See 55 Spectacular London Museums Free + Map (& 10 Worth Your Money)

Did you know you can see over 55 London museums free? That might be more than any other city in the world.

The best free museums in London have so much to offer: incredible exhibits, gorgeous architecture, and totally free entry. The only downside? There are so many that it’s overwhelming.

As a history and culture nerd I spend a crazy amount of time in museums. In this post I’ve broken them down by category and given you a short synopsis, so you can find the best free museums in London that fit your interests and itinerary.

If it’s your first time in London and want to only see the best stuff, while still saving money, here you can find the best free museums in London for you.

london museums free: complete list. Colorful graphic of visitor enjoying a museum interior with text overlaid: "every single free museum in London: there's something for everyone!"

Free Museums in London Map

Use this map to navigate live to all the museums in London that are free. You’ll notice some are grouped quite close together and make for good pairings.

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Here’s the top 10 free London museums, from the iconic British Museum to the incredible Tate Galleries. 

These are the most visited free museums in London, but that doesn’t mean that you need to always need to pre-book entry.

Even when they’re packed, getting inside is usually quick and simple. 

1. The British Museum

best museums free in london? The British Museum tops the list. Colorful graphic picturing the exterior of the museum.

A world-famous museum featuring a vast collection of art and antiquities from around the globe. The most popular and most-visited museum in London. 

  • Bloomsbury 
  • Size: Large. Allow at least 2 hours for a quick walk-through, more for a more detailed visit. 
  • Don’t Miss: The Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, the Egyptian Gallery, and so much more. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! Pick up a treasure map hunt at the front desk. 

2. The British Library 

Did you know that there’s a museum inside this incredible Central London library?

This is the national library of the United Kingdom, with a vast collection of manuscripts, prints, and historical documents, plus an incredible treasures gallery with important historical artifacts.

  • King’s Cross 
  • Size: Medium. You can see the Treasures Galley within an hour. 
  • Don’t Miss: Jane Austen’s desk, Canterbury Tales, original Shakespeare manuscripts, Beowulf, Da Vinci’s notebooks.  
  • Good for Kids? Yes! 

3. Museum of London

Chronicles the history of London from prehistoric times to the modern era. This is my all-time favorite free London museum! And sadly, currently closed for moving.

***Currently closed until 2026. The Museum of London Docklands is still open and fantastic, and described further down this list.***

Houses a rich collection of paintings from the 13th to the 20th centuries.

  • Trafalgar Square 
  • Size: Large. Allow for at least 2 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: Vermeer, VanGogh, Monet, and so many more. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! 

5. National Maritime Museum 

Explores the maritime history of the UK and its impact on the world.

Part of Royal Museums Greenwich, which also includes the Cutty Sark, Queen’s House (free), and the Royal Observatory. Greenwich makes a great day out!

  • Greenwich 
  • Size: Large. Allow for at least 2 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: The Battle of Trafalgar, Nelson’s jacket, the giant map. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! Pop into the AHOY! Children’s Gallery for extra kid fun. 

6. Natural History Museum

best london museums for free: the Natural History Museum in Kensington is one of the best and most popular. Pictured is the iconic gothic interior of the building, with graphics of ancient artifacts on the side.

Features a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history. The second most-visited museum in London!

It does get crowded on weekends and school holidays, and I once had a (real) panic attack in a very slow line through the Jurassic exhibit. Fair warning to anyone claustrophobic: don’t go during peak times. 

***Note that the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum (#7 below), and the V&A (#10 below) are all right next to each other in South Kensington.

  • South Kensington 
  • Size: Very Large – allow for at least 3 hours.  
  • Don’t Miss: Darwin’s Dodo, Pompeii casts, dinosaur exhibits, human skull bowl, (new!) Titanosaur skeleton. You’ll find something interesting in every single display.
  • Good for Kids? Yes! There’s so much to explore here with great hands-on exhibits.

7. Science Museum

A massive museum dedicated to all things science, technology, engineering, and medicine. This is the best free museum in London for kids, as there are lots of hands-on activities (my favorite paid museum for kids is the London Transport Museum, further down this list).

