No visit to London would be complete without checking out its fantastic selection of museums. With more than 190 venues dotted around the capital, London is home to some of the most popular and fascinating museums in the world.
Unusual museums, kids museums, free museums – you'll find a London museum to suit every taste and interest! Plus, many are free to visit and suitable for all ages, making them perfect places to while away an afternoon in London, whatever the weather.
From big hitters and world-famous institutions to quirkier specialist collections and hidden gems, we've rounded up 20 of the best London museums to explore in 2026. Take your pick, then use the London attractions map to work out how to get there and which one to visit next!
The 20 best museums in London at a glance
🏛️ Must-see classics: British Museum, V&A South Kensington, Royal Museums Greenwich
🦖 Science and nature: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Horniman Museum and Gardens
👨👩👧 Family favourites: London Transport Museum, Young V&A, Twist Museum
🎨 For art lovers: Tate Modern, Design Museum, Moco Museum
⚔️ Step back in time: Imperial War Museum, Churchill War Rooms, Household Cavalry Museum
💎 Hidden and quirky: The Postal Museum, Clink Prison Museum, Jack the Ripper Museum
⚽ For sports fans: Chelsea FC Museum, World Rugby Museum
The best London museums
Iconic | Free | History
Step into the iconic British Museum and revel in its amazing collection of rare and historic artefacts spanning two million years of history. Founded in 1753, it's one of the most visited museums in the world. Travel from ancient Greece and Egypt, to Africa and China, or from Roman Britain to medieval Europe, in more than 60 free galleries centred around the magnificent Great Court. Perfect for families and history enthusiasts, highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures and the Egyptian mummies.
Our top tip for visiting: With so much to discover, you could spend a week walking around the British Museum and not see it all! Book a two-hour British Museum guided tour to see the highlights and learn more about the exhibits from an expert. For another treat, take a seat under the iconic glass roof of the Great Court and enjoy a truly British experience with afternoon tea at the Great Court Restaurant.
Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG
Based on 75,029 reviews
Iconic | Free | Art, design and fashion
Be dazzled by the eclectic art and design on display at the V&A South Kensington, one of the most famous and striking museums in London. Its vast collections include everything from ceramics and fashion to wallpapers and jewellery, spanning 5,000 years and 2.8 million objects. A real treasure trove of goodies perfect for art and design lovers, you never know what you'll discover next among the furniture, paintings, sculpture, metalwork and textiles.
Our top tip for visiting: Don't miss V&A South Kensington’s blockbuster temporary exhibitions, which are among some of the most popular in London. Current hit shows include Marie Antoinette Style (until Mar 2026) and Design and Disability (until Feb 2026).
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL
Free
Based on 33,257 reviews
Unesco World Heritage site | History | Family-friendly
Visit the Royal Museums Greenwich and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this Unesco World Heritage site. All located within easy walking distance of each other, this collection of London museums makes for an ideal day out in with the family. Chart Britain’s rich naval history, from sea battles to voyages into the unknown, at the fascinating National Maritime Museum. Marvel at more than 400 years of stunning art, architecture and royal history at the gorgeous Queen's House. Stand with a foot in each hemisphere and explore how great scientists first mapped the seas and the stars at the Royal Observatory. Then venture underneath the decks and follow in the footsteps of merchant seamen aboard the spectacular 19th-century tea clipper Cutty Sark.
Our top tip for visiting: Book the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass to visit the iconic Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark. Then explore the free National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House, before strolling through scenic Greenwich Park, London’s oldest Royal Park. Make a day of it with the best things to see and do in Greenwich.
Iconic | Family-friendly | Interactive
Discover a world of dinosaurs, fossils and interactive science exhibits at London's iconic Natural History Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of the biggest, tallest and rarest animals in the world. Opened in 1881 inside a stunning Victorian building, it's one of the most famous museums in London. Highlights include the life-sized blue whale in Hintze Hall, towering dinosaur skeletons and the 40-million-year-old fossil spider. Perfect for families and science enthusiasts, it offers engaging displays for all ages. Nearby, explore the Victoria and Albert Museum, just a five-minute walk away.
Our top tip for visiting: Book a two-hour Natural History Museum guided tour to explore the museum’s fascinating galleries with an expert guide. Make sure to also check out the museum's new permanent gallery in almost a decade, Fixing our Broken Planet, exploring the challenges facing the planet and science-backed solutions to help us create a more sustainable world.
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD
Free
Based on 38,777 reviews
Family-friendly | Free | Interactive
From the future of space travel to asking that difficult question: "who am I?", the Science Museum makes your brain perform Olympic-standard mental gymnastics. Get hands-on at the Science Museum's interactive galleries and simulators. Trace the journey of scientific breakthroughs, then visit the in-house IMAX 3D cinema and take a trip deep under water or zoom high up into space. Ideal for families, this London museum has interactive, multi-sensory areas for children to discover science through play. Teenagers can enjoy hands-on exhibits, while events aimed at kids of all ages are regularly held.
