Tag: London

  • Visiting the National Army Museum in Kensington: A Wargamer’s Perspective

    Visiting the National Army Museum in Kensington: A Wargamer’s Perspective

    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!

  • A Wargamer’s Pilgrimage: Visiting the Imperial War Museum London

    A Wargamer’s Pilgrimage: Visiting the Imperial War Museum London

    During my trip to the Other Partizan 2024 wargaming convention in Newark, I took the opportunity to visit one of the world’s most renowned military museums—the Imperial War Museum (IWM) in London. As a wargamer with a deep interest in historical conflicts, it felt like a pilgrimage of sorts. The IWM isn’t just a museum; it’s an immersive exploration of warfare and its impact on society, a place where history, strategy, and personal stories collide.

    A Grand Entrance

    Stepping through the gates of the Imperial War Museum London, you’re immediately greeted by two enormous 15-inch naval guns, originally from HMS Ramillies and HMS Resolution. These imposing behemoths, once mounted on British battleships, set the tone for what’s inside—an overwhelming display of military power and human resilience.

    The museum is housed in the former Bethlem Royal Hospital, and the grand neoclassical façade hides an interior packed with artifacts from conflicts spanning the early 20th century to the present day.

    The Heart of the Museum: The Atrium

    The central atrium is where the museum truly makes an impression. As soon as I walked in, my eyes were drawn upward to a Supermarine Spitfire suspended from the ceiling, an aircraft that needs no introduction to wargamers and history buffs alike. Just below it, a Harrier Jump Jet and a German V-2 rocket provided an impressive display of 20th-century technological advancements in warfare.

    But for me, the standout was the British Mark V tank, one of the iconic behemoths of World War I, standing proudly as a testament to the first major use of armored warfare. Seeing this up close, with its riveted steel plates and lumbering frame, brought a new appreciation for the models we paint and push across the tabletop.

    The First World War Galleries

    As someone interested in Blood & Valor, I was particularly drawn to the First World War galleries. This section is brilliantly curated, offering a mix of personal artifacts, uniforms, dioramas, and immersive multimedia experiences.

    One of the highlights was the trench recreation, which gives visitors a chillingly realistic sense of what life was like on the Western Front. Walking through the dimly lit passage, surrounded by sandbags, barbed wire, and eerie sound effects, I couldn’t help but think of my own attempts to recreate similar battlefields in miniature. The displays of Lee-Enfield rifles, Webley revolvers, and German Mauser rifles were particularly interesting from a wargaming perspective, offering ideas for equipping squads in Blood & Valor scenarios.

    World War II and Beyond

    The Second World War galleries feature everything from Montgomery’s beret to a chilling collection of Nazi propaganda, a stark reminder of the ideological battles that defined the era.

    One of the standout exhibits was the Enigma machine, which always fascinates me—not just for its impact on the war but also for its place in wargaming. Seeing the real machine in person, alongside an explanation of the codebreaking efforts at Bletchley Park, made me reflect on the mechanics of secrecy, intelligence, and deception in games like Bolt Action and Chain of Command.

    The post-1945 exhibits, covering the Cold War, Falklands, Iraq, and Afghanistan, provided a more contemporary perspective on warfare. The section on the Vietnam War, while relatively small, was of particular interest given my ongoing efforts to build a 28mm Vietnam collection for future wargaming.

    Adding Some History to the Games Room

    Before leaving, I couldn’t resist visiting the museum’s gift shop, which turned out to be a treasure trove of inspiration. Among the many books and artifacts, I picked up a bunch of World War II propaganda prints to decorate our games room back home. From classic British “Keep Calm and Carry On” posters to American recruitment artwork and stark Soviet imagery, these pieces will not only add some character to the space but also serve as a constant source of wargaming inspiration.

    A Wargamer’s Takeaway

    What struck me most about the Imperial War Museum was the balance between grand military artifacts and deeply personal stories. The museum doesn’t just celebrate military might—it forces visitors to confront the realities of war, from its strategic implications to its human cost.

    For a wargamer, visiting the IWM is an invaluable experience. Seeing real-world tanks, aircraft, and weapons up close adds a level of authenticity and appreciation that no amount of rulebook research or model-building can replicate. The museum also offers plenty of inspiration for scenario design, historical campaign ideas, and even terrain-building.