  • South Kensington 
  • Size: Large. Allow for at least 2 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: The original DNA model, spacesuits & spaceships, telescopes, and so much more. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! One of the best, with lots of hands-on activities. 

8. Tate Britain

Home to a significant collection of British art from the 1500s to the present day.

  • Millbank 
  • Size: Large – allow for at least 2 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: Works by Rothko, Hepworth, Hockney, Turner, and more. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes – there’s a play studio, drawing space, and story room. 

9. Tate Modern

A famous modern and contemporary art gallery housed in a former power station. 

  • Bankside 
  • Size: Large – allow for at least 2 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Dali, Rothko & more. The view from the top is incredible. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! There’s a cool digital drawing room that kids will love.

10. Victoria and Albert Museum

best free london museums? You have to visit the V&A (the Victoria and Albert Museum) in South Kensington. Interior of the museum pictured in a colorful graphic that looks like a museum interior.

The world’s leading museum of art, design, and performance. One of the most popular museums in London. 

The majority of the museum is free, though there are rotating paid exhibits.

  • South Kensington 
  • Size: Very Large – plan for at least 2-3 hours for a faster walk-through. 
  • Don’t Miss: The Great Bed of Ware, Rodin sculptures, Tippoo’s Tiger, great historic fashion exhibits. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! The V&A also has a museum branch just for children (in a separate location, described at the end of this list). 

Military London Museums Free

Some of the coolest museums free in London are about military history. Britain has so much of it, and so many incredible artifacts, that these are worth a visit even if you’re not super into this type of history.

11. Imperial War Museum

museums in london that are free: the imperial war museum. Pictured here inside a colorful graphic.

Covers conflicts involving Britain and the Commonwealth throughout history. 

Ps…this building used to be the notorious mental asylum “Bedlam”, and is supposedly very haunted!

  • Lambeth 
  • Size: Large – plan for at least 2-3 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: piece of the Berlin wall, shoes from a liberated woman at Auschwitz, aircraft, tanks, uniforms, and so much more.
  • Good for Kids? Yes! There’s so much to explore. 

12. National Army Museum

Explores the history of the British Army and its impact on society.

  • Chelsea 
  • Size: Medium – plan for about 2 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: the skeleton of Napoleon’s horse, Lawrence of Arabia’s robes, piece of the Berlin Wall, tanks, field guns, etc. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! There are hands-on exhibits and uniforms kids can try on. 

13. Royal Air Force Museum London

Showcases the history of the Royal Air Force through its aircraft and stories.

  • Barnet 
  • Size: Housed in very large airplane hangars – plan for at least 3 hours with a lot of walking.
  • Don’t Miss: You can’t miss the massive airplanes – they’re right above you! 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! There are tons of activities and things to see. 

Art & Design Museums in London That Are Free

London has dozens of art galleries, but many of them are paid entry. Here are all the art gallery museums in London that are free to enter! 

14. Design Museum

Showcases contemporary design in every form from architecture to fashion. The building itself is really cool, too. 

  • Kensington 
  • Size: Large – allow for at least 2 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: This museum is totally DIY: try a 3D printer, design a car, and more! 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! Many hands-on activities. 
best london museums free? Try the Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre! This incredible space - pictured here from the outside with colorful graphics surrounding - is a very cool free london museum to visit.

Displays a collection of art focused on London’s history and heritage, all on top of an ancient Roman amphitheater that was discovered here. 

  • City of London 
  • Size: Medium. Allow 1-2 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: The real Roman Amphitheatre, which was on this site 2,000 years ago! 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! There’s some family activities available. 

Home to a vast collection of portraits of historically important British people. Recently revamped and better than ever. 

  • Trafalgar Square 
  • Size: Large – allow 2-3 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: Portraits of Shakespeare, Anne Boelyn, Zadie Smith, Malala, and so much more. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! There are some fun art activities for kids.  

17. Royal Academy of Arts 

Both a gallery and academy, this is art for and by artists since the 1700s. Rotating exhibitions, many of which are free. 

  • Piccadilly
  • Size: Medium – plan for at least 1 hour. 
  • Don’t Miss: the incredible rotating exhibitions, some of which are free! 
  • Good for Kids: Yes! This gallery aims to be accessible for everyone. 

