Natural History Museum Tours

London Natural History Museum showing interior views, heritage architecture and heritage elements
London Natural History Museum which includes interior views, heritage elements and heritage architecture
London Natural History Museum which includes interior views, heritage architecture and heritage elements
London Natural History Museum featuring heritage elements, interior views and heritage architecture
London Natural History Museum which includes interior views, heritage elements and heritage architecture


Explore the wonders of the natural world for free in this fascinating museum. Learn about dinosaurs, creatures of the deep, our planet’s interior and much more.

Examine dinosaur skeletons, see animal specimens that are hundreds of years old and experience a simulated earthquake at the London Natural History Museum. Inside this magnificent Victorian terracotta building is a vast collection of items and interactive exhibits that cover the biology and geology of our planet.

The museum is divided into different colored zones, each one concentrating on a different aspect of life on Earth. One of the most popular attractions is the collection of dinosaur skeletons in the Blue Zone. Look at the first Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever found and the skull of a Triceratops. Walk past the enormous animatronic T. rex and watch how it reacts to human “prey.” Elsewhere in this zone observe fossils and skeletons of extinct animals, including the saber-toothed cat.

Head over to the Red Zone to learn more about the natural forces that shape our planet. Look at film footage, play interactive games and step into the earthquake simulator. There are also casts of victims of the Mount Vesuvius eruption that destroyed Pompeii.

Inside the Green Zone, find a live ant colony and a life-size model of a termite mound. See the mineral collection, which includes a 635-kilogram (1,400-pound) iron meteorite that fell in Argentina. Go over to the Aurora Collection, an exhibit of almost 300 naturally-colored diamonds.

Visit the Darwin Center in the Orange Zone, which hosts more than 28 million insect specimens and a 28.3-feet (8.6-meter) giant squid. The area features glass windows through which you can observe the museum’s scientists at work. In the center’s egg-shaped Cocoon building are many centuries-old biological specimens, including some that came back with Charles Darwin on HMS Beagle.

The London Natural History Museum is easy to get to by public transport. It is on numerous bus routes and is a short walk from the nearest Tube station, South Kensington. Street parking in the area is limited and expensive. The museum is open daily, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and admission is free.

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Reviews of Natural History Museum

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
430
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
197
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
44
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
8
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

AMAZING museum. I wanted to visit multiple times. It is so massive and is even free to visit (although a donation is suggested). So much to see and do in here. The Moon exhibit was out of this world...pun intended.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Kids, kids, and more kids.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Love the museum, but there was an EXTREMELY long line to get in. We came back 2 hours before closing and the line had improved significantly and did move fairly fast. Maybe it was because it was a rainy day? However; the museum was still very crowded. We went on a weekday. Free to get in, donations recommended. We were able to see a fair amount of the museum in 2 hours, obviously not everything or in great detail.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Go early to beat the crowds

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

As a free museum, it's wonderful but it was extremely crowded.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

It was very hot inside and very crowded.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Natural History Museum

100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton

100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton

5 out of 5
100 Queens Gate, South Kensington, London, England
100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington

The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington

4 out of 5
140 Gloucester Road, London, England
The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington

Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington

4 out of 5
68-86 Cromwell Road, London, England
Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington
The Rembrandt

The Rembrandt

4 out of 5
11 Thurloe Place, Kensington, London, England
The Rembrandt
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

4 out of 5
Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London, England
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington
The Ampersand Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

The Ampersand Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

5 out of 5
10 Harrington Road, London, England
The Ampersand Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
The Pelham London - Starhotels Collezione

The Pelham London - Starhotels Collezione

5 out of 5
15 Cromwell Place, South Kensington, London, England
The Pelham London - Starhotels Collezione
Millennium Hotel and Conference Centre Gloucester London

Millennium Hotel and Conference Centre Gloucester London

4 out of 5
4-18 Harrington Gardens, London, England
Millennium Hotel and Conference Centre Gloucester London
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Natural History Museum

When visiting the Natural History Museum in London, make sure to explore its excellent exhibits and consider joining a sightseeing or museum tour for a deeper experience. Quick tours are also available for those short on time. Additionally, you'll find great shopping options nearby, along with opportunities to enjoy art and theater in the surrounding area, making for a well-rounded visit.

Shopping

For unique gifts and souvenirs, visit Harrods, only 0.6 miles from the museum. Portobello Road Market, 1 mile away, offers vibrant local finds. If you're up for a drive, check out Westfield London Shopping Centre, 2 miles away, for a wide variety of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

At Wembley Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of sporting events, just a short distance from the museum. Enjoy the luxury of Wimbledon Tennis Club, where exclusivity meets relaxation. For a serene escape, Hampstead Heath offers beautiful landscapes perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, a cable car gondola adventure 8 miles from the museum, offering stunning views. For climbing enthusiasts, The Castle Climbing Centre, located 6 miles away, provides an exciting climbing experience. Additionally, Back of Beyond Adventures offers exhilarating water sports, also 6 miles from the museum.

Nightlife

In the Natural History Museum area, Eventim Apollo and London Palladium Theatre offer great cultural experiences with a romantic vibe. For a movie night, Curzon Mayfair provides a cozy cinematic atmosphere ideal for entertainment and romance, all within a short distance from the museum.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Natural History Museum

When visiting the Natural History Museum in London, explore the vibrant urban parks and charming piazzas nearby. Ideal for culture enthusiasts and families, the area offers a blend of attractions, including the museum itself, where you can delve into fascinating exhibits. Enjoy leisurely strolls through the surrounding streets, making it a perfect spot for both educational experiences and relaxation amidst the city's lively atmosphere.

  • Hyde Park: A serene escape in the heart of London, Hyde Park offers lush greenery, picturesque walking paths, and serene lakes. Enjoy a family picnic, rent a bike, or take a leisurely stroll while soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere.
  • Buckingham Palace: The iconic residence of the British monarchy, Buckingham Palace is a must-see for its stunning architecture and rich history. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the surrounding gardens to fully immerse yourself in British culture.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Known for its bright lights and bustling energy, Piccadilly Circus is a vibrant hub of entertainment and shopping. Experience the lively atmosphere, street performers, and nearby attractions that make this street a quintessential part of London.

Best time to go to Natural History Museum

The best time to visit Natural History Museum is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Natural History Museum

To save money on your trip to the Natural History Museum in London, consider visiting between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance or take advantage of last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations and consider joining their One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Don’t forget to explore free activities in the area to stretch your travel budget further.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Natural History Museum are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Natural History Museum about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Natural History Museum is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Natural History Museum is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily sort your results to display the lowest prices first, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to filter by hotel type; for instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll see a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Natural History Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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