Your guide to London’s museums

London is famous for its culture in the arts and sciences, as well as for being a focal point of British war history. With dozens of exciting museums dotted around the capital, the options are endless.

We’ve created a guide for the best museums the city has to offer. So what are you waiting for? Step into a world of knowledge and intrigue!


National History Museum

Entry: FREE, pre-booking advised
Opening times: 10am – 5:50pm daily
This free science museum is arguably one of the most famous in Britain. With sections dedicated to creatures from all over the world, there are plenty of exhibits and facts to keep the little ones entertained. Including their iconic Blue Whale skeleton just inside the museum entrance and the animatronic dinosaur recreation exhibit, this museum should definitely be on your bucket list! Uncover stories about the Natural History Museum’s variety of collections, scientists and researchers. Educate yourself on the mystery and origin of life on Earth, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals.

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Victoria and Albert Museum

Entry: FREE, no pre-booking needed
Opening times: 10am – 5:45pm daily excluding Fridays, 10am – 10pm
Step inside the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance. Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has a permanent collection of over 4 million items that spans 5000 years and every continent. It holds items such as costumes, ceramics, prints, photographs and drawings. It also houses the world’s largest collection of post-classical sculptures. Why not check out Victoria and Albert Museum’s latest exhibition ‘Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature’ that explores the places and animals that served as inspiration for her most beloved characters.

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Imperial War Museum

Entry: FREE, pre-booking advised
Opening times: 10am – 6pm daily
The Imperial War Museum is the world’s leading museum of war, and the London site is just one of three. Founded whilst the First World War was at its peak, it gives voice to the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people who fought for their country over 100 years ago. With five different exhibition displays, including poppies, an art gallery and the artefact gallery, this museum will enrich and entertain the kids at the same time. Make sure to fill up at lunch in their cafe and end the day with a souvenir from the trusty gift shop.

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The Science Museum

Entry: FREE, pre-booking required
Opening times: 10am – 6pm daily
The London Science Museum tells stories of extraordinary human achievements and advancements throughout history and offers a variety of interactive immersive galleries to explore. The museum holds a real treasure trove of items including a working version of the first computer – Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine. It is also renowned for its historic collections, awe-inspiring galleries and inspirational exhibitions. Why not visit their Wonderlab, an immersive exhibit that is sure to reawaken your curiosity as you discover the incredible ways science and maths shape our world.

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The British Museum

Entry: FREE, pre-booking required
Opening times: 10am – 5pm daily excluding Fridays, 10am – 8:30pm
Founded in 1753, the British Museum is the world’s oldest national public museum holding a permanent collection of over eight million works, so it’s a no-brainer why so many people visit every year. Not only does it boast historical pieces from every country and culture around the world, but many sections have been revamped with a heavy emphasis on interactivity. So there’ll be no sighs of boredom as you learn about the greats of African sculptures or out-of-this-world Aztec jewellery. There’s also an ever-changing programme of events and exhibitions so you’ll want to come back again and again.

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Churchill War Rooms

Entry: from £26.35 & kids and members go free, pre-booking required
Opening times: 9:30am – 6pm daily
This top-secret passageway running below Westminster was used in Britain’s war plan to house war personnel safely away from the London bombings. The labyrinth of rooms and tunnels make up what we know today as the Cabinet War rooms and Churchill Museum. Famous for showcasing replica artefacts that would’ve been used by Winston Churchill himself, this IWS museum is an enlightening visual experience for the little ones. Take an hour or so to traverse around the site and experience how it would have been to live in these conditions back then.

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Cutty Sark

Entry: £16 for adults, £8 for children
Opening times: 10am – 5pm daily
Once the fastest moving ship of its time, the famous Cutty Sark is now home to an interactive exhibit all about the adventures of the crew. After being built in 1869, the clipper visited nearly every major port in the world and gained fame for its record-breaking passages. Take a tour around the exhibitions inside detailing the ship’s journeys and the world’s largest Merchant Navy figurehead collection. New for 2022, they also offer a Rig Climbing experience, perfect for keen adventurers!

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National Maritime Museum

Entry: FREE, pre-booking required
Opening times: 10am – 5pm daily
The National Maritime Museum is situated in the impressive buildings of the former Royal Naval School, part of Maritime Greenwich which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The Museum comprises of three sites: the Maritime Galleries, the Royal Observatory and the Queen’s House. Together these constitute one museum working to illustrate to everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people.

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Royal Air Force Museum

Entry: FREE, pre-booking advised
Opening times: 10am – 5pm daily
Prepare for takeoff at this exclusive RAF museum located in North London. Trace the history of aviation and the famous RAF fighter jets through the museum, with a variety of exhibitions. From interactive games and information tasks to genuine aircraft that were used in battle, you will be sure to learn something new after visiting this extraordinary museum. As well as their inside exhibitions, they also have an airfield for guests to enjoy after a walk around the museum, including a playground, picnic areas and beanbags to relax on.

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