18. Queen’s House

museums free in london with royal history? Try the Queen's House in Greenwich! Pictured here with its pristine white facade, it used to be a royal residence but is now on the of the prettiest free museums in London.

A historic royal residence, now an art gallery featuring works from the National Maritime Museum. Parts of The Crown were filmed here!

It’s also supposedly very haunted. 

  • Greenwich 
  • Size: Large. 
  • Don’t Miss: The tulip stairs and the iconic painting of Elizabeth I. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! 

19. Serpentine Galleries

Known for contemporary art exhibitions and architecture in a picturesque setting.

  • Hyde Park 
  • Size: Large – in two separate buildings, plus outdoor exhibits. 
  • Don’t Miss: Indoor and outdoor exhibitions at both galleries. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes, but some younger kids may find it boring. You can always do a quick pop-in if you’re playing in Hyde Park.

20. Wallace Collection

Features fine and decorative arts from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

  • Marylebone
  • Size: Medium 
  • Don’t Miss: rotating exhibitions and master painters. 
  • Good for Kids? Not really – this is a posh and pristine museum. 

Known for its contemporary art exhibitions and public programs.

  • Whitechapel
  • Size: Medium. 
  • Don’t Miss: rotating multi-arts exhibits
  • Good for Kids? Not really, but it depends on the exhibits.  

Medical Museums Free in London 

So many important medical discoveries and pioneering procedures happened right here in London. You can learn all about them in any of these medical museums free in London!

22. Hunterian Museum

one of the weirdest and best free london museums is the Hunterian. Pictured here is a specimen from the Hunterian of a skull of a patient with Hydrocephalus, alongside framed gallery graphics.

If you’ve ever wondered what a “mad scientists” laboratory would look like, this is it. 

This incredible space holds over 70,000 anatomical and pathological specimens. Some of it is not for the faint of stomach. If you’re a weirdo like me, it’s your dream come true. 

  • Lincolns Inn Fields
  • Size: Medium – allow at least 1 hour or more.
  • Don’t Miss: The Evelyn Tables (real human tissue!), animal specimens, human specimens, flora and fauna of all kinds. 
  • Good for Kids? Older kids, yes. Smaller children might either be bored or frightened by the specimens! 

23. Anaesthesia Heritage Centre 

Showcases the history of anesthesia and pain relief with an extensive collection of artifacts.

  • Portland Place
  • Size: Small 
  • Good for Kids? No

24. Bethlem Museum of the Mind

Dedicated to the history of mental health care and treatment, including the history of Bethlem Hospital (aka Bedlam). 

Ps…if you want to see the real “Bedlam”, it’s now the Imperial War Museum. 

  • Spring Park
  • Size: Small 
  • Good for Kids? No

25. British Optical Association Museum

Focuses on the history of eyewear and optical instruments.

  • Charing Cross
  • Size: Small 
  • Good for Kids? No

26. Museum of the Order of Saint John

Tells the story of the medical Order of St John from its origins to its modern-day role.

  • Clerkenwell 
  • Size: Small 
  • Good for Kids? Not really. 

27. Royal Pharmaceutical Society

small medical london museums for free: try the Royal Pharmaceutical Society! Pictured here on a gallery wall of graphics are historic medicines and treatments that you can explore inside this free London museum.

Covers the history of pharmacy and the role of pharmacists, medicine throughout the centuries, and how the role of pharmacists has changed over the centuries. 

  • Smithfield 
  • Size: Small 
  • Don’t Miss: Weird historic treatments, real human hands and skulls, a bear grease bar. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! Older kids will love the weird and wonderful artifacts.

28. UCL Pathology Museum

A medical museum with a collection of pathological specimens.

  • Royal Free Hospital 
  • Size: Small – by appointment only. 
  • Good for Kids? No – this is more of a research museum. 

29. The British Dental Museum

Explores the history of dentistry and dental care. ***Currently Closed until further notice***

  • Marylebone 
  • Size: Small 
  • Good for Kids? No 

History & Cultural London Museums for Free

Here’s all the free London museums that focus on contemporary social issues, marginalized communities, personal and local history, or specific aspects of societal development.