Our top tip for visiting: If you're visiting with family, budding scientists will love the live science shows of Wonderlab, while teenagers can discover an interactive world of STEM careers in Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery.
Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD
Based on 9,710 reviews
Natural history | Hidden gem | Family-friendly
Spend a day at south London's popular Horniman Museum and Gardens, a favourite with children and fans of natural history and anthropology. With 350,000 or so objects on display, it's one of the most interesting and free museums in London. Visit the famous stuffed walrus, hear musical instruments from around the globe, gaze at a Fijian reef in the aquarium or follow a special gallery trail. The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions, concerts, festivals, shows, workshops and activities perfect for the whole family.
Our top tip for visiting: Don't miss the gorgeous gardens where you can spot incredible urban wildlife in the grasslands, meadows and nature trails. Picnic around the terrace at the bandstand on sunny days, or find shelter in the Dutch Barn on rainy days, which is also a covered picnic area.
Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, London, SE23 3PQ
Based on 774 reviews
Family-friendly | London transport history | Interactive
Travel through the London Transport Museum, which hosts exhibitions connecting transport with the social and cultural history of London. Inside, you'll find more than 80 vehicles covering 200 years of London's history. See the original artwork for Harry Beck’s Underground map, the world’s first Underground steam engine, old London Routemaster buses and more. There are great posters and artworks too. Plus, get hands-on at interactive galleries, where you can step aboard real buses and trains and have a go on a Tube driving simulator. A great London museum for families and transport enthusiasts! Book your tickets now.
Our top tip for visiting: Full of London transport-themed gifts and souvenirs, the museum's shop is a great place to pick up something unique. Find vintage Underground posters, furnishings inspired by classic designs and Transport for London branded items.
Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7BB
From £27.00
Based on 3,608 reviews
8. Young V&A – Bethnal Green Free
Art | Children activities | Interactive
Explore east London’s newly transformed Young V&A, co-designed with children and young people. Formerly the Museum of Childhood, the "younger sibling" of the Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the best London museums for kids looking to discover their inner artist. Aimed at the interests, skills and needs of children and teenagers aged up to 14 years old, Young V&A has three permanent gallery spaces called Imagine, Play and Design, as well as an Open Studio. Get hands-on with interactive displays and workshops, then take to the amphitheatre-style stage to show off performance skills.
Our top tip for visiting: Calling all animation fans! Young V&A is hosting a must-see exhibition in 2026 celebrating Britain’s most beloved clay duo. Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends promises a cracking immersive journey into the whimsical world of stop-motion magic (until Nov 2026).
Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9PA
Free
Based on 941 reviews
Immersive art | Fun for all ages | Hidden gem
What colours can you see? Do you know which way is the right way up? Test your senses and immerse yourself into a world of unique, interactive and multisensory experiences at family-favourite Twist Museum – London’s leading museum of illusions. Get up close and personal in the mind-altering immersive rooms and experience interactive illusions to discover how your brain interprets reality. Opened in 2022 on central London's iconic Oxford Street, the museum features more than 60 exhibits and interactive illusions to test your perception on colour, perspective, shape, sound, heat and more. Highlights include The Kaleidoscope Room, The 4D Booth and The Slanted Room. Read our review to find out more and book your tickets today!
Our top tip for visiting: Don't miss the latest interactive exhibit called The Colour Flip Room. Step into the immersive and mind-bending illusion room with striking visual effects and transformative colour experiences and don't forget to snap lots of photos!
248 Oxford Street, London, W1C 1DH
From £26.00
Based on 542 reviews
10. Tate Modern – London Bridge Free
Iconic | Free | Art
Don't miss Tate Modern, the iconic power station turned art gallery, which houses modern and contemporary art from round the world. See the latest installation in the massive Turbine Hall and admire works by Picasso, Bourgeois, Warhol, Rothko and more. Sitting grandly on the banks of the river Thames, Britain's national museum of modern and contemporary art has a unique architectural design due to the building's previous life as Bankside Power Station. Originally designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the architect of Battersea Power Station, it wasn't until 1994 that the Tate Gallery took over and hired renowned architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron to convert it into an art gallery. Inside, you'll find temporary exhibitions by top artists from Damien Hirst to Gauguin and restaurants offering fabulous views across the city.
Our top tip for visiting: Head to Tate Modern’s free open viewing terrace before tucking into delicious seasonal British food at Tate Modern Restaurant and Bar – ideally located to watch the sunset behind London's skyline.
