On a recent trip to London, I decided to visit the National Army Museum in Kensington for the first time. I’d already been to the Imperial War Museum (IWM) three times, but I wanted to branch out and see what the Army Museum had to offer. With a free morning, I started my day at the IWM, taking in its fantastic displays before heading across town in the afternoon, just before meeting a friend for dinner.
Getting There: Kensington Isn’t Built for Public Transport
I took the Tube, but getting to the National Army Museum was more of a hassle than expected. It really feels like Kensington is a rich person’s area—the kind of place that’s designed to NOT be easily accessible by public transport, almost as if it’s meant to keep the “common folk” out. The museum is tucked away near the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and I had to check my phone a few times to make sure I was heading in the right direction. If you’re planning a visit, expect to walk a bit and maybe factor in some extra time to find it.
The Museum Experience: Interesting, But Small
The museum offers a solid collection of exhibits covering British military history, from the English Civil War to modern conflicts. The galleries are well laid out, and there’s a good mix of artifacts, multimedia displays, and interactive sections.
A few highlights:
- Armored Vehicles – It was great to see a few AFVs (armored fighting vehicles) on display, including a Humber Pig (used during The Troubles in Northern Ireland), a Daimler Dingo scout car, and a Bren Gun Carrier. While they don’t have the massive tank collection of Bovington or even the centerpiece vehicles like the IWM, these were still interesting to check out.
- Lots of Uniforms – The museum has a huge selection of military uniforms, spanning from early British Army history right up to modern-day kit. If you’re into the evolution of military dress and gear, there’s a lot to take in.
- Up to Date on Current Conflicts – Unlike some military museums that focus purely on history, this one does acknowledge modern threats and conflicts, including Russia. Given how fast things are evolving in global security, it was good to see the museum staying relevant to today’s world.
That said, the IWM is simply on another level. The National Army Museum just felt a lot smaller in comparison. It has some interesting pieces, but it doesn’t match the scale, depth, or immersive storytelling of the IWM’s exhibits. If you’re only in London for a short time and debating between the two, I’d recommend prioritizing the IWM unless you have a very specific interest in British Army history.
I’ll admit, though, that I was kind of rushed during my visit. A friend had recently passed away, and I was killing time until I was going to connect with a mutual friend to remember him afterwards. So, I may not have been in the right headspace to fully appreciate everything the museum had to offer.
That being said, as I start to get more into Napoleonic and English Civil War wargaming, I could see myself making a return visit with fresh eyes. Those sections had some great historical context that might be even more interesting with a deeper understanding of the period’s military tactics and forces.
One highlight was seeing a tank in British Army of the Rhine (BOAR) camouflage outside—a cool touch and a nice way to set the tone before heading in.
Food & Gift Shop: Functional, But Forgettable
After wandering the museum, I grabbed a bite to eat at the café and went for the spicy chicken burger. It was fine—nothing amazing—but it did the job. If you’re just looking for a quick meal, it’s convenient but not particularly memorable. There are far better food options nearby if you have time to explore.
The gift shop was also underwhelming. I was hoping to find some unique books, models, or wargaming-relevant items, but the selection felt pretty generic—mostly tourist souvenirs and books you could find elsewhere. It’s nothing like the IWM’s shop, which usually has a solid selection of military history books and interesting memorabilia.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a wargamer or history buff, the National Army Museum is worth a visit, but only if you’ve already seen the Imperial War Museum and are looking for something new. While it has some interesting exhibits, the IWM simply offers more in terms of impact, atmosphere, and collection size.
That said, with my growing interest in Napoleonic and English Civil War wargaming, I can see myself making a return visit to take a deeper dive into those periods. It’s a museum that might get better with repeat visits—especially if you come in with a specific focus in mind. Just be prepared for a bit of a walk to find it!