London Natural History Museum

The basics

The Natural History Museum is one of a handful of prestigious museums located on Exhibition Row, a common stop on sightseeing and hop-on hop-off bus tours of London. Visitors to the museum can tour the galleries independently, see scientists at work at the Darwin Centre, buy tickets for special behind-the-scenes tours, and attend drop-in talks, workshops, and events.

Things to know before you go

• Wheelchair users can access the museum via the Exhibition Road entrance.

• This museum is big; download the visitor app or pick up a map upon arrival to help you navigate.

• Be prepared for a short wait for security checks at the entrance.

• London Natural History Museum tickets are free. Reserving a timed entry ticket is recommended.

How to get there

The Natural History Museum has two entrances: one on Cromwell Road and the other on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, opposite the Victoria and Albert Museum and beside the Science Museum. Take the Tube to South Kensington (District, Piccadilly, or Circle line) and follow the underground Exhibition Road tunnel from the station, taking the signposted Natural History Museum exit.

When to get there

The Natural History Museum is open daily from 10am, with the last entry at 5:30pm. Crowds flock here on weekends and during school breaks; arrive shortly after opening to avoid them. The museum also opens its doors for occasional after-hours events such as movie nights and even sleepovers. Among the most popular annual exhibitions are the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, which typically opens in October and closes in May, and Sensational Butterflies, which runs from April to mid-September. In the build-up to Christmas, the museum’s seasonal open-air ice rink is the perfect place to get in the festive spirit.

Highlights of Hintze Hall

Since 1979, the 85-foot-long (26-meter-long) Dippy the Diplodocus dinosaur skeleton has stolen the show in the museum’s magnificent Hintze Hall. That is, until 2017, when Dippy went off on tour and was replaced by Hope, an equally impressive 126-year-old blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.

Is the Natural History Museum free entry?

Yes, general admission to the Natural History Museum in London is free. You don’t need to book in advance, but prebooking a timed entry ticket is a good idea in busy periods such as weekends and holidays. You might need an admission ticket or advance reservation for some temporary exhibitions and events.

What can you see in the Natural History Museum for free?

General admission to the Natural History Museum is free and includes all of the museum’s permanent exhibitions. You’ll be able to visit more than 20 galleries, including popular displays such as the Dinosaurs gallery, the Hall of Meteorites, and the Hall of Ocean Life, with its famous blue whale skeleton.

How long do you need in the Natural History Museum?

The Natural History Museum is one of London’s biggest museums—it’s home to more than 20 permanent exhibitions and has almost 80 million items on display. You’ll need around 3-4 hours to take in the highlights, but you can always take a break at one of the cafés or snack bars.

Can you take bags into the Natural History Museum?

It depends. You can take small handbags and purses into the Natural History Museum, but all items will be subject to a security inspection. Backpacks, suitcases, and large bags aren’t allowed inside the museum, but there are two paid cloakrooms where you can leave luggage, strollers, folded bikes, and coats.

What is the best day to visit the Natural History Museum?

The quietest days to visit the Natural History Museum tend to be Wednesday and Thursday. You’ll find the biggest crowds on weekends, Fridays, and during school holidays—for thinner crowds, plan your visit for the morning or late afternoon (after 3pm), once the school groups have departed.

Can I take pictures at the Natural History Museum?

Yes. You can take photos of the permanent exhibitions at the Natural History Museum using a smartphone or hand-held camera, provided they’re only for personal use. You need permission for commercial filming and photography—with a minimum of five working days’ notice—and fees apply.

Ways to explore

The Natural History Museum is one of a handful of prestigious museums located on Exhibition Row, a common stop on sightseeing and hop-on, hop-off bus tours of London. It’s also possible to discover the museum as part of a guided walking tour—some of these are private with skip-the-line access. If you’re looking for a more independent adventure, take a self-guided tour. Discover scientists at work at the Darwin Centre, and attend drop-in talks, workshops, and other events.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking spaces for Blue Badge holders, wheelchairs to rent for free, and accessible restrooms.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Reusable water bottle, small bag, visitor app or map

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers

Not allowed

Smoking, sharp objects, commercial photography without permission

Amenities

Coat check, baby-changing facilities, Wi-Fi, restaurants, gift shops

Address

The easiest way to reach the museum is via South Kensington Tube station. There are two entrances to the museum: one on Cromwell Road and another on Exhibition Road, next to the Science Museum and opposite the V&A.

Driving

If you’re driving, it takes around 10 minutes from Westminster via the A4. However, parking in South Kensington is limited and expensive, so using public transit is the easier option.

Public transportation

Take the London Underground to South Kensington (District, Piccadilly, or Circle line). From there, follow the well-signposted pedestrian subway for a 5-minute walk to the museum’s Central Entrance via the subway gate.

Best times to visit

It’s best to arrive early, ideally mid-morning close to opening time in order to get to the exhibits before the crowds arrive.

Best days to visit

Crowds flock here on the weekends, so if you can, it’s best to come during the week, between Monday and Thursday.

Best months to visit

It’s a fun place to visit year-round, but it can get particularly crowded during the school holidays and summer months of July and August, so June or September could be better.

Special events

The museum hosts events year-round, including Dino Snores sleepovers and the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, so it’s worth checking the schedule before your visit.