30. 19 Princelet Street 

A historic house in Spitalfields, known for its exhibitions on immigration and diversity in London. ***Currently only open for advance bookings***

  • Spitalfields 
  • Size: Small  

31. Burgh House & Hampstead Museum 

small local museums in london that are free? Try Burgh House & the Hampstead Museum, located in the hilltops of leafy Hampstead. Pictured here is the stately home in which the museum resides, in which. you can see historic artifacts from the former owners and residents of Hampstead throughout the centuries.

A historic house museum with a collection of art and a focus on local history.

  • Hampstead 
  • Size: Small 
  • Good for Kids? Yes, for older kids. Smaller children may find it boring.

32. Fitzroy House

A cultural center and museum focusing on literary and historical exhibits. The house has an odd history, which you can learn about inside.

  • Warren Street 
  • Size: Small 
  • Don’t Miss: The very odd history of Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard, who lived here. 
  • Good for Kids? No 

33. Kenwood House

A former stately home with a notable art collection, set in Hampstead Heath.

  • Hampstead Heath 
  • Size: Medium 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! 

34. Museum of London Docklands

while the Museum of London is closed for renovations, one of the coolest museums free in London is the Museum of London Docklands. Pictured here from the outside, inside you can see historic Thames artifacts and learn about the history of the docks and life in the East End.

Dedicated to the history of London’s River Thames and the growth of Docklands, housed in an original docklands warehouse.

Explore the maritime history of London, focused on the evolution of trade, East End culture and dock workers, import/export, and the Thames’ impact on London life

  • West India Quay 
  • Size: Large. 
  • Don’t Miss: replica of an original working dock warehouse, ships, historic artifacts, and so much more. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! This is one of the best London museums for kids, with a Mudlarks children’s area for soft play, and great hands-on activities throughout. 

35. Museum of the Home

Focuses on the history of domestic life in Britain, including real example homes and furnishings. 

  • Hoxton 
  • Size: Medium – plan for about 90 minutes.
  • Don’t Miss: the rooms through time exhibit is so cool! 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! Tons of kid-friendly activities, and gardens to play in. 

36. QUEER BRITAIN

Dedicated to LGBTQ+ history and culture in Britain.

  • King’s Cross 
  • Size: Small-Medium – plan for about an hour. 
  • Don’t Miss: the art by queer artists is incredible. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! Everyone is welcome.

37. Sir John Soane’s Museum

one of the best free london museums is Sir John Soane's Museum, housed in his former residence. He was an architect and collector who amassed a fortune in artifacts, which you can see today in this small but packed free London museum. Pictured here is only a small portion of the intricate collection.

The house and museum of the architect Sir John Soane, filled with artworks, sculptures, and antiquities. One of the great English Architects, Soane’s house was kept just as it was after his death in 1837.

It’s a giant cabinet of curiosities! The home itself is worth visiting alone.

  • Lincoln’s Inn Fields 
  • Size: Small but packed with cool stuff! 
  • Don’t Miss: Art by Hogarth, Turner and Canaletto.
  • Good for Kids? Good for older kids. There’s lots of fragile stuff here. 

38. Wellcome Collection

A free museum and library exploring health and human experience. This museum is vast and varied, and there’s something for everyone. 

  • Euston 
  • Size: Large – plan for about 2 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: Check out the rotating exhibitions, on everything from teeth to the beauty industry throughout the centuries. See if you can spot the Picasso. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! This is a truly unique museum that’s fascinating for all ages. 

Dedicated to the life and work of the 19th-century designer, craftsman, and socialist, William Morris.

  • Walthamstow 
  • Size: Small 
  • Don’t Miss: The fashion and textiles section is really cool. 
  • Good for Kids? No, kids will likely find it boring.  

Zoology & Archeology London Museums Free

London has a very cool collection of fantastic zoology and archeology exhibitions. Here’s a few of the best free London museums for seeing archeological and zoological specimens.

40. Grant Museum of Zoology

Part of University College London, featuring a wide range of zoological specimens. 

  • Euston 
  • Size: Small to Medium, but packed with interesting stuff. 
  • Don’t Miss: The dodo and the quagga! 
  • Good for Kids? Good for older kids – there are some specimens here that may frighten younger children. 

