Armistice Day 2024: London museums and memorials to visit on Remembrance Day

People in London will be looking for ways to pay their respects to our fallen soldiers on Armistice Day.

London offers a poignant array of museums and memorials dedicated to the memory of those who served and sacrificed.

This list highlights some of the capital's most meaningful places to reflect, pay respects, and better understand the events that shaped our history.

Whether you choose to stand among the crowds at The Cenotaph or explore the quiet galleries of the Imperial War Museum, these spaces offer a chance to connect with history and honour those who served our country.

1. Imperial War Museum (IWM) London

Location: Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ

The Imperial War Museum is one of London’s foremost destinations for exploring the realities of war. The exhibits cover conflicts from WWI through to the present, showcasing artifacts, personal accounts, and powerful photographs.

Over Remembrance Weekend, the museum hosts various special events, including guided tours and screenings. Don't miss the extensive WWI and WWII exhibits and the striking "Witnesses to War" gallery.

Visit the Holocaust Galleries, which offer a sobering insight into the lives affected by war and prejudice.

2. National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph

Location: Whitehall, Westminster

The Cenotaph, London's most famous war memorial, stands at the heart of the Remembrance Day commemorations. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, this stark, unadorned monument symbolizes all British and Commonwealth soldiers who have fallen in wars since WWI.

Visitors can attend the official Remembrance Sunday service here or pay respects during quieter hours. The site becomes a focal point for ceremonies, with wreath-laying taking place in honour of fallen heroes.

Arrive early on Sunday to witness the solemn procession and ceremonial events that draw crowds each year.

3. Churchill War Rooms

Location: King Charles Street, SW1A 2AQ

Step into the underground nerve centre where Winston Churchill and his team plotted Britain's WWII strategy. The Churchill War Rooms offer a unique perspective on wartime life, from planning strategies to coping with the Blitz.

Exhibits include the Map Room, kept exactly as it was left in 1945, and a museum dedicated to Churchill’s life and legacy.

Book tickets in advance, as the War Rooms are especially popular during Remembrance Weekend.

4. Royal Air Force Museum

Location: Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL

Located in Hendon, the Royal Air Force Museum commemorates the role of the RAF and includes displays of iconic aircraft like the Spitfire and the Lancaster Bomber.

There’s a special emphasis on the Battle of Britain, making this a perfect stop for those interested in the history of the UK’s air defenses.

Don't miss the immersive “Our Finest Hour” experience, which transports visitors back to the war's most dramatic moments.

5. The Guards’ Memorial

Location: Horse Guards Parade, Westminster

This lesser-known memorial honours the Household Division soldiers who served in WWI and subsequent conflicts. Located near St. James's Park, the Guards Memorial features bronze figures and inscriptions dedicated to each regiment, offering a reflective stop along your Remembrance trail.

This peaceful spot is ideal for a reflective pause, surrounded by the historic atmosphere of Horse Guards Parade.

6. National Army Museum

Location: Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea

The National Army Museum is an engaging, family-friendly destination with exhibits covering 400 years of British Army history. Discover personal stories, see historic uniforms, and explore interactive displays.

Special exhibitions during Remembrance Weekend often include veteran interviews and live re-enactments.

Check out the "Road to Recovery" exhibit, which explores the challenges soldiers faced returning to civilian life post-conflict.

7. The Poppy Factory

Location: Richmond, TW9 1PH

A unique, hands-on experience awaits at The Poppy Factory in Richmond, where remembrance poppies are crafted year-round.

The factory offers guided tours where visitors can learn the story behind the iconic poppy symbol, meet the veterans employed there, and even try crafting a poppy themselves. This is a meaningful way to support the cause while learning more about the origins of the poppy tradition.

Check availability and pre-book as the factory tour is limited and popular around Remembrance time.