While visiting London, army history buffs and general interest seeking visitors will want to stop by the free National Army Museum. Open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (excluding December 24-26 and January 1) the National Army Museum is committed to accessibility including loan wheelchairs and sign language services and offers a seasonal café with culinary delights made on site, including special meals for children!
With permanent, special and online exhibitions, the wide range of the National Army Museum is of diverse excellence. Permanent exhibitions include an art gallery showcasing a wide variety of interests, a Conflicts of Interest from 1969-present exhibit which explores over 40 years of conflicts, a World Wars from 1905-1947 exhibition examining roles of the British Commonwealth’s civilian armies and a Changing the World exhibition which reveals the British Army’s role during the years 1784-1904.
Those specifically interested in Templer Studies may visit the Templer Study Centre which contains a vast array of research tools allow those to explore the collection in depth. The entrance is free to the Centre and it is open Wednesday through Friday, as well as the first and third Saturday of the month. Visiting the Templer Study Centre requires registering for a Reader’s Ticket and two forms of identification. Visitors to the centre will engage in opportunities to continue their information quest about the social history and campaigns of the British Army. Providing access to around 25,000 photograph and archive collections and 10,000 books, the Centre will be sure to astound traveling scholars.
The museum is a very kid friendly one, with opportunities for children 0-8 to play in a Kids’ Zone which is an inspirational and friendly environment for children. The play areas have costuming, books, interactive toys and displays children may touch and explore. The ticket prices for the one hour sessions in the Kid Zone are affordable (children 1 and under are free; 1 and over are £2.50.) Children and parents are sure to be delighted with the interactive learning set in a safe environment. Family events are also offered throughout the year and can be booked in advance for places in workshops such as War Horse Puppetry Workshops and Draw Your Weapons Art Workshops.
The final part of your visit to the museum should end in a stop at the gift shop which offers toys, food, kits, clothing and souvenir books for purchase. Something can be found for everyone at any budget to memorialize your trip to this fantastic journey into the history and design of the British Army and the significant roles it has played in world history.
National Army Museum address and hours
National Army Museum
Royal Hospital Road
London
SW3 4HT
Open: 10 am to 5.30 pm every day. Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
Free admission
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