12 Museums in London you should not miss!

London is home to some of the best museums in the world, whether you’re into art, natural history, or quirky collections that make you question the past (or your sanity).

This city has something for everyone—history buffs, design enthusiasts, even transport nerds. So grab your Oyster card (or plan to walk, it’s London after all) and get ready to explore the must-see museums of the capital.

Here’s a list of 12 institutions that’ll take you from the dawn of civilization to the depths of the London Underground—and maybe teach you something along the way.

PS: If you want to save some money visiting museums and attractions I would recommend getting the London Pass as you will save A LOT of money!

1. The British Museum

• Address: Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG
• Entry: Free
• Guided tours: Available. Tickets can be purchased here

The British Museum is basically the Beyoncé of museums—everyone knows about it, and it’s a global superstar.

Opened in 1759, this museum has a permanent collection of over eight million artefacts covering thousands of years of history and culture.

Want to see the famous Rosetta Stone, the key to understanding Egyptian hieroglyphs? How about the Parthenon Sculptures, which have sparked British and Greek debates for centuries?

The Egyptian mummies are also a fan-favorite, especially if you’re into something a little more… wrapped up.

With free entry and world-class exhibits, it’s no wonder this museum tops every list of the 25 best museums in London. Trust me, you won’t want to skip this one.

I would really recommend having a look at the Museum Shop because they have the most gorgeous Coffee Table books about art and history!

2. Natural History Museum

• Address: Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD
• Entry: Free
• Guided tours: Available. Get tickets here.

Step into the Natural History Museum, and you’re greeted by Hope, the museum’s breathtaking blue whale skeleton suspended in Hintze Hall.

If dinosaurs are more your style, don’t worry—this museum has a whole section dedicated to the creatures that roamed the Earth long before humans.

And it’s not just for kids; adults will love the exhibits too, from the epic Darwin Centre to the walrus in the Mammals Hall (yes, a walrus).

This museum also boasts a collection of 80 million specimens, from minerals to meteorites, making it one of the best places to learn about the natural world in London.

Plus, it’s completely free entry, so your wallet gets a break too.

3. Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

• Address: Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL
• Entry: Free (some temporary exhibitions cost extra)
• Guided tours: Available. You can book your tickets here.

If you’ve ever wanted to see fashion from the 18th century right up to the modern day, the Victoria and Albert Museum is your one-stop-shop. Yes – it is a museum named after Queen Victoria and her Albert (if you have not seen the series Victoria I would highly recommend doing so!)

Known as the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, the V&A showcases everything from Hogarth prints to contemporary fashion exhibits.

It’s also home to Turner paintings, Canaletto works, and more British art than you can shake a stick at. Its permanent collection covers textiles, jewellery, ceramics, and even furniture.

Located in Kensington, right near Holland Park, this is the kind of museum where you can lose yourself for hours, whether you’re into Victorian decor or modern design.

4. Museum of London

• Address: 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN (Main); Hertsmere Road, E14 4AL (Docklands)
• Entry: Free

Want to experience the entire history of London without having to trudge through its often rainy streets?

The Museum of London lets you do just that. Start with the city’s Roman beginnings, move through the medieval period, and end with the modern metropolis we know today.

Over at the Museum of London Docklands, you can explore exhibits like Sailortown and the hard-hitting London, Sugar & Slavery exhibition, which delves into the darker side of the city’s maritime past.

These two museums give you an unparalleled look at how the streets of London have evolved. And yes, free entry means more money for snacks after your visit.

5. Churchill War Rooms

• Address: King Charles St, SW1A 2AQ
• Entry: £32 (concessions available)
• Guided tours: This WW2 tour of central london includes entry to the war rooms.

If you’re a history buff or just love a good war story, the Churchill War Rooms are a must-see. Located beneath the streets of Westminster, this museum gives you a front-row seat to Winston Churchill’s World War II headquarters.

Explore the preserved rooms where key decisions were made during Britain’s darkest days, including Churchill’s personal office, complete with his original desk and belongings.

Part of the Imperial War Museum collection, the War Rooms also feature interactive displays, letting you dig deep into Britain’s wartime past. It’s one of those places where you get a real sense of what it must’ve been like to lead the nation in the face of impossible odds.

And when you get back home you can watch the movie Darkest Hour which is about Churchill!

6. The Clink Prison Museum

• Address: 1 Clink Street, SE1 9DG
• Entry: £8.00

Ever wondered what it was like to be locked up in London’s most notorious medieval prison?

Well, wonder no more because The Clink Prison Museum gives you a firsthand look at the grim reality of medieval justice.

Built on the site of the original Clink Prison, this museum dives into the dark history of punishment and imprisonment in the capital.

You’ll see torture devices, learn about famous inmates, and maybe even rethink that “bad day” you’ve been having.

For those into the more macabre side of history, this museum is a must-visit. Just don’t expect afternoon tea—this is the gritty, real deal.

7. Design Museum

• Address: 224-238, High St Kensington, W8 6AG
• Entry: Free (permanent exhibits); temporary exhibitions from £16

If sleek lines and innovative design get you excited, then the Design Museum is where you need to be.

Celebrating modern and contemporary design in all forms—from fashion to architecture to furniture—this museum is for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Who designed this chair, and why does it look so cool?”

Recent temporary exhibitions have ranged from the futuristic ASMR phenomenon to a playful look at Barbie, proving that this museum’s scope is as broad as it is bold.

Located in Kensington, the museum is a must-visit for design lovers or anyone curious about the future of aesthetics.

Plus, after all that design, Holland Park is right next door for some post-museum zen.

