Imperial War Museum Bag Policy

So, you’re planning a trip to the Imperial War Museum in London. Excellent choice! You’ll see tanks, planes, and stories that will absolutely blow your mind.

But before you sprint through the doors like a 1940s evacuee, there’s one small hurdle: the bag policy. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as a Blitz air raid siren. It’s really just a list of dos and don’ts to keep you and the exhibits safe.

Size Matters (Yes, We’re Talking About Your Bag)

The museum has a clear rule: bags must be smaller than cabin baggage on an airplane. Think of a standard backpack or a large handbag. If you turn up with a suitcase that could house a family of four, you’re in trouble.

They don’t have a cloakroom for giant luggage anymore. It’s all about keeping the place safe and easy to move around. If your bag is too big, they’ll politely ask you to take it back to your hotel or a nearby left-luggage shop. Trust me, no one wants to watch you try to squeeze a duffel bag through a doorway filled with a Spitfire.

Pro tip: Bring a normal-sized rucksack. You’ll thank me when you’re not sweating from carrying a backpack that weighs more than a Sherman tank.

What About Backpacks on Your Back?

Ah, the classic conundrum. Can you wear a backpack on your back inside the museum? Yes, you can. But the museum recommends you carry it in your hand or wear it on one shoulder in crowded areas. Why? Because you don’t want to accidentally swing around and knock over a priceless war map or—worse—a small child who’s pointing at a tank.

Think of it like a dodgeball game: keep your bag close, and you won’t get tagged out. Just be a savvy visitor, not a human wrecking ball.

The Forbidden Items: What Not to Bring

You know the drill: no weapons, obviously. No knives, no guns, no grenades (even the fake ones from your costume shop). This isn’t a Call of Duty lobby; it’s a museum about the real thing. Leave the toy swords at home, please.

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Also, no large bottles of liquid. Water is fine, but a giant thermos of soup? That’s a no-go. Imagine walking through the Holocaust exhibition with a flask under your arm—it’s just not the vibe.

And here’s a fun one: no selfie sticks. I know, I know—how else will you get that perfect photo of you pretending to drive a tank? But the museum says no. They’re worried you’ll jab someone’s eye out or trip over a cable. Just use your arms for a selfie like a normal human from the 2010s.

Food and Drink: A Delicate Balance

You can bring snacks, but they must be in sealed containers. Nobody wants to find a half-eaten baguette in the Holocaust gallery. If you’re hungry, use the café. They have scones that are better than your grandma’s (sorry, Nan).

And please, don’t eat while walking through the exhibits. The museum is a place of reflection, not a picnic spot. Save your crisps for the bench outside, or you’ll get a death stare from a staff member that says, “I’ve seen WWII; your chips aren’t important.”

Security Check: The Friendly Greeting

When you arrive, you’ll go through a metal detector and have your bag scanned. It’s like airport security, but without the stress of missing a flight. The staff are genuinely lovely—they’ll smile and say “hello” even while you’re emptying your pockets of loose change and a mysterious temple of pocket lint.

Just be cooperative. Empty your water bottle if they ask. Show them your bag. No one is trying to ruin your day; they’re just ensuring that the only bombs in the building are the exhibits.

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What If I Have a Pushchair or a Wheelchair?

Great news: pushchairs (strollers) and wheelchairs are welcome. The museum is fully accessible. Just remember that pushchairs count as “bags” in the sense that you can’t bring massive cargo. If your pushchair looks like a mobile fort, you might be asked to fold it up.

For wheelchairs, there’s no issue at all. Staff will help you navigate. You’re not a burden; you’re a VIP with wheels.

The Bag Drop: A Magical Option

If you have a small but manageable bag, you can use the free bag drop near the entrance. It’s not a giant storage room, so don’t bring a rucksack full of bricks. But for a standard school bag or a laptop bag? Perfect.

They’ll give you a ticket, and you collect it later. It’s like a cloakroom, but without the cloak. Just don’t lose the ticket, or you’ll have to explain to a kind but tired staff member that you swear your bag is the black one with the Union Jack patch. They’ll find it, but it’s awkward.

A Final, Fun Checklist

Before you leave, remember: smaller is better. Use a backpack or handbag no bigger than airline carry-on. Skip the selfie stick and the giant water bottle. Bring snacks in a sealed container. And for the love of history, leave your toy grenade at home—unless you want a security guard to have an actual heart attack.

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Oh, and one more thing: the museum does allow cameras. So you can take a selfie—just use your arm. It’s 2025, and we’ve all mastered the elongated arm technique.

Why This Matters (The Uplifting Part)

Look, I get it—bag policies are boring. They’re the unpoetic part of history, the ignored footnote before you see a V-2 rocket. But here’s the truth: this policy exists so you can have an awesome, safe, and soul-stirring experience.

When you walk through those doors, bag-free and carefree, you’ll be ready to learn about courage, sacrifice, and resilience. You’ll see things that make you think, “Wow, we humans are a messy but magnificent species.” You’ll laugh at the “Keep Calm and Carry On” merch, and you’ll cry at the stories of survival.

And when you leave, you’ll probably feel a little lighter—not just because your bag was smaller, but because history has a way of putting things into perspective. You’ll realize that a bag policy is a tiny price to pay for a day spent honouring the people who gave everything.

So pack light, laugh often, and go see the tanks. You’ll leave with a full heart and an empty bag. And that, my friend, is a perfect day out.

Now go make some memories—and maybe buy a scone while you’re there. You’ve earned it.