6 Essential London Museums to Visit

Discover London’s Iconic Museums

London is home to an unrivalled collection of museums and offers amazing experiences for all types of travellers. Whether you want to learn about the city’s rich history, discover incredible artefacts from around the world, or find an interactive yet educational attraction for children, London’s top museums have it all.

Here, we share details of six of the best museums in London and what you can expect to find when you visit.

1. The British Museum: A Treasure Trove of Human History

The British Museum is a must-visit during your London adventure. Home to countless amazing items, this impressive London landmark boasts over two million years of human history and around eight million works across several collections. Entrance to the British Museum is free, but it’s best to book a ticket online in advance to guarantee entry.

Top highlights of the British Museum include:

The Rosetta Stone – One of the museum’s most famous objects, the Rosetta Stone displays writing that helped experts to decipher hieroglyphics. This led to a whole new understanding of ancient Egypt and its fascinating history.
The Parthenon Sculptures – Originally located at the Parthenon in Greece, the Parthenon Sculptures are over 2000 years old and are crafted from marble. They’re a beautiful example of Greek art and have inspired creatives throughout the centuries.

The Lewis Chessmen – A beautifully carved medieval chess set from the 12th century made of walrus ivory and sperm whale tooth, the Lewis Chessmen were discovered on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. It’s unknown who they belonged to, so their story remains a mystery.
The Sutton Hoo Treasure – Perhaps the most important archaeological find in British history, the Sutton Hoo Treasure features a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon burial ship, ornate weapons, and the iconic Sutton Hoo helmet.
The Egyptian Mummies – The British Museum is home to some of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian mummies. You’ll get to see intricately decorated coffins, burial items, and even preserved human and animal remains.

2. Natural History Museum: Explore the Wonders of Nature

The Natural History Museum is one of the top museums in London for people of all ages thanks to its family-friendly exhibitions and engaging information. Entry to the Natural History Museum is free, but you may need to pay to visit temporary exhibitions and events should you wish to experience them.

When visiting the Natural History Museum, keep an eye out for:

Hope the Blue Whale – A real 25.2-metre-long blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. Walk beneath it in the museum’s unmissable Hintze Hall.
The minerals collection – The Natural History Museum is home to a mesmerising collection of minerals from around the world. Admire giant crystals, meteorites, rare gemstones, and much more.

Dinosaurs – Possibly the museum’s most popular attraction, the Dinosaur Gallery features real fossil skeletons and animatronic dinosaurs, including a roaring T-Rex that’s sure to delight adults and children alike.
The gift shop – Like many London museums, the Natural History Museum has a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs to remind you of your travels. There are lots of educational options for kids, fascinating books, and some cute stuffed dinosaurs too!

3. Science Museum: A Journey Through Innovation

The perfect option for an interactive museum in London, the Science Museum has exhibits to keep the whole family entertained. Museum entry is free, but in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Visit Wonderland, an interactive gallery boasting 50 exhibits that will help children between the ages of 7 and 14 feel like scientists as they discover information about the world they live in. Those visiting with younger children aged 6 and below will enjoy the Garden. Set in the museum’s basement, this sensory play area offers an immersive experience for smaller guests.

Exploring Space is the perfect exhibition for people interested in things that are out of the world. See rockets, satellites, and a full-size replica of the Eagle which took Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the moon in the 1960s.

Choose tickets that suit your journey and budget.

Discover more on the Heathrow Express

4. Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A): The World’s Leading Museum of Art & Design

Boasting diverse collections spanning 3,000 years of art and design, and seven miles of galleries, London’s Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of everything from ceramics to fashion. As with many of London’s museums, the V&A is free to enter. There’s no need to book in advance.

Some of the V&A’s most popular objects include items of jewellery, beautiful examples of embroidery, striking pieces of furniture, intricate paintings, modern photographs, and portrait miniatures. A major highlight is Tippoo’s Tiger, a mechanical organ featuring an almost life-sized model of an Indian tiger eating a European soldier. When the organ’s handle is turned, the soldier’s arm moves up and down and it makes the sound of dying moans.

5. London Museum: Delve into the City’s Past

The provides the opportunity to learn all about the city’s past and the stories that have shaped the London we know today. Take a fascinating journey from prehistoric times through to the present day and immerse yourself in the museum’s unique exhibits.

The London Museum is currently located in the London Docklands with a new site set to open at Smithfield Market in 2026. While entry is free, it’s recommended that you book events online in advance.

Highlights of the London Museum include:

Wandering along a life-sized recreation of a Victorian East End street and experiencing cobbled roads, shops, pubs, and sounds of the docklands
Roman artefacts, including pottery, coins, mosaics, and real Roman remains. There’s even a skeleton discovered during construction work

The Thames Gallery which features models, maps, and shipwreck relics related to the famous London river
Fascinating treasures discovered through mudlarking along the Thames, including Tudor shoes and medieval brooches
Information about how London’s Docklands were impacted during World War II, especially during the Blitz

6. London Transport Museum: A Ride Through History

The London Transport Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in London’s history, design, or engineering. It’s an engaging, interactive museum set in bustling Covent Garden that tells the fascinating story of how London’s transport has changed throughout the centuries, from horse-drawn trams to the world’s first underground railway. Adults will need to purchase an annual pass which is priced from £22.50 (gives unlimited access for a year) for entry to the museum. Children go free.

There are loads of fascinating things to see at the London Transport Museum, from the first underground train and iconic red buses to vintage tube signage and driving simulators. Children under 7 will love the interactive play area, and everyone’s sure to find something they want to take home from the gift shop.

Enhancing Your Museum Experience with Heathrow Express

Heathrow Express makes visiting London’s top museums easy. Enjoy a comfortable journey from Heathrow to London Paddington in just 15 minutes and seamlessly travel onwards to your museum of choice. A stress-free transfer option if you’re looking to maximise the time you have in London, Heathrow Express is affordable for adults with prices from just £10, and children under 15 travel free.

Ready to visit the best museums in London and discover their treasures for yourself? Book your Heathrow Express tickets today and start planning your trip.