Guards Museum

The Basics

An institution that commemorates the five Foot Guard regiments (the Coldstream Guards, Grenadier Guards, Irish Guards, Scots Guards, and Welsh Guards), the Guards Museum offers visitors a glimpse into royal pomp and ceremony, as well as British military history. Visitors can learn more about the heritage and duties associated with each regiment and discover artifacts ranging from ceremonial costumes and dioramas to sculptures, weapons, and other related memorabilia.

Part of the London Pass program, the Guards Museum can also be visited as part of combination London sightseeing itineraries (or explored independently).

Things to Know Before You Go

• The museum does not have its own parking spaces, and no public restroom facilities are hosted on-site.

• The Guards Museum provides disabled access via an elevator; wheelchairs can also be rented from the museum.

• True to its name, the Guards Toy Soldier Centre, the museum’s shop, specializes in toy soldiers, as well as other thematic souvenirs.

• The Guards Chapel is open Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm, and is billed as the spiritual home of the Household Division military units.

• Daytime museum tours, available for groups of 10–30, are held on weekdays and can be booked in advance for a per-head fee.

How to Get There

Located near St. James’s Park and Buckingham Palace, the Guards Museum can be visited as part of a regal sightseeing tour of the area. If traveling by Tube, take the Circle or District line to St. James’s station or the Victoria, Circle, or District line to Victoria station (which is also served by mainline trains). It can also be reached on foot, by taxi, or by bike.

When to Get There

The Guards Museum is open daily 10am–4pm; last entry is at 3:30pm. Note that the museum has exceptional closures over the Christmas holidays, as well as on certain ceremonial days; to avoid disappointment, researching opening hours in advance is recommended.

The Changing of the Guard

To see the members of the Foot Guard in action, pair your visit to the Guards Museum with attendance at Buckingham Palace’s Changing of the Guard ceremony. While dates and times can change, the ceremony is free and held several days weekly. It’s advised to arrive early to secure the best viewing spot.

Ways to explore

Visitors to the museum learn about the heritage and duties of each of the five regiments of the Foot Guards: Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish, and Welsh Guards. Exhibits range from historic uniforms, some dating from the English Civil War, to weapons, paintings, and sculptures. The museum provides an educational journey through Britain’s military history, from the regiments’ role at the Battle of Waterloo to UN and NATO operations.

The Guards Museum is included in some multi-attraction passes, which can save money when sightseeing in London.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible with step-free access via ramps and an elevator. Service dogs are welcome.

Age limits

None; children under 16 enter for free. Note that there are no baby-changing facilities. There is a children’s area with activities including coloring.

What to pack

Past and present military members should bring ID for discounted admission, water bottle

What to wear

There’s no dress code for visiting London’s museums, just wear what’s comfortable.

Not allowed

Flash photography, large bags, luggage, food and drink (except bottled water)

Amenities

Gift store, audio guides in multiple languages; the closest restrooms are in St. James’s Park, around a 10-minute walk.

Address

The Guards Museum is in central London, just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace. It’s easy to reach via public transportation.

Driving

Parking is very restricted around the museum. Hail a cab or book a rideshare service instead of driving if you’d like to travel by car.

Public transportation

Take the Circle or District tube lines to St James’s Park, which is around a 10-minute walk. Alternatively, Victoria station is a 15-minute walk, which is served by tube lines and mainline trains.

Best times to visit

Visit early in the morning for the quietest experience.

Best days to visit

Time your visit to see Guardsmen in action at the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, which typically takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings.

Best months to visit

Visit between June and September to combine your trip with Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, which are open to visitors for the summer season.

Special events

The museum holds special events throughout the year, including on Armed Forces Day in June.