Bankside, London, SW1P 4RG
Free
Based on 10,905 reviews
Design | Architecture | Fascinating exhibitions
Experience the world of contemporary design at the sleek, modern Design Museum in Kensington. Explore exhibitions spanning fashion, graphics, architecture and design in every form. The lineup of talks and events complements the stunning visual displays. First opened in 1989 in a converted banana warehouse in Shad Thames, the Design Museum moved to its current location in 2016. Since then, it's welcomed groundbreaking exhibitions including Barbie, The World of Tim Burton and Enzo Mari. It's a must-visit for art and design afficionados.
Our top tip for visiting: This incredible London museum is free to visit, however we recommend you check what's on in advance, as you might want to book tickets for temporary exhibitions that take your fancy. Cinema lovers won't want to miss the current exhibition on the creative world of Wes Anderson (until Jul 2026).
224-238 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London, W8 6AG
Based on 1,617 reviews
Digital, pop and street art | Immersive | Must-see exhibitions
Explore three unique exhibitions spread across three floors, featuring vibrant pop art, exciting street art and innovative digital art, at London's cutting-edge Moco Museum. Modern Masters showcases icons of modern and contemporary art from celebrated artists such as Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst. Contemporary Masters delves into the future of art, with thought-provoking works from Tracey Emin, Banksy and many others who’ve made an impact on society and pop culture. Last but not least, the Digital and Immersive Art exhibition explores new media art technology, featuring artists such as Six N Five and Don Diablo.
Our top tip for visiting: Delve into Robbie Williams’ self-reflective journey at his new solo exhibition, Radical Honesty (until Apr 2026). From experiencing ups and downs in his career to feeling the pressures in his personal life, celebrated icon Robbie Williams transformed his personal experiences into thought-provoking art. Read our review and book your tickets now (entry is included in the standard ticket).
1-4 Marble Arch, London, W1H 7EJ
From £26.00
13. Imperial War Museum – Lambeth Free
War history | Free | Expert talks
Explore the realities of modern wartime history and discover the stories of those who lived, fought and died in conflict, from the First World War to the present day, at the free Imperial War Museum. One of the most insightful museums in London for history fans, its acclaimed permanent displays include Peace and Security: 1945-2014, The Holocaust Galleries and the First World War Galleries. Explore what life was like at home and abroad during the First World War, from a front line trench to a life at home in munitions factories. Find out about the impact of the Second World War, modern-day conflicts and warfare on people and places. And examine the role of the United Nations.
Our top tip for visiting: View era-defining art in the new Blavatnik Art, Film and Photography Galleries. For families, there are also free children’s activities every weekend and during school holidays.
Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ
Free
War history | Politics | Secret wartime bunker
Get a glimpse of what life was like during the Second World War at the Churchill War Rooms, which became the centre of operations for the British Government during the war. Head underground to walk the top-secret corridors and learn about Winston Churchill, the charismatic British politician who inspired Britain’s finest hour. Explore the Cabinet Room, where Churchill and his key ministers met with heads of the British Armed Forces to make decisions that influenced the course of the war. Next, head over to the Map Room, where the books, maps and calendars remain as they were the last time the room was used in August 1945. Finally, discover the stories of the hundreds of men and women who worked, ate and slept in the underground War Rooms as the bombs fell overhead. Interested in visiting? Buy your tickets now.
Our top tip for visiting: Learn more about the history of Churchill himself at the Churchill Museum, which you'll find about a third of the way on your tour of the Churchill War Rooms. See personal items and artefacts including recorded extracts from Churchill’s rousing wartime speeches, hundreds of letters exchanged with his wife Clementine and even one of his favourite cigars.
Clive Steps, King Charles Street, Westminster, London, SW1A 2AQ
From £34.00
Based on 24,047 reviews
Pageantry, tradition and history | Hidden gem | Family-friendly
Located within the historic Horse Guards building off Whitehall, between Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square, the Household Cavalry Museum celebrates the history and people of one of the British Army's oldest and most prestigious regiments, founded in 1661. Delve into the rich history and daily routines of these soldiers, from their time in active service to their role in royal ceremonies. Take a closer look at sharp uniforms, try on helmets and pieces of armour, and see troopers preparing their horses in the original 18th-century working stables. Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious families, this London hidden gem presents a uniquely British blend of pageantry, tradition and history. Plan your visit and grab your tickets today.
Our top tip for visiting: Morning visits are a perfect opportunity to see The Changing of the King's Life Guard (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), The Patrol (Tuesday, Thursday) or The Duty Officer's Inspection (Saturday, Sunday), which all take place on Horse Guards Parade at 11am. Also keep an eye out for The Daily Inspection, which takes place at 4pm on Front Yard Whitehall.
