This post lists and describes the best military museums in London, including free museums and those that focus on specific services.
MILITARY MUSEUMS IN LONDON
From ships to aviation and spanning both World Wars, London has a treasure trove of memorabilia and artifacts that teach us about UK military history throughout the centuries.
Be sure to read our post on free things to do in London for more budget-friendly activities. We have more free museums in London listed in this post.
These are all appropriate for children. For more family-friendly ideas, check out our post on things to do with kids in London.
National Army Museum
If you’re interested in the British Army and how the Army interacted with and influenced society, visit the National Army Museum.
Learn the origins of the British Army, how it has adapted to technology, and how it has communicated with the public.
National Maritime Museum in Greenwich
Surrounded by water as the British Isles are, traveling across oceans and other bodies of water has shaped the nation and its foreign relations.
Go to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich to learn about maritime technology, wars fought, and how the UK began its trading with the outside world.
Take along our self-guided tour of Greenwich.
Royal Air Force Museum
The Royal Air Force Museum is a must-see for anyone who loves aviation technology and history.
Visit this museum to see old planes from both World Wars as well as various other aircraft pieces and wartime memorabilia.
Kids will also stay entertained in the interactive gallery and 3D experience.
Imperial War Museum London
The Imperial War Museum in London is just one branch of five British military museum locations throughout England.
The IWM London focuses on displaying the perspectives of people who lived through war themselves. The exhibits cover multiple wars and have artifacts from soldiers and civilians.
MUSEUMS WITH AN ENTRY FEE
Unfortunately, not all of London’s museums are free. But a visit to the right museum can be priceless - especially if you’re interested in the UK military.
Here are a few of London’s military museums with an entry fee.
Churchill War Rooms
These underground bunkers are in the middle of London, still looking exactly as they did on the last day of World War II.
The Churchill War Rooms are a popular way to look at how the Allies waged war. They also include some space dedicated to Winston Churchill’s life.
This museum is included for free with several tourist attraction discount passes.
HMS Belfast
The Imperial War Museum operates the HMS Belfast as a museum. She was commissioned in 1938 and went on her first mission in 1939.
The HMS Belfast and crew also served as Bombardment Force E’s headquarters during the D-Day invasion of Normandy. You can visit today to see what life on the ship was like during World War II.
This museum is included for free with several tourist attraction discount passes.
Guards Museum
Get your questions answered about the King’s Guards at the Guards Museum.
Why do they wear their large hats? How do guards join the Changing of the Guard ceremony?
This museum tells the stories of the most famous soldiers with uniforms and artifacts.
This museum is included for free with several tourist attraction discount passes.
Household Cavalry Museum
You can get a look at how the mounted military dress, train, and go through their daily routines at the Household Cavalry Museum.
Many visitors love getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the horses are cared for and what the Queen's Cavalry still does in today's modern world.
This museum is included for free with several tourist attraction discount passes.
Tower of London
The Tower of London fascinates people all over the world, thanks to its long history of being used as a fortress, holding prisoners, and now as the home of the Crown Jewels.
Walk through the Tower to go back in time, see the armor of past kings and their horses, and be entertained by the charismatic Beefeaters when they give tours. And don't forget to see the Crown Jewels!
This museum is included for free with several tourist attraction discount passes.
INCLUDED IN TOURIST PASSES
If you’re looking to save a few pounds on entry into some of the paid military museums, getting a London city pass is the way to go.
Some of the inclusive passes will give you free entrance to these museums:
- HMS Belfast
- Churchill War Rooms
- Household Cavalry Museum
- Tower of London
- Guards Museum
World War 2 London Tour
London itself is a WW2 Museum, where the scars of the Blitz can still be found today.
This WW2 walking tour of London will transport you to one of London's most influential eras.
You will learn everything there is to know about the Blitz and London during the phony war.
You'll pass by damaged remains like Christopher Wren's lost Grey Friar's and miraculously saved icons like St. Paul's Cathedral.
Together with your guide, you'll discover hidden treasures discovered during the war and learn who was in charge of rebuilding our city.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN LONDON
For more affordable things to do, you can read our London on a budget post.
We have inspiration for your daily itineraries and tips on how to get discounted tickets.
Our suggestions for other things to do in London:
