A day at the Natural History Museum in London means exploring some of the most highly-regarded exhibits on earth’s history in the world. The Natural History Museum is housed in a stunning building in South Kensington in Central London. The main exhibits of the museum are FREE for all ages, while special tickets may be purchased for certain visiting exhibitions.
The museum’s collection is enormous – over 70 million objects and specimens are included. The most popular exhibits in the museum include dinosaur fossils, animal specimens, and geologic exhibits.
The central hall of the museum is not only an example of gorgeous architecture, but it houses the most famous exhibit in the museum, a replica of a Diplodocus skeleton.
Other dinosaurs from T-rexes to triceratops can be seen in the museum as embedded fossils, skeletal displays, and carefully-crafted lifelike models complete with skin. You can see exhibits exploring the evolution of dinosaurs and other creatures or learn about (and see models) of dinosaur eggs and hatchlings.
From the central hall, you can make your way to any other area of the museum as well as obtain audio guides, visitor information, and maps.
The Blue Zone of the museum contains hundreds of models of prehistoric, extinct, and modern animals, including humans.
The Red Zone areas contain fascinating exhibits on the history of planet earth. Here you can explore the science behind volcanoes and plate tectonics, as well as see examples of beautiful gemstones and ancient rock fossils.
The Green Zone includes reptiles, insects, birds, and ecology exhibits. Finally, the Orange Zone treats visitors to great educational programs within the Darwin Centre, including at the Attenborough Studio. Here you can enjoy presentations from experts or view award-winning nature films.
Open every day of the week excepting December 23, 24, and 25, the Natural History Museum of London is a perfect choice when selecting a museum to visit in London, and its schedule and free admission mean that it can be easily worked into your plans. If you are planning to visit one of the special temporary exhibitions, you can purchase and book your tickets in advance online or by phone, which is recommended if you will be visiting the museum at the height of the summer tourist season.
Visiting the Natural History Museum can make for an all-day activity. The museum has its own restaurant and several cafés offering both meals and light refreshments. In addition, there are cloakrooms available for coats and bags. Luggage can be checked for a fee according to its weight, so you do not need to worry if you are visiting prior to a train journey or hotel change.
Getting to the Natural History Museum is easy. It is very close to the South Kensington station, where the Blue Piccadilly line stops. The Gloucester Road station is a bit further away, but in addition to the Blue Piccadilly line, both Yellow Circle, and Green District lines stop there as well. The main entrance is located on Cromwell Street, while visitors who have difficulty walking should use the step-free entrance on Exhibition Street. Many bus lines stop close the museum, and there are spaces available for securing bicycles. There are no parking spaces for cars available, and driving to the museum is not recommended.
However you get there, the Natural History Museum offers exhibits that should appeal to anyone with an interest in science, no matter what their age.
It’s an amazing museum, definitely worth a visit in person, but if you can’t go, get “David Attenboroughs Natural History Museum Alive” if you’re in the U.K. The movie isn’t available in the U.S. on DVD or Blu-Ray yet.
To see more photos from the Natural History Museum, visit our Natural History Museum Flickr album. If you’re planning a trip to London, feel free to take a look at our other articles about London, and follow our UK | London Pinterest board.
Where to Stay in London if you want to be near the Natural History Museum?
If you want to stay somewhere close to the Natural History Museum, there are several hotels, apartments, and guest houses to choose from. Take your pick!
The main museum building is absolutely gorgeous, with incredible embellishment inside and out. The newer wing features an elevator to the second floor that goes right through a molten planet!
It’s definitely worth a visit, but it is best to plan to avoid weekends during British school vacations, as the museum becomes insanely crowded with lines to get into the building and for the most popular exhibits.
We didn’t get to go through the molten planet, Dina. 🙁 Maybe next time.
There is so much to see at the Natural History Museum, as you point out! I think most people go for the dinosaurs the first time, and then realise they have to go back to see more and more. I also think it’s brilliant for all ages and not just the kids. And the building is stunning.
Sarah Ebner recently posted…Keeping Bees At St Ermin’s Hotel, London
I think I have to add this to my list for the building alone. Stunning.
I love the Natural History Museum! It’s easily one of my favourite museums and now my kids love it too. We were there at Christmas and spent most of our time with the dinosaurs so we need to go back and explore other sections.
Katja – globetotting recently posted…My Family Adventure: Spring time in Crete, Greece with Kids
My daughter and I have never been to London. My husband, Andrew have visited several times for work in the past. He can’t wait to bring us to this great city. This Museum looks very similar to the Museum of Natural History here in our hometown of NYC. Daughter and I just love Natural History museums. We hope to visit soon and these tips will come in handy for sure!
Brenda recently posted…Antibes a place for Joy
I have been to London several times, but haven’t made it to the Natural History Museum. This definitely looks like something our children would like to do, so I will put it on our list for next time. Thanks for sharing!
Kirsten recently posted…5 Family Friendly Activities in Shanghai
Super cool post! I’ll need to go check it out.
I love all London museums and galleries – they need to get more publicity like this because they are such a fantastic place! Thanks for sharing.