Victoria and Albert Museum Tours

Victoria and Albert Museum showing a square or plaza and a fountain
Victoria and Albert Museum which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and interior views
Victoria and Albert Museum which includes heritage architecture
Victoria and Albert Museum which includes interior views, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Victoria and Albert Museum featuring heritage architecture, interior views and heritage elements


Browse the extensive collection at this vast museum, which is devoted to decorative arts and design.

The enormous Victoria and Albert Museum is home to more than 4.5 million artifacts and 145 galleries. Set across a 12.5-acre (5.1-hectare) site, the collection covers 5,000 years of art history and features objects from several continents. Check out the intriguing artworks that range from textiles and furniture to prints and photographs.

Founded in 1852, this extraordinary museum was moved to its current site in 1857. It was originally known as the Museum of Manufactures and then the South Kensington Museum. It didn’t take on its current name until 1899, when Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone for the museum’s new building and it was renamed in her honor. Take some time to admire its grand Victorian façade from outside.

The museum lays claim to the world’s largest array post-classical sculptures. Be sure to see the Italian Renaissance collection, which is among the most comprehensive collections of its kind outside of Italy. Elsewhere, there are enough exhibit areas in the museum to keep you occupied for hours, including displays dedicated to drawing, jewelry and metalwork.

Explore the theater area, which is constantly being updated with set designs and photographs. Don’t miss the Japanese-focused displays, where you’ll find armor, dress, woodwork and paintings. The fashion section showcases four centuries’ worth of stylish attire. Marvel at gowns from the 1600s and learn about the post-war fashion of the 1960s.

Borrow an activity backpack full of fun games and puzzles for your kids, so they can learn about the museum’s themes in a more accessible and fun way.

When you tire of exploring, look around the shop, where you will find elegant fashion accessories, prints, books and works of art. Try sandwiches, pastries and cakes in the main café and head outside to the Garden Café in the summer. You may want to combine a visit here with trips to other worthwhile neighboring attractions, such as the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park.

The Victoria and Albert Museum opens daily from morning to late afternoon, with later closing times on Fridays. Entrance is free. Take the London Underground to South Kensington or Knightsbridge stations. The museum is just a short walk from there.

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Best Lodging Options Near Victoria and Albert Museum

The Rembrandt

The Rembrandt

4 out of 5
11 Thurloe Place, Kensington, London, England
The Rembrandt
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
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
The Clermont London, Victoria

The Clermont London, Victoria

4 out of 5
101 Buckingham Palace Road, London, England
The Clermont London, Victoria
Princes Gardens

Princes Gardens

4 out of 5
Watts Way, London, England
Princes Gardens
Gainsborough Hotel

Gainsborough Hotel

3.5 out of 5
7-11 Queensberry Place, Kennsington, London, England
Gainsborough Hotel
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
100 Queen's Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton

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

5 out of 5
100 Queens Gate, South Kensington, London, England
100 Queen's Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton
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
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 Victoria and Albert Museum

When visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, take a short walk to explore the nearby Kensington museums, offering a rich cultural experience. Enjoy various entertainment options, including theaters and shopping in the area, making your trip more enjoyable. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the many museums surrounding the V&A, as each offers unique insights into art and history.

Food and drinks

For a memorable dining experience near the Victoria and Albert Museum, visit Kensington Roof Gardens for a romantic setting. If you're seeking local brews, check out Fuller’s Griffin Brewery. For unique tapas, Brindisa is a foodie's dream, featuring options for celiac foodies as well.

Shopping

For shopping near the Victoria and Albert Museum, check out Harrods, just 0.4 miles away, for luxury goods. Borough Market, 4 miles away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with local food and crafts. If you're up for a drive, Westfield London Shopping Centre, 2 miles away, features a variety of retailers.

Recreation

At Wembley Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of sports events. Enjoy tranquil moments at Hampstead Heath, where nature fosters relaxation. For a touch of luxury, visit Wimbledon Tennis Club, where you can indulge in upscale amenities and unwind in a refined setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Mercedes-Benz World, located 16 miles from the V&A, where speed and excitement await. For karting fun, head to Oasis Go-Kart Track, just 2 miles away. If climbing is your adventure, the Castle Climbing Centre offers outdoor challenges 6 miles from the museum.

Nightlife

Experience the thrilling nightlife near the Victoria and Albert Museum. Enjoy a romantic evening at the London Palladium Theatre, or try your luck at The Grosvenor Victoria Casino. For an adventurous family outing, take a ride on the iconic London Eye, soaking in stunning city views.

Find the best attractions near Victoria and Albert Museum

When visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, immerse yourself in a cultural experience by exploring nearby attractions such as the British Museum and Tower Hill. Enjoy the vibrant urban parks and historic houses that cater to family-friendly adventures. Don't miss the chance to discover the unique offerings of the V&A Museum and other London museums, ensuring a fulfilling trip rich in art and history.

  • Hyde Park: Just 0.8 miles from the Victoria and Albert Museum, Hyde Park offers a serene escape in the heart of London. Enjoy leisurely strolls, picturesque gardens, and family-friendly activities. Rent a paddleboat on the Serpentine or relax on the lawns amidst lush greenery, perfect for a city vibe.
  • Buckingham Palace: Located 1 mile away, Buckingham Palace is a must-see historic landmark. Experience British culture as you witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the stunning architecture of the official residence of the monarch.
  • Piccadilly Circus: About 2 miles from the museum, Piccadilly Circus buzzes with energy. Famous for its neon lights and vibrant atmosphere, it's a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, making it a quintessential city experience.

Best time to go to Victoria and Albert Museum

Visitor numbers around Victoria and Albert Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Victoria and Albert Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Victoria and Albert Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Victoria and Albert Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Victoria and Albert Museum

To save money during your trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum, consider visiting nearby free attractions like Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, and Big Ben. Plan your visit between January to February or November for lower hotel prices, and book about a month in advance for the best rates. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and sort by price to find budget-friendly options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash rewards on future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Victoria and Albert Museum are January to February and November, 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Victoria and Albert Museum is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Victoria and Albert Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • 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.