Being the capital of England, London has bundles of joy and attractions spilling out in every corner. Whether it’s immersive art exhibitions, ghost tours, quirky restaurants bars, cool game rooms and loads more. There is always something to do in London, but one thing that is easy and good for the mind is visiting one of the best museums in London. With around 200 museums, you’ll have plenty of choices. Psst, they’re mostly free too!
But there are so many…where would you start? Don’t fret because we’ve made a list of the 10 best museums in London, so tick them off as you go!
10 Best Museums in London
Natural History Museum
Let’s start off with one of the most famous museums in London. A world-class attraction that displays a vast range of exhibits, from giant dinosaurs, and fascinating geological finds, to tiny critters and an impressive solar system. Learn facts about what made the Earth as it is today. Discover which animals roamed the world long before us and explore the diverse creatures around the globe. Watch animatronic dinosaurs and imagine what it would have been like to see one in real life and let your mind wander into outer space, as you ponder over what’s more to Earth. Or gaze at the skeleton of a blue whale as you walk in!
The Natural History Museum is a beloved attraction in London, that brings about 5 million visitors a year! And you can be one of them – whether you’ve been there before or haven’t had the chance to, the time is now. Treat your mind to the fascinating facts about our planet and universe.
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British Museum
The British Museum was the first-ever national museum that was open to the public in the world – so it’s incredibly special. With an impressive heritage, it’s sure to surprise you with facts and ancient history exhibits you were completely unaware of!
Having opened in 1759, you’ll be blown away by the vast history the museum has to offer – from treasures discovered around the globe to galleries dating to different periods of history – 5000BC, China, Ancient Greece, Ancient Iran…the range is absolutely magnificent and overwhelming, to say the least.
Boasting an impressive 6 million visitors a year, the British Museum has MUCH to offer, educate and fascinate you with.
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Science Museum
The most visited science and technology museum in Europe…so you know it will be brilliant for kids! A museum that tells the stories of extraordinary humans and their achievements, and technological advancements that have shaped the world we see today. What challenges they faced throughout history and how it was overcome.
Whether you have an interest in science or not, you’ll be blown about with the sheer fun that can be had here! With an impressive seven floors of hands-on exhibits, inventions and fascinating machines to look at, you’ll get lost in the moment!
It’s educational, it’s immersive and best of all…it’s just simply fun.
Definitely, on my list for one of the best museums in London – it’s a must-see attraction!
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V&A
If there’s one museum you have to visit in London, make sure it’s this one – being one of the world and London’s most magnificent museums, the Victoria & Albert Museum hosts an amazing collection of artwork that is sure to blow you away.
With an impressive 150 grand galleries across 7 floors, there’s so much to explore. Whether you’re an art lover or not, you’ll find something that will call to you. Whether it’s the fascinating collection of paintings, textiles, furniture, sculptures, metalwork and more or innovative fashion and captivating artwork. The V&A has it all.
When a museum is named the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance – you know it’s worth every hour spent here.
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Museum of London
A museum dedicated to the history of the magnificent capital city. Discover stories from all over London’s history, what it was like during the Victorian Times, even earlier than that like before it was even built at 450,000BC – AD 50! Then explore London throughout the impressive time periods that have shaped the city to what it is now – Roman and Medieval London for example.
Learn what the devastating impact of the Great Fire of London was and even encounter the London Cauldron from the 2012 Olympic Games!
One of the best museums in London…about London!
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Imperial War Museum
Dedicated to the devastating and tragic wars in human history, the Imperial War Museum conserves the stories and physical remanents of past conflicts and will change the way future generations will understand the past. It is actually the first museum to display both Second World War and The Holocaust Galleries under the same roof…
With 6 floors bringing the stories of real people together, equipment used and much more history, you’ll be left in deep thought. As you venture further up the floors, the tone of the Museum darkens with galleries dedicated to the most tragic events, which are unsuitable for under 16-year-olds.
It is a hard-hitting museum to visit, but it’s still important. And that’s why it is one of the best museums in London.
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London Transport Museum
Known as the world’s leading museum of urban transport, the London Transport Museum is a favourite in the capital city.
You’ll be amazed at the wonders of the classic transports vehicles, like the vintage red Routemasters! And your curiosity will peak when you observe the early tube trains, and the first underground engine that was steam-powered! Discover the early transport maps, as well as old uniforms and signs. Wander over to the artwork that captured 1860 London to its present-day and how the evolution of transport has changed.
There’s also a family play zone for kids aged 0-7 – featuring an array of mini vehicles that the kids can climb and play on – like trains, boats and an Emirate Air Line cable car!
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Tate Modern
An iconic museum and art gallery that was transformed from an old power station! It now houses modern and contemporary art from all over the world. From Caribbean-British Art from the 1950s till now or how artists developed unusual materials and methods to create art.
A place where you can get lost in a painting for hours. And with an extensive permanent collection of 78,000 artworks, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
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Bank of England Museum
Discover the history of the Bank of England from when it began in 1694! And follow its journey to the present day…
With 40,000 items that span over 1,500 years – there will be fascinating history to delve into. Whether it’s archaeology, banknotes, coins, artworks, sculptures and much more! You even have a chance to hold a real gold bar! How many people can say that?
Uncover the origins of the Bank of England, you won’t regret it.
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The Design Museum
A fascinating museum that is dedicated to contemporary design in every aspect, whether it’s temporary exhibits, pop-ups or bookable displays!
Discover past, present and future exhibitions, fashion, graphics, architecture and so much more. It’s a museum for creative minds and out of the box thinkers. It also holds a variety of learning programmes and activities for children to get involved in.
A world leader in contemporary art galleries, full of amazing collections and definitely one to add to your best museums in London list!
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FAQs
What’s the best museum in London?
That’s an impossible question to answer because each museum offers a different thing! Whether you’re interested in dinosaurs, outer space, geological rocks, art, modern or contemporary galleries, fashion and so on. You just can’t pick one – but this is a list of our favourite museums in London!
What is the most visited museum in London?
According to numbers from 2020 – Tate Modern was the most visited UK attraction!
What is the biggest museum in London?
The biggest museum is The British Museum – which also has nearly 7 million guests visit each year!
What UK city has the most museums?
London has the most museums with 23 in just Westminster and 22 in Camden!
So, it’s time to start getting out to London and visiting the best museums around! Whether you want to immerse yourself in all things outer space and the wide universe, walk among the dinosaurs or gaze at picturesque paintings in a public gallery with an extensive collection of artwork and find what it means to you. London has it all, with the best museums that are world-known!