Frequently Asked Questions
Are there toilet facilities at the museum?
The museum has no toilet facilities on-site. The nearest public toilets are located in St James’s Park, at the following locations: Horse Guards Parade, Marlborough Gate.
The nearest Changing Places Toilet is located at London Victoria Station.
The museum is not able to offer baby change or private breast feeding facilities.
How long shall I plan to visit?
We have nearly 400 years of history across 5 Regiments to cover, with over 1000 items on display. So, it is never easy to say how long a visit will be.
Typically, our visitors may spend between 30 minutes and 1 hour exploring our galleries. Should you choose to take an audio guide during your visit, listening to all stops would take approximately 45 minutes.
For those who plan to read all of our captions and information, you may wish to allow several hours for your visit.
Can I bring my assistance animal into the museum?
Yes, we welcome assistance animals in the museum. Where possible, registered animals should bring proof of identification, but this is not a requirement for entry.
Any assistance animals should be supervised and kept under your control for the duration of your visit. The museum reserves the right to deny entry to any animals who are not suited to the museum environment.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact us.
Can I take photographs in the museum?
You are welcome to take photographs in all galleries throughout your visit. However, flash photography is prohibited.
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Can I store my belongings during my visit?
The museum has no cloakroom facilities on site. For this reason, we ask that you do not bring large bags or suitcases.
We are not able to offer buggy park facilities at this time. However, the museum is accessible via a staff-operated lift. Once inside, the museum galleries are all on one level with no stairs.
Is there a museum café?
Unfortunately the museum does not have a café on site, nor do we have a dedicated indoor picnic area. For this reason, food and drink is not permitted in the museum, except for bottled water.
You are welcome to use the outdoor space on Chapel Square, where there is some seating. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the nearby cafés in St James’s Park.
Will I be able to sit during my visit?
There are a number of seats spaced throughout the museum, which you are welcome to use during your visit.
We are able to provide portable camping chairs upon request, subject to availability. Please provide at least 24 hours notice prior to your visit, should you require a chair.
Do you have a museum shop?
Yes! Our shop is located at the entrance of the museum.
There is also a limited range of products available on our online shop.
What activities do you have for children?
There is a dedicated children’s area, located in the Music Gallery, which staff will be happy to direct you to on the day. Here you will find a colouring-in station, activities like code-breaking, and a small selection of children’s books. Whilst you’re there, you can also visit our ‘guardsman’s locker’, where you can get your hands on some army uniforms.
You will also find themed trails in the galleries, helping to bring the history within the cases alive through problem solving and imagination.
For the whole family, you may wish to take part in our Uniform Try-on Experience, for your chance to step into scarlet tunic and tall bearskin cap – the iconic Guards’ uniform. Speak to staff on the day about booking this activity, subject to availability.
We encourage you to check our What’s On page, as we run various family friendly events and activities throughout the year.
What languages are available on the audio guide?
Our audio guide is currently available in 9 languages – English, French, German, Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
We welcome your feedback as we continue to develop our gallery interpretation for international audiences. Let us know what other languages you would like to see in our offer by reaching out to contact@guardsmuseum.org.uk
Where can I see the Changing of the Guard?
If you visit between 10:15 and 11:30 on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, the Changing of the Guard will usually be taking place at Wellington Barracks and nearby Buckingham Palace. We are lucky to be located just next door to this ceremony, should you wish to incorporate this to your visit prior to visiting the museum.
On a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you will find the Captain’s Inspection taking place at Buckingham Palace, beginning at 15:00. The Sunday Parade also takes place at Buckingham Palace, at 11:00.
You can find the full schedule on the Household Division website.