The 7 Best Museums in London

When thinking of what to do in London, you may automatically think of the city’s top attractions like Buckingham Palace, the Shard and Trafalgar Square, among others. But, some of London’s top hidden gem attractions are its museums, and what is tucked away inside its museums. There’s an insane sense of nostalgia and curiosity associated with museums, particularly with history museums, as they bring a snapshot of the past into the modern day. 

Aside from the traditional types of museums, you can also find museums that feature art, vehicles, fictional items and props seen in famous television shows, and so on. London is one of the best places in the world to view a plethora of intriguing exhibits, art displays and historically significant artefacts, and its resident museums showcase several millennia of history, innovation and culture. From neon lights and fictional abodes to centuries-old sculptures and memorabilia, here are 7 of the best museums in London.

7. Churchill War Rooms

Entry fee: £15-£33 standard 

The Churchill War Rooms Museum is the perfect time capsule of WWII and gives visitors an authentic glimpse into life during the worst war in history. Winston Churchill, who was Prime Minister during the war, used the War Rooms as the HQ and base of part of the British government, where he and the staff made important decisions, made international communications, and also evaded air raids. The museum showcases several of the underground rooms and artefacts used during the war, as well as a biographical and informative element surrounding Churchill’s life and legacy. If you have an interest in history and the war, then this is definitely the place for you.

6. God’s Own Junkyard

Entry fee: Free entry

This hidden gem museum-come-art gallery in London is essentially an eclectic mix of neon signs, lights and displays that make for intriguing and unique viewing. While many people may not initially be aware of God’s Own Junkyard, once you locate it (clue, it’s in Walthamstow) you’ll be in awe of this psychedelic paradise that’s quite unlike anywhere else. Film and party enthusiasts unite as the space can be hired out as the coolest party destination in town, or as the backdrop or setting for a cool new indie film or photoshoot. What’s more, you can buy merchandise and most of the signs you see in the ‘junkyard,’ making your experience all the more memorable!

5. Sherlock Holmes Museum

Entry fee: £10-£20 standard 

Literature fans will certainly be pleased to know that one of their favourite addresses is open for public viewing. The fictional detective’s home at 221B Baker Street has been turned into an immersive museum that showcases antique items, Victorian-style decor and a set up that mirrors the detective’s on-screen abode. Visitors from across the world flock to this iconic residence in the hopes of gaining a deeper insight into the consulting detective’s world and author Arthur Conan Doyle’s vision and inspiration when writing. When walking down Baker Street, this museum is usually swarming with tourists and locals, all of whom are keen to learn more about their favourite fictional detective.

4. Transport Museum 

Entry fee: Annual Passes available starting from £17. 

As it sounds, the transport museum is essentially a collection of vintage transport vehicles, dating back to the early 1800s when vehicles and public transport became mainstream. The museum was founded in 1980, and visiting the museum transports (pun intended) you back in time to some of the first cars, buses and trains to become widespread in the UK. Take a tour, immerse yourself in the exhibits, try out the interactive challenges or simply marvel at these engineering masterpieces. There is something for all ages at the London Transport museum, and you certainly won’t be disappointed at what the place has to offer.

3. Science Museum

Entry fee: Free entry

Featuring an extensive array of interactive and informative exhibits, the Science Museum is one of London’s top attractions and most recognisable buildings. Inside, you’ll be met with 5-7 floors of intrigue, from exhibits on space travel, medicine and transport to technology, maths and the modern day, plus even more. Here, you can see many curious and unique exhibits and displays, many of which are interactive, amongst educational and informative exhibits detailing the history and facts about some of the best scientific innovations ever seen. The Science Museum has a reputation not only in London, but across the UK and the world for being one of the best museums, so what are you waiting for?

2. Natural History Museum

Entry fee: Free entry, specific exhibitions may charge

Perhaps best characterised for its large blue whale skeleton suspended in the foyer, the Natural History Museum is one of the best loved museums in the city, if not the world, and is one of the largest natural history museums in the world! Its main collections and exhibits include displays and info on dinosaurs, insects, animals and plants, across other categories. Once you leave this museum, you’ll be incredibly well versed in the natural world and its long history, and will have seen some truly breathtaking, intriguing and memorable sights and exhibits, whether interactive or factual. 

1. British Museum

Entry fee: Free entry

The British Museum is one of the world’s largest and most intriguing museums. Here, you’ll find ancient artefacts and sculptures and informative and interactive exhibits, covering several million years of culture and history. This museum has an international reputation, having been featured in many films, and its exterior is akin to Ancient Greek architecture, giving an idea of the extent of its history. Whether you’re interested in learning about the Ancient Greeks, exploring and browsing walls of artistic masterpieces, or discovering ancient or prehistoric artefacts that hold their own exciting stories and legacies, you’ll be able to find all of these things at the British Museum, plus much more.