41. Horniman Museum and Gardens

looking to see unique london museums free? Try the Horniman museum and gardens, the conservatory of which is pictured here (right), and the clock tower (left). Inside this interesting free London museum you can see the vast collections of taxidermied animals, including a giant walrus.

A giant collection of taxidermied animals and other specimens. Displays natural history, cultural artifacts, and musical instruments, and so much more, with extensive gardens outside.

  • Dulwich 
  • Size: Medium inside, with much more to see outside and in the conservatory. Plan for at least 2 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: The giant tuba, the walrus, ape skeletons, neon coral, a cool mummy. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! There’s so much to explore for all ages. 

42. London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE

Presents the ancient Temple of Mithras, discovered recently in the heart of London.

  • Bank 
  • Don’t Miss: the story of this discovery and restoration is really interesting. 
  • Size: Small-ish. Plan for at least 1 hour. 
  • Good for Kids? Kids who are into history and archeology, yes! 

43. Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology

Houses an extensive collection of Egyptian and Sudanese archaeology.

  • Euston 
  • Size: Medium but intricate – plan for at least 1.5 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: the mummies, the 7,000 year old piece of fabric, and so much more. 
  • Good for Kids? Great for kids who are into history and archaeology! 

Niche Museums Free in London

There are some really cool free museums in London on subjects you can’t find anywhere else, from sewing machines to vaginas!

44. Bank of England Museum

one of the most underrated London museums for free is the Bank of England museum, pictured here with its grand exterior. Inside you can learn about how money is made and the role the Bank has played in English history throughout the centuries. Great for kids, too!

Explores the history of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today. Think a bank museum would be boring? This one isn’t. 

  • Bank 
  • Size: Large – plan for at least 2 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: gold bars, the Royal Charter, and how money is made! 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! There’s activity sheets and many interactive exhibits. 

45. Faraday Museum

Dedicated to Michael Faraday and the Royal Institute, showcasing scientific contributions and experiments that were made here. 

  • Mayfair – inside the Royal Institute  
  • Size: Medium – plan for at least 1 – 1.5 hours.  
  • Don’t Miss: Objects from some of the most important scientific discoveries in history. 
  • Good for Kids? Good for older kids or kids who are very interested in science. 

46. London Sewing Machine Museum

This is maybe the most niche free museum in London – it contains only sewing machines! Open on the first Saturday of the month, 2pm-5pm

  • Tooting (inside a factory – not well marked) 
  • Size: Small 
  • Don’t Miss: The earliest examples of sewing machines, and the rarest. 
  • Good for Kids? Unless they’re really into sewing, no. 

47. Museum of Freemasonry

smaller museums in london that are free? Try the Museum of Freemasonry, the collections of which are pictured here. Learn about the history of this mysterious organization in this incredible and beautiful free London museum.

Explores the history and significance of Freemasonry.

Don’t know anything about the mysterious world of Freemasonry? This is a great place to learn, and it’s one of the prettiest and most stately free museums in London.

  • Covent Garden 
  • Size: Medium 
  • Don’t Miss: The throne, tracing boards, giant bronze doors, original letters. 
  • Good for Kids? Not really. 

48. Royal Academy of Music

Displays historical musical instruments and memorabilia related to music education. Open to members of the public on Fridays, 11am to 6pm.

  • Marylebone 
  • Size: Small. 
  • Don’t Miss: The rare and valuable instruments are so cool! 
  • Good for Kids? If your kids play or are very interested in music, yes. 

49. Royal Institute of British Architects 

Focuses on the history and impact of British architecture, in a stunning location. 

  • Portland Place 
  • Size: Small to medium. 
  • Don’t Miss: The building itself is fascinating and gorgeous. 
  • Good for Kids? Only if your kids are aspiring architects. 

50. The Clockmakers’ Museum

Showcases the history of clockmaking and timekeeping. 

  • South Kensington – inside the Science Museum 
  • Size: Small, but inside the very large Science Museum. 
  • Don’t Miss: The watchmaking exhibit is fascinating, and the very, very old clocks are incredible. 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! 

