What are the best museums to visit in London?

The best museums in London include the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern, and the National Gallery.

Are London museums free?

Yes. Most major museums in London, including the British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate Modern, offer free entry to their permanent collections. Special exhibitions may require paid tickets.

Do I need to book museum tickets in advance?

It’s recommended to book in advance for popular exhibitions or guided tours, especially at the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and Tate Modern, to guarantee entry and skip queues.

What are the most family-friendly museums in London?

Family-friendly museums include the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Museum of London Docklands — all offering interactive exhibits and educational experiences for children.

What is the best area for visiting multiple museums in one day?

South Kensington is ideal — it’s home to the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum, all located within minutes of each other.

Can I buy combo passes for London museums?

Yes. Combination tickets and city passes such as the London Pass or Go City Pass include access to multiple museums and attractions, often with skip-the-line benefits. You can buy these through The London Tourist

London Museums Guide

Welcome to our London Museums guide

London is home to some of the greatest museums in the world - places where art, history, science, and culture collide

From the world-renowned British Museum and Natural History Museum to hidden gems like the Design Museum and Museum of London Docklands, the capital’s museums offer something for every visitor. Most major museums are free to enter, though special exhibitions and tours can be pre-booked online to skip queues and secure guaranteed entry. Whether you’re an art lover, a family traveller, or simply curious about London’s past, the city’s museums make for unforgettable days out.

About London’s Museums

London’s museum scene combines tradition and innovation. The city boasts centuries-old institutions that preserve global heritage alongside contemporary galleries pushing creative boundaries. Many museums are located within easy reach of one another, making it simple to plan multi-stop visits or combine with nearby attractions.

Most museums offer guided tours, late-night openings, cafés, and interactive exhibitions - ideal for families and culture seekers alike.

Top Museums in London

The British Museum - Bloomsbury
One of the world’s oldest museums, featuring artefacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Don’t miss the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. Free general admission, paid exhibition tickets available.

Natural History Museum - South Kensington
A family favourite housed in a stunning Gothic building. Explore dinosaur fossils, the Blue Whale skeleton, and fascinating natural science collections.

Science Museum - South Kensington
Interactive, educational, and engaging for all ages - covering everything from space exploration to modern technology. Perfect for families with children.

Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) - South Kensington
The world’s leading museum of art, design, and fashion. Its collections include decorative arts, sculpture, textiles, and photography.

Tate Modern - Bankside
A must-see for contemporary art enthusiasts. Located in a converted power station, Tate Modern features international modern and contemporary works including pieces by Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney.

National Gallery - Trafalgar Square
Home to masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Turner, and Rembrandt. One of the most visited art museums in Europe - and free to enter.

The Museum of London Docklands - Canary Wharf
Telling the story of the Thames and the city’s maritime past. Excellent for history buffs and families.

The Design Museum - Kensington
Celebrating architecture, product design, fashion, and technology - one of London’s most forward-thinking cultural spaces.

The Imperial War Museum - Lambeth
An unflinching look at global conflict and human resilience, featuring moving exhibitions on both World Wars and modern military history.

The Wallace Collection - Marylebone
A hidden gem housed in a historic townhouse, showcasing fine art, period furniture, and armour in an intimate setting.

Our Guides London Museums

Popular Museum Experiences (Bookable Tours & Passes)

British Museum Guided Highlights Tour - 2-hour expert-led walking tour exploring the museum’s most famous artefacts.
South Kensington Museum Trio Pass - Combined skip-the-line entry for the Natural History, Science, and V&A Museums.
Tate Modern Private Tour - Personal art-history tour with a licensed guide (ideal for small groups or art enthusiasts).
London Pass by Go City - Access 80+ attractions and museums with one digital pass - includes fast-track entry to selected venues.

Planning Your Visit

Most of London’s top museums are concentrated in South Kensington, Bloomsbury, and Central London, making it easy to visit multiple in one day.

Opening hours: Typically 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; some offer late-night openings on Fridays.
Tickets: Most permanent collections are free; temporary exhibitions are ticketed. Book in advance to secure popular time slots.
Best time to visit: Early morning or weekday afternoons to avoid crowds.
Accessibility: All major museums offer step-free access, lifts, and free entry for carers.