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All attractions

Natural History Museum

London, England
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Photo by PublicCo

A grand stone archway gives way to soaring halls, echoing with footsteps and hushed voices filled with awe. Sunlight streams through towering windows, illuminating dinosaurs that loom over visitors and intricate stained-glass details high above. The Natural History Museum in London offers more than displays behind glass—here, history roars to life. Fossils, gemstones, dazzling skeletons, and modern marvels captivate explorers of every age, making this a space where wonder grows alongside knowledge.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
Free
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
Phone
Website

Planning your visit

London’s Natural History Museum, located in South Kensington, can easily fill a day with discovery, so a little planning helps get the most from every visit. The busiest periods often bring energetic families and curious schoolchildren, while quieter corners wait to be explored by those who arrive early or during the week. March and September see fewer crowds, offering an unrushed atmosphere. Travel is straightforward by Tube or bus, and entry remains free for the core collection—though special exhibitions may require advance tickets.

  • Best time to visit: Weekdays, early mornings, or late afternoons outside school holidays (March and September are quietest)
  • How to get there: Take the London Underground to South Kensington Station; several buses stop nearby
  • Accessibility: Step-free entrance (Exhibition Road), accessible facilities on every level, stroller-friendly paths, and quiet spaces for sensory needs
  • Average visit duration: 2–4 hours for highlights; half or full day for in-depth exploration

Must see stuff

Exhibits burst with life throughout the museum’s labyrinth of galleries, where every turn holds a new surprise. Iconic stars like the blue whale in Hintze Hall and the glittering gem collection promise memorable moments, while carefully curated rooms on volcanoes and Earth’s rarest creatures add depth and complexity. Hands-on areas and changing exhibitions encourage both young and seasoned minds to discover what often goes unseen beneath London’s surface.

  • Key sights or features: The towering blue whale skeleton, Dippy the Diplodocus cast, the Hintze Hall stained-glass ceiling, and the gemstone vaults in the Earth Hall
  • Unique experiences: After-hours ‘Night at the Museum’ events, behind-the-scenes Spirit Collection tours, and interactive Investigate Labs for children
  • Photo-worthy locations: Grand staircase with the Charles Darwin statue, the spiral ramp in the Earth Hall, and the mosaic floors adorned with ancient botanical designs
  • Cultural or historical facts: Opened in 1881, the museum mixes Romanesque architecture with playful animal carvings on its arches and doorways; more than 80 million objects are preserved here, making it one of the world’s richest collections

Tips for your visit

Exploring the Natural History Museum can be as comfortable or wild as visitors wish, especially for those prepared. Popular galleries can fill up quickly, but peace awaits in quieter wings or at lunchtime among the outdoor gardens. The cafe and picnic spots save tired legs, while lockers make traveling light a breeze. Even in rainy London, the museum’s interior feels bright and inviting—though patience helps during peak times and occasional long queues.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Arrive at opening or after 3 p.m.; midweek visits best
  • What to bring: A charged camera or smartphone, refillable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and—if with children—snacks for longer museum sessions
  • Local etiquette or rules: No flash photography in galleries, keep food and drink out of exhibit halls, and be mindful of school groups during term times
  • Safety or comfort advice: Make use of free maps; plan breaks in the peaceful Wildlife Garden; and watch for temperature changes in climate-controlled galleries