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Natural History Museum, London

  • London, United Kingdom (UK)

Last updated: 10 March, 2024

From the 25m blue whale skeleton that hovers over the central atrium to the theatrically-lit Earth Hall, exploring the natural forces behind our planet’s existence, the NHM is a spectacle from start to finish.

Adults and kids alike will be entranced by the elegantly-arranged collection spread over 43 galleries. Its treasures – everything from dinosaur fossils to diamonds and Martian meteorites – entice Londoners back for multiple visits.

Designed by Alfred Waterhouse in 1873, the museum is an outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture, its facade designed with delicate columns, articulated arches and carvings of plants and animals.

While you’re there

Spare a bit of time to visit the state-of-the-art Darwin Centre with its cocoon building. You’ll get the chance to watch scientists at work in the lab and see the science behind nature using interactive displays.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The nearest Underground station is South Kensington (District, Circle, Piccadilly lines). It’s a short walk from there. Entry is free and there is no pre-booking for general museum admission.

There are a number of different themed tour options available, including the museums’ zoology collection preserved in glass jars – see the ‘What’s on’ section on the website.

When to do it

The museum is open all year-round, seven days a week. Arrive early (before 11am) or late (after 3pm) to avoid the school-trips crush.

During mid-October you can see the superb annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition – displaying 100 or more eye-popping wildlife photographs.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • London

From the largest dinosaurs to the tiniest gemstones, the Natural History Museum’s display of over 80 million specimens needs no introduction. On this 2 hour exclusive guided museum tour, you’ll discover the collection housed within a terracotta palace, a “cathedral to nature,” which features galleries on geology, mineralogy, botany and zoology.

Price €101

Min age 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [117 ratings]

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  • London

From the largest dinosaurs to the tiniest gemstones, the Natural History Museum’s display of over 80 million specimens needs no introduction. On this 2 hour semi-private (8 Guest Maximum) guided museum tour, you’ll discover the collection housed within a terracotta palace, a “cathedral to nature,” which features galleries on geology, mineralogy, botany and zoology.

Price €105

Min age 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [54 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • London

The Natural History Museum is a must see if you are visiting London with your children! In our 2.5 hour family friendly tour we will take you to discover one of the richest Museums of Natural History in the world, in a fascinating interactive tour suitable for both adults and for kids! Led by a professional kid-friendly guide, you will see the most interesting and breathtaking highlights of the museum such as the T-Rex in the Dinosaur Gallery, the 25.2-metre-long blue whale skeleton and the giant sequoia tree. You will also be able to take an escalator ride through the centre of the Earth to discover the famous earthquake simulator!

Price €269

Min age 0

Rating 5 / 5 [10 ratings]

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  • London

Journey back in time and explore planet Earth before the days of mankind on a family-friendly dinosaur discovery tour of London's amazing Natural History Museum. Enter the Earth galleries to get a short geological and geographical introduction to paleontology. Explore the evolution of life on Earth up to the arrival of the dinosaurs and hear about ancient biogeography. Study the anatomy, evolution, diet and behavior of dinosaurs as you explore the museum's famous dinosaur galleries. Make history fun as you learn more about the diversity of life when dinosaurs ruled the earth, and explore the different time periods dinosaurs lived in. Sort the facts from the myths about why dinosaurs died out and find out what scientific research has taught us about these prehistoric giants.

Price €204

Min age 0

Rating 4.16 / 5 [6 ratings]

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