The Best Museums in London

Heading to London on a city break? You’ll find no shortage of things to fill up your time – including the city’s incredible museums. Whether you want to admire ancient Egyptian artefacts, swot up on your science knowledge or discover more about Victorian fashions, you’ll find plenty of top museums in London. Here are just a few of our favourites:

Science Museum

Found along Exhibition Road, the Science Museum is possibly one of the best London museums. The futuristic building features seven floors of hands-on exhibits that give you great lessons in the wonders of technology and the solar system.

Marvel at the original command module of Apollo 11, view clocks and timepieces from centuries gone by, and watch amazing scientific movies at the museum’s very own IMAX theatre.

Closest tube stop: South Kensington

The V&A

Opened by its namesakes (Queen Victoria and Prince Albert) in 1852, the V&A in Kensington now houses the largest collection of fashion, textiles and decorative arts in the world. Art lovers and creatives should put it on their bucket lists as it’s definitely one of the best art museums in London.

Permanent free exhibits at the V&A include a timeline of fashion from the 1700s to the present day and Renaissance era treasures painted by Raphael. The museum also regularly hosts extraordinary visiting shows from some of the best artists and designers, so it’s well-worth keeping an eye out on their website.

Closest tube stop: South Kensington

Imperial War Museum

Located just south of the river, the Imperial War Museum is a must-see museum in London if you want to educate yourself about world military history. Explore poignant exhibits on the atrocities of WWI and WWII, including venturing through a life size replica of a trench.

The IWM also has galleries dedicated to more modern wars. Kids will love the building’s Central Hall that features airplanes hanging from the ceiling, while the entrance to the museum is framed by two impressive cannons used by the navy during the Second World War.

Closest tube stop: Elephant & Castle

Natural History Museum

The exteriors of the Natural History Museum are pretty iconic in themselves, not least for featuring in blockbusters like Paddington. Visitors of all ages will no doubt be charmed by the exciting exhibits that await inside, too.

From the immense skeleton of a blue whale in the main hall to galleries that focus on dinosaurs and Darwin’s world-changing discoveries, you can easily spend an entire day within the Natural History Museum’s wonderous walls.

Closest tube stop: South Kensington

The National Maritime Museum

Take the tube or the riverboat to Greenwich to delve into Britain’s naval past at the National Maritime Museum. This impressive venue sits just behind the stunning buildings of the Old Naval College and it’s jam-packed with fascinating displays that will capture the imaginations of kids and adults alike.

As well as exhibits on historic explorers, the museum also tracks the British Navy’s involvement in both World Wars. Don’t miss the huge floor mural of the globe or the giant ship in a bottle by the building’s entrance.

Closest tube stop: Greenwich

Need somewhere central to stay during your museum marathon? You’ll find no fewer than four Leonardo Hotels in London with brilliant facilities and great transport connections.