51. Two Temple Place

A cultural venue hosting exhibitions and events, known for its stunning architecture. *Currently only open for special exhibitions*

  • Temple 
  • Size: Medium
  • Don’t Miss: The building itself is a neo-gothic masterpiece. 
  • Good for Kids? It depends on the exhibition. 

52. Vagina Museum

weird London museums free? Try the Vagina Museum, the exterior of which is pictured here in King's Cross. This is one of the newest free museums in London and is great for all ages and genders.

The world’s first museum dedicated to gynecological anatomy! 

  • Bethnal Green 
  • Size: Small 
  • Don’t Miss: The art is incredible! 
  • Good for Kids? Yes! Especially those born female – the lessons on female anatomy are invaluable. 

53. Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum

Focuses on the industrial history of Walthamstow and surrounding areas. But it’s so much more than a pump house – there’s a big transport section, too. 

  • Walthamstow 
  • Size: Medium – plan for 1-2 hours. 
  • Don’t Miss: The pump station itself, the fire station, the tube carriages, and so much more. 
  • Good for Kids? This spot is GREAT for kids! If you don’t want to pay for the London Transport Museum, this is a fantastic alternative. 

54. Young V&A

best free London museums for kids? The Young V&A, pictured here with it's colorful displays, just reopened after a huge renovation. There's so much for kids of all ages to explore here.

A branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum, designed specifically for children. It’s mostly hands-on and made to be played with! 

  • Bethnal Green 
  • Size: Large-ish – there’s enough to entertain kids for at least 3 hours.
  • Don’t Miss: All the fun hands-on activities. For parents, the retro toys will take you back to your childhood. 
  • Good for Kids? It’s made just for kids! 

🤑 The Best Paid Museums in London Worth Your Money

Have you been to all the best free museums in London? Here are the best paid museums that are very much worth visiting and worth the price of entry.

A note to my American friends: when you go to book attractions in the UK, you’ll see two prices: adults and concessions.

Concessions doesn’t mean popcorn and soda here; it means a lower price for children, seniors, students, etc. You must usually show relevant ID for the discount (except for kids) because the Brits are rule-followers.

1. The Churchill War Rooms

one of the best paid museums in London has to be the Churchill War Rooms (bunkers pictured here with museum display graphics).

The bunkers near Downing Street where Churchill ran the war have been kept pretty much intact, and it’s a fascinating glimpse into history.

The entry fee is steep, but this one of the best paid museums in London, hands down. And if you can afford the entry fee, it’s a must-see.

  • Westminster 
  • Size: Small but powerful.
  • Don’t Miss: Anything. Every detail is fascinating.
  • Good for Kids? Yes.
  • Price: Adults from £27.25, children under 5 free. Included with some London passes.

2. The Foundling Museum

This one will tug at your heartstrings. In 1739, Thomas Coram set up the first UK children’s charity in this home to care for abandoned and sick babies.

Learn about how hard it was to live to adulthood in London, why parents abandoned their children, and how these kids were given a chance at life.  

  • King’s Cross/Bloomsbury
  • Size: Small but powerful.
  • Don’t Miss: Anything. Every detail is fascinating.
  • Good for Kids? Yes.
  • Price: Adults from £9.50.

3. The London Transport Museum

the best paid museum in London for kids is the London Transport Museum, the historic buses inside of which are pictured here alongside colorful transport graphics.

This one is a hit with kids and adults alike. Discover original vehicles, train cars, and the intricate history of getting around in London. Trust me, your kids will want to go back again and again. 

Since you’re in Covent Garden, you’re a 5-minute walk to my favorite food hall: Seven Dials. Go there for lunch.

  • Covent Garden
  • Size: Large with lots to do. Plan for at least 2 hours.
  • Don’t Miss: Anything! It’s so cool to climb aboard London’s historic transport.
  • Good for Kids? Yes – this is one of the very best paid museums in London for kids.
  • Price: £24 per adult, (£18 for Londoners). Price includes annual pass.

4. The Postal Museum

Another hit for adults and kids, though you might think that the history of mail would be boring. It’s not!