66 Horse Guards Avenue, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AX
From £11.00
Based on 466 reviews
Hidden gem | History of Royal Mail | Interactive
Encounter the exciting history of Royal Mail and the postal service at The Postal Museum. This family-friendly museum showcases how sending, delivering and receiving messages via post revolutionised our lives. From Victorian valentine cards to wartime letters home and everything in between, the permanent exhibitions tell the social history of Britain via the medium of post. Don’t miss the chance to also look inside The Postal Museum’s temporary exhibition space. Previous shows have looked at the Great Train Robbery and the salvaged goods of a shipwreck. For an extra thrill, take a ride on the Mail Rail, the subterranean train that ran from Whitechapel to Paddington and kept London’s communications flowing for more than 100 years. Intrigued? Secure your spot now.
Our top tip for visiting: The Postal Museum is a great museum to bring children. Along with enjoying interactive displays, children under eight years old can have fun in The Postal Museum’s post-themed Sorted! The Postal Play Space. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy during school holidays.
15-20 Phoenix Place, London, WC1X 0DA
From £18.50
Based on 1,398 reviews
Quirky | Medieval history | Family-friendly
Serve your time at the Clink Prison Museum, a recreated medieval prison located on the site of the original Clink Prison in Bankside. Dating back to 1144, the prison was in operation until 1780, making it the longest-running jail of its time. Today, its story is revealed in this recreation of the fascinating historical site. As you arrive, walk down the gloomy entrance and ring the bell calling for the prison guard, before embarking on an interactive journey that takes you back to the dark and eerie days of London's medieval past. Discover the history of the gaol and its rowdy neighbourhood, and find out what it was like to be an inmate at one of England’s most notorious prisons as you explore the original cells, narrow corridors and atmospheric chambers. Book tickets now to see the prison for yourself!
Our top tip for visiting: If you're into spine-chilling experiences, don't miss our spooky guide to London's top scary things to do, featuring haunted houses, ghost tours, thrilling immersive experiences and eerie historical sites.
1 Clink Street, London, SE1 9DG
From £10.00
Based on 1,997 reviews
Quirky | Spooky | Gruesome history
Spread over six floors of a Victorian house in Whitechapel, the Jack the Ripper Museum tells the story of the infamous killer through books, films and artefacts. Step back in time and try to solve the murder mysteries as you work your way through, with clues and crime scene recreations to guide you along the way. Who was Jack the Ripper: a famous artist, a barber, an apprentice surgeon or another suspect? This quirky London museum is perfect for couples, friends or families with teenagers looking to solve a thrilling mystery that gripped the world and still fascinates today. Up for the challenge? Book your spot today!
Our top tip for visiting: If you're up for more action, stay on location in Whitechapel and follow in the ghostly footsteps of Jack the Ripper's victims, as you listen to expert tales about London’s most notorious serial killer on a guided Jack the Ripper Walking Tour. Travel back to 1888 to relive one of the most intriguing stories ever told, from the discovery of the first victim in a dark alleyway to more gruesome discoveries and the manhunt that followed.
12 Cable Street, Aldgate, London, E1 8JG
From £14.00
Sports | Museum and stadium tour | Family-friendly
Football fans should check out the fantastic Chelsea FC Museum, which tells the story of the famous London club from 1905 to the present day. Explore an incredible collection of shirts, medals, boots, artefacts and, most impressive of all, the Trophy Room, which showcases five Premier League titles, eight FA Cups, eight Women's Super League trophies and the iconic 2012 and 2021 UEFA Champions League and 2021 FIFA Club World Cup trophies. Visitors usually buy tickets for the combined guided stadium tour and museum experience, which also gives you behind-the-scenes access to the dugouts, the dressing rooms and the players' tunnel.
Our top tip for visiting: There are several stadium tour experiences to choose from, which all include a visit to the Chelsea FC Museum. Pick from hourly Stadium Tours, daily Classic Tours and VIP Private Tours, in addition to monthly Legends Tours, where a Chelsea hero personally accompanies you behind the scenes.
Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, London, SW6 1HS
From £32.00
Based on 5,167 reviews
Rugby history | Iconic stadium | Interactive
More of a rugby fan? The award-winning World Rugby Museum houses the world’s most prestigious and extensive collection of rugby football memorabilia and is an absolute must-visit! Housed within Twickenham's famous Allianz Stadium, the museum charts the history of the game, from its humble foundations to the game we know and love today. Discover your position in the squad at the museum's Play Rugby Interactive Zone and put your rugby skills to the test through a variety of fun interactive features, such as the speed test, kicking zone and line-out jump.
Our top tip for visiting: You can buy tickets for the museum or upgrade to include a stadium tour – don't miss your chance to run out through the players' tunnel, take a seat in the England changing room and see normally out-of-bounds parts of the ground, including VIP areas such as the Royal Box.
World Rugby Museum, Allianz Stadium, Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7BA, London, TW2 7BA
From £30.00
Based on 142 reviews
For more inspiration, check out our lists of London's free museums and the best art galleries, or find out more about London's art scene and museums, including best gallery and museum lates in the city.
