Natural History Museum London
Explore Earth's wonders, from dinosaurs to the deep sea, in a stunning architectural masterpiece. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Natural History Museum London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Earth's wonders, from dinosaurs to the deep sea, in a stunning architectural masterpiece. Free entry!
"Awe-inspiring exhibits and breathtaking architecture make this a must-visit London gem."
🎯 Use the Exhibition Road Entrance
This entrance often has shorter queues than the main Cromwell Road entrance. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast collections. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hintze Hall & Hope the Blue Whale
Main Entrance Hall
Marvel at the colossal skeleton of Hope, a magnificent blue whale, suspended in the grand Hintze Hall. A truly awe-inspiring sight!
Dinosaur Gallery
Fossil Marine Reptiles and Dinosaur Gallery
Come face-to-face with impressive dinosaur skeletons and animatronic models. A must-see for all ages!
Earth Hall
Earth Hall
Explore the power of our planet, from earthquakes to volcanoes, and witness a dramatic escalator ride through a giant globe.
Jurassic Garden
Outdoor Gardens
Discover the newly transformed Jurassic Garden, featuring outdoor exhibits that bring prehistoric life to the museum's grounds.
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Free Ticket in Advance
Beat the Crowds: Go Early or Late
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Use the Exhibition Road Entrance
This entrance often has shorter queues than the main Cromwell Road entrance. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast collections. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Download the Museum App
Enhance your visit with maps, audio guides, and interactive content. :iphone:
🎒 Pack Light for Security
Smaller bags can speed up the security check process. :handbag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Use the Exhibition Road Entrance
This entrance often has shorter queues than the main Cromwell Road entrance. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast collections. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Download the Museum App
Enhance your visit with maps, audio guides, and interactive content. :iphone:
🎒 Pack Light for Security
Smaller bags can speed up the security check process. :handbag:
😴 Consider a Sleepover Experience
Unique overnight events are available for both adults and kids!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Natural History Museum for its awe-inspiring exhibits, particularly the dinosaur collection and the iconic blue whale skeleton. The stunning architecture and free entry are major draws, making it a must-visit for families and anyone interested in natural science. However, the museum can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and during holidays, leading to long queues and a less relaxed experience.
"This is a world-class natural history museum. It is great for both adults and children, and jam packed with fantastic exhibits. They do a particularly great job with a animal exhibits. I spent the most time in the Rocks and Minerals room. What an amazing collection. Make sure you leave yourself enough time. The place is huge.
If you are there with children, I suggest you go first to the dinosaur area. It is very kid-centered and not geared for adults at all, but it is a real draw for the kids. And it gets very crowded as the day progresses.
The museum is free, but take the time to reserve a timed entry for your group. It will save you a lot of time waiting in a long line.
This is really a fantastic museum. My only suggestion to the curators would be to label everything. We felt there was a lost educational opportunity to have so many items without labels."
Linda McLoon
"Favorite Museum in London
I love this Museum. This is a very exciting Museum, they always have a new exhibition going on, and have lots of different parts, such as Dinosaurs, gemology, universe exploration, etc.
It is a huge museum so you will need a few hours to go around, but it is well worth it.
We went with my family and enjoyed every minute.
Highly recommended!"
Paul Vivas
"The Natural History Museum is absolutely phenomenal and a must-see in London, with incredible exhibits that can capture the imagination of any visitor. However, I highly recommend buying tickets in advance and arriving around 10 a.m. before the crowds build, especially if you are visiting with children. On busy summer days, it can get extremely crowded, which can be challenging if your kids are tired or, like our autistic son, need a bit more space. With some planning and knowing in advance which exhibits you most want to see, it can be an unforgettable and truly magical experience."
Lily Olteanu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way is by public transport. Take the Underground (Tube) to South Kensington station, which is served by the Piccadilly, Circle, and District lines. From there, it's a short walk. Driving into central London is generally discouraged due to traffic and parking costs. +1
The Piccadilly Line is the most direct, with South Kensington station being just a few minutes' walk away. The Circle and District lines also stop at South Kensington. +1
Yes, from Victoria Station, you can take the Circle or District line on the Underground to South Kensington station, which is a short walk from the museum.
While possible, driving into central London is not recommended due to heavy traffic and expensive parking. If you must drive, consider parking further out and using public transport, or utilizing car parks like Westfield London. +1
The closest Underground station is South Kensington. For national rail services, Victoria Station is a convenient option, from which you can take the Tube.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, general admission to the Natural History Museum is free! However, booking a free timed ticket online in advance is highly recommended to guarantee entry, especially during busy periods.
While entry is free, booking a free timed ticket online is strongly advised to avoid long queues or being turned away, particularly on weekends and during holidays. +1
The museum is typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:50 PM, with the last entry at 5:30 PM. Some late openings may occur on specific dates. Always check the official website for the most current hours.
Yes, while general admission is free, special temporary exhibitions often have a separate admission fee. Check the museum's website for details on current paid exhibitions.
The Exhibition Road entrance is often recommended as it can have shorter queues compared to the main Cromwell Road entrance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the iconic blue whale skeleton 'Hope' in Hintze Hall, the fascinating Dinosaur Gallery with its impressive skeletons, and the interactive Earth Hall with its dramatic globe escalator.
Absolutely! The museum is incredibly family-friendly, with engaging exhibits like the dinosaurs and interactive displays that captivate children. The sleepover events are also a huge hit.
To see the main highlights, allow at least 3-4 hours. However, you could easily spend a full day exploring all the galleries and special exhibits.
The museum offers various tours, including free guided tours and self-guided trails. Check the museum's website or information desk upon arrival for schedules and availability.
Yes, photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas of the museum. However, flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain galleries.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has several cafes and a restaurant offering a range of options, from light snacks to full meals. These can get busy during peak times.
Visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks, but consumption is usually restricted to designated areas to keep the exhibits clean.
The South Kensington area surrounding the museum offers a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs catering to different tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
Hintze Hall with 'Hope' the whale is iconic. The grand staircase, the Earth Hall's globe escalator, and the exterior architecture are also popular photo opportunities.
Flash photography is generally not permitted in the museum to protect the exhibits. Always check signage in specific galleries.
Tripods are usually not allowed inside the museum to avoid obstructing other visitors and damaging exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit smoother, consider booking a free timed ticket in advance to avoid long queues. Arriving early in the morning is also a good strategy to beat the crowds. For a truly unique experience, look into the 'Night at the Museum' sleepovers, which are incredibly popular with families.
💰 Budget Travelers
While entry is free, booking a timed ticket online is still recommended to secure your spot. You can save money by bringing your own snacks and drinks, though there are also cafes and a restaurant on-site if you prefer to purchase food. The surrounding South Kensington area also offers more affordable dining options away from the immediate museum vicinity.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the building itself is as much an exhibit as the collections it houses. Look out for the gargoyles and decorative carvings that add to its character. The museum's architecture provides a stunning backdrop for the natural wonders displayed within.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Architecture and Hintze Hall
Many visitors are captivated by the intricate details of the building, from the ornate carvings to the soaring ceilings. The grand staircase is another popular spot for photos, offering a stunning perspective of the hall. The museum's design not only houses its incredible collections but also serves as an exhibit in itself, blending natural wonders with architectural brilliance.
For those interested in the building's history, learning about Waterhouse's vision and the construction process adds another layer to the visit. The museum's commitment to preserving its heritage while showcasing cutting-edge scientific discoveries is evident throughout.
Exploring the Dinosaur Gallery
Visitors often rave about the sheer scale of the dinosaur exhibits, with many describing the experience as 'jaw-dropping'. It's a fantastic opportunity for children (and adults!) to learn about paleontology and the evolution of life on Earth. The museum provides informative displays that explain the different species, their habitats, and the science behind fossil discovery.
To make the most of your visit to the Dinosaur Gallery, it's advisable to head there early in the day, as it can get very crowded. Booking a timed ticket in advance is also crucial to avoid disappointment, as this area is a major draw.
Unique Experiences: Sleepovers and Night Events
+1These sleepovers are highly sought after and require booking well in advance, as dates are limited. They provide an unparalleled opportunity to experience the museum in a completely different, more intimate way. Imagine waking up next to a dinosaur skeleton or having the grand Hintze Hall almost to yourself!
While not a regular daily offering, these special events are frequently highlighted by visitors as one of the most memorable things they've done in London. They offer a magical blend of education and adventure, making for an unforgettable stay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit