Housed inside a gigantic Victorian-era edifice, this treasure trove of a museum holds 80 million specimens, including fossils, minerals, bones, insects, and taxidermy. Visitors can come face to face with a huge animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex at the Dinosaur Encounter exhibit, see a live leafcutter ant colony at work at the Creepy Crawlies gallery, and experience the sensation of the earth’s shaking at the earthquake simulator.
Yes, general admission to the Natural History Museum in London is free. You don’t need to book in advance, but prebooking a timed entry ticket is a good idea in busy periods such as weekends and holidays. You might need an admission ticket or advance reservation for some temporary exhibitions and events.
...MoreGeneral admission to the Natural History Museum is free and includes all of the museum’s permanent exhibitions. You’ll be able to visit more than 20 galleries, including popular displays such as the Dinosaurs gallery, the Hall of Meteorites, and the Hall of Ocean Life, with its famous blue whale skeleton.
...MoreThe Natural History Museum is one of London’s biggest museums—it’s home to more than 20 permanent exhibitions and has almost 80 million items on display. You’ll need around 3-4 hours to take in the highlights, but you can always take a break at one of the cafés or snack bars.
...MoreIt depends. You can take small handbags and purses into the Natural History Museum, but all items will be subject to a security inspection. Backpacks, suitcases, and large bags aren’t allowed inside the museum, but there are two paid cloakrooms where you can leave luggage, strollers, folded bikes, and coats.
...MoreThe quietest days to visit the Natural History Museum tend to be Wednesday and Thursday. You’ll find the biggest crowds on weekends, Fridays, and during school holidays—for thinner crowds, plan your visit for the morning or late afternoon (after 3pm), once the school groups have departed.
...MoreYes. You can take photos of the permanent exhibitions at the Natural History Museum using a smartphone or hand-held camera, provided they’re only for personal use. You need permission for commercial filming and photography—with a minimum of five working days’ notice—and fees apply.
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