London's Best Military Museums

Dressing up in vintage RAF uniforms at the RAF Museum

Follow in the footsteps of Winston Churchill, experience the trenches of the First World War or step aboard the largest surviving example of Britain's 20th-century naval power – whether you're fascinated by all things military or just curious to learn more, then London has a military museum to suit you.

From the stunningly realistic exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum to the National Maritime Museum's iconic memorabilia, there really is something for everyone.

Most offer rotating programmes of special exhibitions and at almost all of London's military museums, entry is free too! Take your pick of the top military museums listed below.

Imperial War Museum

One of London's most moving museums, the Imperial War Museum tells the heart-wrenching tales of those who've lived, fought and died in conflicts from WW1 to the present day. From the horror of the trenches to the hauntingly realistic Holocaust Exhibition, there's so much to see one visit might not be enough. Admission is free

Guards Museum

From the origins of the Bearskins to the thinking behind modern uniforms, delve into the history of the five regiments of the Foot Guards at the Guards Museum: body-guards to the Sovereign since Charles I. Plan your visit to see the Changing the Guard too, for a full taste of London's pomp and ceremony. Under 16s go free.

Churchill War Rooms

Churchill directed his troops to victory during WW2 from this warren of underground rooms, and the Cabinet War Rooms today are almost exactly those which were closed in August 1945. Take a tour through the famous rooms, then pop next door to the new Churchill Museum for a fully interactive showcase of the great man's life.

Firepower: The Royal Artillery Museum

Not many museums can say they've been open since 1820! Located in the historic Royal Arsenal – which was a well-kept secret for more than 300 years – The Royal Artillery Museum begins with the frighteningly realistic Field of Fire show, putting you in the middle of a battle, and takes you all the way through to guns used in the Gulf War.

National Army Museum

If you want to discover how Britain's past has shaped our present, the National Army Museum is for you. Hear stories of soldiers who've won the Victoria Cross, read the order that launched the Charge of the Light Brigade and see a WW2 anti-tank gun. The White Space houses a rolling programme of exhibitions. Entry is free.

Royal Airforce Museum

Navigate your way through the history of aviation, from the earliest balloon flight to the latest Eurofighter, at The Royal Airforce Museum. It's free to enter and houses a stunning collection of more than 100 aircraft, plus the Aeronauts Interactive Centre. Don't miss Our Finest Hour, the awe-inspiring presentation of the Battle of Britain.

Household Cavalry Museum

Located in the heart of Horse Guards, the Household Cavalry Museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at the uniquely British blend of pageantry and pomp that is day-to-day life for the regiment who guard The Queen. You can see troopers working with horses in the original 18th-century stables and try on real helmets and cuirasses.

HMS Belfast

Few days out beat strolling along the deck of a ship that took part in the D-Day landings, and that's just one of the delights of the legendary HMS Belfast moored in the Thames near Tower Bridge. Explore the Captain's Bridge, engine rooms and sailor's mess, then experience what life was like for her 950 crew. An unmissable day out.

National Maritime Museum

Ahoy there me hearties! Head to The National Maritime Museum to relive Britain's encounters on the high seas. You can see the jacket Nelson was wearing at Trafalgar, complete with the bullet-hole from that fatal shot, delve into the traditions of maritime London and try your hand at being Captain in the All Hands Gallery. Entry is free.