Royal Welsh Museum
Regimental museum in Brecon barracks telling 400 years of Welsh infantry history, known for its Anglo-Zulu War collection.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum tells the story of the Royal Welsh and the older regiments that merged to form it: the South Wales Borderers (24th), the Royal Welsh Fusiliers (23rd), the Welch Regiment (41st), the South Lincolnshire Regiment (69th), the Monmouthshire Regiment and the Royal Regiment of Wales. Its history stretches back to the late 1680s.
The museum is part of the Brecon barracks and has its own entrance on the Watton, a few metres from the main barracks gate.
The collection holds more than 33,000 objects, including uniforms, medals, weapons, models, letters and artwork, and a large share is on display at any time. Five main galleries cover the First World War, the Second World War, the Anglo-Zulu War, a medal room and an armoury. The museum is best known for its Anglo-Zulu War collection and commemorates the soldiers of the regiments who received the Victoria Cross, forty-three of them in all. It is run as a charity.
Highlights
- Anglo-Zulu War collection, including Victoria Crosses awarded in that war
- Galleries on the First and Second World Wars
- Medal room
- Armoury
- More than 33,000 objects across 400 years of regimental history
Permanent exhibitions
- Anglo-Zulu War gallery – Objects, medals and documents from the 1879 Zulu War, including the Victoria Crosses awarded in that conflict.
- First World War and Second World War galleries – Uniforms, weapons and personal items telling the story of the regiments in both world wars.
- Medal room and armoury – A room of regimental medals and an armoury with weapons.
- Founded
- 1935
- Operated by
- Royal Welsh
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £6.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £4.50Serving personnel and veterans with a Defence Discount, veteran or serving ID card |
| Children & teens | £3.50free up to age 4 · Children aged 5 to 16; children under 5 are free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Carers accompanying a visitor are admitted free. |
| Families | £19Two adults and up to three children. |
| Annual ticket, adult | £14Unlimited visits for one year; Gift Aid applies. |
| Annual ticket, child | £8The child must be accompanied by an adult. |
| Annual ticket, family | £34 |
| Annual ticket, veteran | £10 |
| Curator tour | £2Price per person with a minimum of £20; must be booked in advance. |
Free admission for Friends of the museum with a membership card, members of the Royal Welsh Regimental Association, and serving personnel or cadets in uniform with serving ID.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The galleries are all on one level with space to move between displays. Dogs are not allowed inside except assistance dogs.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £19 · Two adults and up to three children. |
There is a family ticket for two adults and up to three children. School workshops use role play, dressing up and handling of artefacts.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The museum has no car park of its own because it is part of the barracks. There are free spaces in front of the museum, and the Watton long-stay car park is about a five-minute walk away.
The museum entrance is on the Watton, a few metres beyond the main barracks entrance.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Gifts and souvenirs are sold in an online shop.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Curator tours must be booked in advance and are subject to availability. Self-led tours using the Bloomberg Connects app are announced as coming soon. Group bookings are essential and individual visitors with special needs are advised to book ahead. Schools can book workshops that follow the National Curriculum. |
