The 8 Best Museums in London, UK That You Have to Visit

London captivates travellers with its historic buildings and modern wonders, making it a great place to visit in the UK. But what stands out most about London is its incredible array of museums, which showcase examples of culture, art and history from all over the world. Exploring the vast exhibits of the museums and galleries in London is a great way to spend your time in the city, but which museums are worth visiting? 

In this article, we discuss the best museums in London that will appeal to a variety of audiences. First, we highlight the best free museums in London as well as discuss some of the most important art museums. We then explore the best museums for kids which are great to explore on a family trip to London. For each museum on this list, we provide a detailed description of what you can expect to help you determine the ones you really want to see. 

So if you’re eager to discover the best museums and galleries in London, read on to find out more about these educational institutions.

What is amazing about the museums of London is that many of them are free to enter. Some will require an extra fee for particular exhibitions, but on the whole, you can get a thrilling cultural experience without having to pay. Many of the best museums in London have no entrance fees and we share some of our favourites below. 

The British Museum

Starting with one of the best museums in London, The British Museum is one of the most renowned museums in the world. Its extensive collections encompass many periods and geographical regions. History buffs will be blown away by the exquisite examples of human history, which provide greater insight into the development of civilization. 

As you wander the different sections of the museum, you’ll embark on a journey through time. You can examine the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies, which provide insight into the earliest civilisations before exploring international exhibits dedicated to Africa, Asia and the Americas. This immaculate collection makes the British Museum one of the best free museums in London as you can discover a great deal about human history from all parts of the world.  

Entry to the British Museum is free for the main collection, however, special exhibitions will require an additional fee. If you want a more in-depth experience, you can book a tour of the museum with a licensed guide who will be able to convey more context and details about the collections and artefacts.  

The Victoria and Albert Museum

Another free museum in London that you cannot miss is the Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington. Often called the V&A, this museum is dedicated to showcasing art, fashion and design from around the world. The collection spans over 5000 years of human creativity making it one of the world’s leading museums for design and art. 

The exhibits at the V&A range from the Renaissance to modern art, allowing visitors to explore the works of renowned artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and J.M.W. Turner, as well as innovative contemporary pieces. There is also an extensive collection of fashion and textiles from different eras and movements inside the Fashion Gallery.  With such a varied offering, it’s no wonder that the V&A is considered one of the best art museums in London. 

While entry to the galleries is free, special exhibitions may be ticketed. The V&A is open daily from 10 am to 5:45 pm and stays open till 10 pm on Fridays, giving you plenty of time to explore the fabulous exhibits. 

The London Mithraeum 

If you adore ancient history then the London Mithraeum will not disappoint. This archaeological site dates back to the 3rd Century BC when it functioned as a temple to the god Mithras. It was discovered in the 1950s and is one of the best places to learn more about Roman London. 

Upon its discovery, the London Mithraem was carefully dismantled and a massive restoration of the site was undertaken. As of 2017, it is now open to the public, offering visitors a chance to explore the reconstructed temple and learn about the history and significance of Mithraism. The site includes an immersive exhibition that provides context to the temple’s history and the religious practices associated with Mithraism.

You will find the museum at the Bloomberg European headquarters in Walbrook. The London Mithraeum has no entry fee but it is vital that you book your visit online as it is very popular. It is worth noting that the museum is closed on Mondays and the week between Christmas and New Year, so try to plan around these times.

While there are some incredible historical museums in London, you will also find a prime selection of art galleries in the city. These art museums are expertly curated, providing insight into both classical and contemporary movements and artists. From the Tate Modern to the National Portrait Gallery, there are so many museums in London that will delight creative spirits. 

The Tate Modern

Located on the Bankside of the River Thames, the Tate Modern is a striking art museum housed within an old power station. Its unique setting gives the entire museum an industrial-chic atmosphere which perfectly captures the visitor experience.

The Tate Modern is renowned for its outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art, making it one of the top museums in London. The museum’s holdings include works by iconic artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and many others. The collection spans a wide range of artistic movements, including Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art.

While the permanent collection is superb, the Tate Modern also hosts temporary exhibitions that explore various themes. These are often held in the museum’s Turbine Hall, which is transformed with large installations that are truly breathtaking. 

The Tate Modern allows visitors to view its permanent collection for free, but temporary exhibitions are typically ticketed. If you do want to attend one of these exhibitions, be sure to book in advance as they often sell out. You can also tour the museum with an expert artist if you want a more comprehensive experience.

The Royal Academy of Arts

Another amazing art museum in London is the Royal Academy of Arts. This prestigious institution is situated in the heart of London’s West End inside a historic building notable for its stunning neoclassical design. The Royal Academy is not just a museum, but also a prominent art school founded in 1768, making it one of the best places to visit in London to learn about British contemporary art. 

The Royal Academy’s permanent collection includes works by prominent British artists such as J.M.W. Turner. The institution also hosts a range of exhibitions, spanning diverse artistic styles and disciplines. It is notable for hosting the iconic Summer Exhibition, which is a major highlight of London’s cultural calendar. 

Individual exhibitions at the Royal Academy will require an entry fee, which can be up to £20. However, there are a range of free displays that you can peruse at no cost. This makes the Royal Academy of Art a great place to visit in London if you’re on a tight budget. 

The National Portrait Gallery 

Our final art museum in London is the immaculate National Portrait Gallery. Found just off of Trafalgar Square, the National Portrait Gallery is dedicated to showcasing imagery of important historical figures. The impressive portrait collection spans from the 16th Century to the present day and includes monarchs, cultural icons and politicians, offering a visual narrative of British culture. 

Alongside its intriguing collection, the National Portrait Gallery also offers educational programmes for all ages. These include workshops and events aimed to engage the public with the art of portraiture and provide a better understanding of the individuals depicted in the collection. 

The gallery is free to enter but you are welcome to leave a donation as this helps upkeep the museum. We also suggest that you book your visit online as this will make your visit much smoother. The National Portrait Gallery is open daily from 10:30 am to 6 pm during the week and stays open till 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Museums aren’t just for cultural insight and looking at archaic art, they can be centres for education and play which makes them a great activity for families visiting London. In this section, we highlight the best museums in London for kids that provide a thrilling experience for the whole family. So read on to find out more about fun and interactive museums in London. 

The Natural History Museum

One of the best museums in London for families is the Natural History Museum. This world-renowned institution includes awe-inspiring exhibits that foster an engaging and educational experience for its visitors. It’s a great interactive museum in London that is certain to be the highlight of your visit. 

The exhibits at the Natural History Museum are exceptionally diverse, ranging from animal skeletons to rare gems and minerals. The vibrant colours of the different displays make the museum feel magical as you explore the natural wonders of life on Earth. There are also special Discovery Zones that include touchable specimens and multimedia displays to engage children and encourage them to ask questions about the natural world.

A major highlight of the museum which makes it great for kids is the Dinosaur Gallery. In this section, children can explore life-sized dinosaur skeletons like the gigantic diplodocus. The exhibit also includes interactive displays that bring these giants to life and will captivate any young visitors.  

You can book your visit online for free, which makes this museum very accessible or you may want to consider a guided tour. Special events and exhibitions such as Sensational Butterflies may require an entry fee so be sure to check the official website for details. The museum is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm, giving families plenty of time to explore the amazing exhibits. 

The Science Museum 

If your child is fascinated by science and technology, then treat them to an incredible trip to the Science Museum. It is one of the best interactive museums in London with an emphasis on dynamic exhibits that engage children with scientific experiences. It is located in South Kensington and is just a 5-minute walk from the nearest tube station. 

The exhibits are focused on hands-on learning, allowing children to touch, experiment and explore various facets of science in a fun way. The Wonderlab is a dedicated gallery that provides a thrilling and interactive experience for children. It features live demonstrations, explosive experiments and engaging exhibits that showcase the wonders of physics and chemistry.

The Science Museum also has a space exploration section which has captivating displays about rockets and space travel. There is even an area specifically designed for toddlers, allowing them to learn through play and develop a curiosity about the world around them. With so much to learn and explore, it is one of the best museums in London for kids.

Entrance to the Science Museum is free as long as you book online. Certain workshops and events will require an additional fee but are often included in the museum’s annual pass. If you are travelling with a larger party you may want to book a small group tour of the museum.

Exploring the different museums in London is a great way to add a hint of culture to your visit. This capital city is teeming with different exhibits and galleries which offer tremendous insight into British and International history. What’s more, many of the best museums in London are free to enter, making them an affordable activity for any traveller. 

Whether you want to walk through history at the British Museum, witness the majesty of portraiture at the National Portrait Gallery, or get hands-on with experiments at the Science Museum, you are certain to find a museum in London that will utterly inspire you. 

Are you interested in taking a sensational trip to the UK? Check out our other guides like The Best Places to See in Bath and Surfing in North Wales: The Ultimate Guide for more insight and travel advice.