Ride the “Mail Rail” underground train that gets our correspondence around the capital, read original postcards, see unique stamps, and more.

  • Clerkenwell
  • Size: Medium. Plan for 1.5-2 hours.
  • Don’t Miss: the Mail Rail!
  • Good for Kids? Yes – the play area for kids is incredible!
  • Price: £16 gets you admission for a whole year. Book ahead to save £1 per play space ticket. 

Painting, drawing and sculpture from the Renaissance through to the 20th century. Works from masters such Van Gogh, Gauguin, Renoir, Monet, and more. If you love the National Gallery & Portrait Gallery, try this next.

  • The Strand
  • Size: Large – plan for at least 2 hours.
  • Don’t Miss: Paintings by the masters – there are so many!
  • Good for Kids? Yes.
  • Price: Adults from £10.

6. The Old Operating Theatre

one of the coolest and best paid museums in London is the Old Operating Theatre, housed in the old St. Thomas's Hospital "herb garret." Pictured left is the operating theatre itself, pictured right is a primitive pharmaceutical bench with herbs and supplies.

This is the oldest surviving surgical theater in Europe, and houses original instruments and medicines in the adjacent lofty herb garret (where medicinal herbs were dried and prepared).

Don’t miss it if you like medical history, or if you work in medicine.

Please note: no disabled access and the stairs are a steep and narrow spiral. 

  • Southwark (near Borough Market)
  • Size: Small but detailed.
  • Don’t Miss: The antique surgical instruments – how scary would that be?
  • Good for Kids? Yes, if they’re interested in medicine or dark history.
  • Price: Adults £7.50.

7. The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities

The weirdest, most wonderful exhibits in the Capital: taxidermy, occult objects and art, skulls, mummies, and more. Definitely haunted and has some cursed objects.

If you’re of age, have a tipple in the absinthe bar after you browse the collections.

  • Hackney
  • Size: Small but cool.
  • Don’t Miss: The occult objects are particularly fascinating.
  • Good for Kids? Older kids, yes.
  • Price: £10 entry. 

8. The Jack the Ripper Museum

If you’re interested in the Whitechapel Murders, this is a must-see, plus while you’re in the East End you can easily walk to all of the murder locations.

There’s intricate recreations of the murders, original artifacts, and its wholly immersive. One of the best paid museums in London for dark history!

  • Whitechapel 
  • Size: Small but incredible.
  • Don’t Miss: Anything. Every detail is fascinating, especially the recreated crime scenes.
  • Good for Kids? Older kids, yes.
  • Price: Adults £10. 

9. The Charles Dickens Museum

best paid museums in london for literary history? Try the Charles Dickens Museum, pictured here with a portrait of the author on the left.

Laid out over 5 floors to look exactly what it would have been like when the man himself lived there, along with some of his belongings and writings.

Not far from the British Museum; makes a good pairing. 

  • King’s Cross 
  • Size: Small but powerful.
  • Don’t Miss: the original writings.
  • Good for Kids? Not particularly, but the house is cool.
  • Price: Adults £12.50. 

10. The Sherlock Holmes Museum

221b Baker Street, where the fictional detective lived, is a pretty cool museum, and if you watched the BBC series you’ll recognize much of the interior.

It gets busy; book ahead or you’ll wait a long time standing on Baker Street.  

  • Baker Street, near Madame Tussaud’s.
  • Size: Small but cool!
  • Don’t Miss: Taking a photo in Sherlock’s distincting drawing room!
  • Good for Kids? Yes, for older kids who like Sherlock!
  • Price: Adults £16, kids £11.

Final Thoughts on the Best Free Museums in London

Ultimately, the best free or paid museum in London will be the one that you like the best, about the things that interest you.

You don’t HAVE to go to any of the most popular or largest – you can see whatever you want on your London trip!

More on Visiting London: 

Visiting the Tower of London With Kids: Everything You Need to Know

What NOT to do in London: The Truth About these 15 Tiring Tourist Traps

31 Exclusive & Unusual Things to Buy in London, and 15 Things to Avoid

Super Simple London Neighborhood Guide: Where’s Best for You?

Ultimate Guide: 49 Brilliant London Apps Everyone Should Know

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