    Final Thoughts

    If you’re ever in London, whether as a tourist or as part of a Partizan or Salute trip, a visit to the Imperial War Museum London is well worth the time. It’s an essential stop for anyone passionate about military history, wargaming, or simply understanding the deeper narratives behind the battles we so often re-fight in miniature.

    With my head full of ideas for future games, my phone packed with reference photos, and a roll of newly acquired wartime propaganda art under my arm, I left the museum energized for more historical wargaming. Now, back to painting my Blood & Valor force and finishing up my 28mm Vietnam jungle terrain…

  • Manor Gaming Heads to London for Salute 2025

    Manor Gaming Heads to London for Salute 2025

    Every wargamer has their bucket list events, and for many of us, Salute sits firmly at the top. Hosted by the South London Warlords, it’s the UK’s premier wargaming convention—featuring an incredible trade hall, jaw-dropping participation games, and a chance to meet fellow enthusiasts from all over the world. This year, I’m making the journey from Gozo, Malta, to London to experience it firsthand, and I know of at least one other Maltese gamer—Ric—who will be attending as well. We connected through a Reddit post about Flames of War in Malta, though we’ve yet to meet in person.

    The Plan: Shopping, Gaming, and Connecting

    With Malta’s limited local wargaming stockists, one of my primary objectives is to take full advantage of Salute’s trade hall. Many of the specialist wargaming products—be it terrain, miniatures, rulebooks, or accessories—are simply unavailable here. As usual, I’ll be travelling with two empty suitcases to fill up with wargaming supplies. I plan to stock up on things I’ve had my eye on for months and grab a few impulse buys because, let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be Salute without a little bit of that!

    Beyond shopping, I’m particularly excited about the participation games. Salute has a well-earned reputation for hosting some of the best demo and participation games in the world, covering everything from historical battles to sci-fi skirmishes. The historical wargaming focus at Salute is especially appealing, as it’s something we don’t get as much in Malta but is quite popular here on Gozo. Whether it’s Napoleonic clashes, Vietnam firefights, or Warhammer 30k battles, I’ll be getting hands-on with as many as possible. Of course, I’ll also be taking a ton of photos to document the experience—both for the blog and to share with fellow historical wargamers in Malta and Gozo who couldn’t make it.

    Event Highlights: Exclusive Miniatures and Exciting Games

    One of the standout features of Salute is the exclusive miniatures offered to attendees. This year, the first 5,000 guests will receive a goodie bag containing the official Salute 52 miniature: Lieutenant Colonel James Macdonell, renowned for his defense of Hougoumont farmhouse during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Additionally, a digital miniature of a Highlander Mech Pilot will be available as a free download via a QR code in the show guide.

    The event will also showcase a variety of participation and demonstration games. While specific game titles are still being finalized, past Salute events have featured a diverse range of historical and fantasy scenarios, ensuring there’s something for every wargaming enthusiast.

    Vendors to Watch: Must-Visit Stalls at the Trade Hall

    The trade hall at Salute is a treasure trove for wargamers, featuring a vast array of vendors offering unique products. Here are some of the exhibitors I’m particularly excited to visit:

    Travel and Accommodation: A Guide for Historical Wargamers in Malta and Gozo

    If you’re considering making the trip to Salute next year (or even at the last minute this year), here’s what you need to know:

    • Flights: Direct flights from Malta to London are plentiful, with options from Air Malta, Ryanair, and easyJet. Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted are all viable options, with good connections to ExCeL London, where Salute is held.
    • Accommodation: Staying near ExCeL can be pricey, but there are more affordable options in Stratford or Canary Wharf, both of which have great public transport links. Budget hotels like Premier Inn or Travelodge are solid choices, or you can go for Airbnb if traveling with a group.
    • Transport: The Elizabeth Line and DLR are your best bets for reaching ExCeL. An Oyster card or contactless payment card makes getting around London easy.
    • Tickets: Salute tickets can be bought online in advance or on the day at the venue. Buying ahead is recommended to avoid queues and get in early.

    Join Me at Salute!

    If you’re in Malta and thinking about attending, drop me a message! Whether it’s for this year or planning for 2026, it would be fantastic to get a group together and represent the historical wargaming scene from Malta and Gozo. Salute is an event that needs to be experienced in person, and I’d love to see more of us making the trip. Stay tuned for my post-event write-up, and if you’re heading to Salute, let’s connect!