Guards Museum

The Guards Museum is located at Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Road, situated beneath the parade ground. Wellington Barracks is home to the five guards regiments of the British Army. The Guards regiments are the Welsh, Scots and Irish Guards, the Coldstream Guards and the Grenadier Guards. The Guards were formed after the restoration of Charles I in 1660 and were assembled from Cromwell's New Model Army and two regiments from the protectors of the exiled King.

The museum was first opened to the public in 1988 and displays the history of these proud regiments. Among the informative displays are examples of uniform, chronicling the evolving dress of the various regiments. There are also paintings drawing and sculpture, depicting the various battles that have involved the regiments throughout history. The atmosphere is enhanced by examples of the marching music that the guards display to.

At 10:50 am every day throughout April through to August the Guards can be seen entering formation outside the Museum in preparation for their march up to St. James Palace and Buckingham Palace for the changing of the Guard. The Guards Museum also provides a fine gift shop featuring memorabilia and a huge range of model soldiers for purchase.