8. London Transport Museum

• Address: Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB
• Entry: From £22 in advance
• Tickets: Tickets can be purchased here.

PS: Via this museum you can also visit the abandoned tube stations in London. These tickets NEED to be purchased in advance and can be found here depending on what station you want to visit.

For a trip through time—on the Tube no less—the London Transport Museum is an absolute must-see.

Located in the bustling Covent Garden, this museum is dedicated to the history of London’s transport systems, from Victorian carriages to the iconic Tube trains.

Step aboard vintage double-decker buses, check out old-school posters, and see how the capital’s streets have changed over the years.

The museum also features plenty of interactive displays that’ll keep the kids entertained while you geek out over tube maps from the early 20th century.

It’s one of those places where you’ll be amazed at how much history is tied to getting from point A to point B.

9. The Postal Museum

• Address: 15-20 Phoenix Pl, WC1X 0DA
• Entry: £16
• Tickets: Tickets can be bought via this link.

The Postal Museum might sound like a niche experience, but trust me, it’s a surprisingly fun dive into the history of Britain’s postal service.

The highlight here is the Mail Rail—a tiny train that zips through the old underground postal tunnels of London.

It’s a throwback to when the city’s letters traveled beneath the streets faster than any modern postman could manage.

The museum also features quirky exhibitions, including Victorian valentines and collections of postal-related oddities that show just how much the world has changed, yet stayed the same.

It’s a fun, unexpected way to learn about London’s hidden history.

10. Museum of Brands

• Address: 111-117 Lancaster Road, W11 1QT
• Entry: £9 / Included in The London Pass and Go City Explorer Pass
• Tickets: Tickets can be bought via this link.

If you’ve ever wondered why you feel nostalgic when you see an old Marmite jar or a vintage Coke bottle, the Museum of Brands in Notting Hill has the answer.

This museum is like walking through a time capsule of consumer culture, featuring over 150 years of branding and advertising history.

The Time Tunnel exhibition is a real highlight, where you can see how brands have evolved, or, in some cases, stayed exactly the same (looking at you, Heinz beans).

Created by consumer historian Robert Opie, this museum will make you rethink the everyday products you use and how they’ve been marketed to us over the years.

11. Grant Museum of Zoology

• Address: Rockefeller Building, UCL, WC1E 6DE
• Entry: Free

If your idea of a good time includes jars of preserved animals and slightly macabre exhibits, then the Grant Museum of Zoology will be right up your alley.

This museum is home to around 68,000 zoological specimens, ranging from the bizarre (a jar of moles) to the magnificent (skeletons of extinct species).

It’s one of those quirky spots that might leave you scratching your head or deep in fascination, but either way, it’s one of London’s hidden gems.

Located in UCL, the museum has recently undergone a million-pound refurbishment, making it an even better place to learn about the weird and wonderful world of animals.

12. The Hunterian Museum

• Address: 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3PE
• Entry: Free (booking recommended)

A museum that’s not for the squeamish, the Hunterian Museum is all about the history of surgery.

If you’ve ever wanted to see medical specimens from centuries past, this museum delivers—though you might not want to visit after lunch.

The Hunterian is part of the Royal College of Surgeons and features an incredible collection of preserved organs, bones, and surgical instruments, offering a gruesome but fascinating look into the history of medicine.

It’s definitely not your typical museum, but for those with a curiosity for medical history, it’s a must-see. Just remember: this one’s not for the faint-hearted!

Frequently asked questions

What are the best museums in London to check out in 2024?

You’ve got a ton of options! Some of the best London spots include the British Museum, the Science Museum, and the Imperial War Museum. Don’t forget about the Dulwich Picture Gallery and the Old Operating Theatre Museum too!

Is the London Bridge area good for museum visits?

Absolutely! London Bridge is super close to the Tate Modern and the Borough Market, plus you can stroll along the river for some stunning views. It’s a great spot to hit up museums and grab a bite!

What can I expect at the Horniman Museum?

A: The Horniman is a mix of natural history, cultural artifacts, and a beautiful garden. It’s colorful and engaging, perfect for families. Plus, it’s open to the public and free, so why not check it out?

Are there any museums in Covent Garden worth visiting?

For sure! While Covent Garden is more known for shopping and dining options, you can swing by the London Transport Museum. It’s got a fascinating look at the city’s transport history!

What’s the deal with the Sir John Soane’s Museum?

This place is a trove of art and antiquities collected by the architect Sir John Soane. It’s pretty unique and has a cool atmosphere, plus entry is free, but you might want to book in advance!

Can you tell me about the Queer Britain museum?

Sure! Queer Britain is all about celebrating LGBTQ+ history and culture. It’s a fantastic space to explore diverse stories and experiences. It’s all about representation and making sure everyone feels included!

What’s special about the Dulwich Picture Gallery?

The Dulwich Picture Gallery is the oldest public art gallery in England, featuring stunning 17th and 18th-century paintings. The architecture is also a treat, and they often have pop-up events and exhibitions!

Is there a museum that offers a glimpse into the past of London’s medical history?

You bet! The Old Operating Theatre Museum is located in a former church and showcases the history of surgery in a super engaging way. You can even see the historic herb garret!

What are some must-see art galleries in Kensington?

Kensington is home to the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is a must-visit for art lovers. The Natural History Museum is also nearby and absolutely stunning, perfect for a day out!

How can I stay updated on new exhibitions at London museums?

Signing up for newsletters from your favorite museums is a great way to stay in the loop! They’ll keep you posted on new exhibits, events, and any special announcements, so you never miss out on the fun!