Whitehall, London
Home to Britain’s government buildings, this area was packed with people on VE Day. Walk along Whitehall today and you’ll pass the Cenotaph, where many lay wreaths in memory. Churchill himself gave a speech from here. It will be a focal point of remembrance on the 8th May with significant leaders and Royalty laying tributes to soldiers that served during the World Wars.
3. RAF Museum London
If you’re into aircraft, heroics, or wartime innovation, this museum is a must. It tells the story of the Royal Air Force and the brave pilots who helped win the war. The Battle of Britain, D-Day, and VE Day all come to life through planes and personal stories.
4. Chartwell, Kent
This was Winston Churchill’s country home and it’s full of charm and character. You can walk through his study, see his painting studio, and wander the garden paths where he found peace during the chaos of war. It’s a beautiful and personal way to understand the man behind the speeches.
5. National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire
A peaceful and moving place, the Arboretum is full of memorials to those who served. It’s not just about the past, it’s a place of quiet reflection, nature, and remembrance. If you’re visiting around VE Day, look out for their special anniversary events.
What is VJ Day?
VE Day ended the war in Europe, but the war in the Pacific continued until August 1945. VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, is marked on August 15th in the UK, the day Japan surrendered and the Second World War finally ended in all continents.
While VJ Day didn’t bring quite the same scale of street parties in Britain, it was just as important. Many families were still waiting for loved ones to return from the Far East. Today, both VE and VJ Day are honoured together to remember everyone who played a role in bringing peace back to the world.
There’s no better way to understand history than to stand where it happened and VE Day offers some of the most powerful places and stories in the country.
Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveller, or just someone who loves a good story, England is packed with sites that bring the past to life. And with the 80th anniversary in 2025, there’s never been a better time to experience it.
At Active England, we create journeys that blend storytelling, stunning landscapes, and real-life history. Walk the streets of wartime London, explore the countryside Churchill loved, and connect with a moment that changed the world.
