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Free museums in London

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All free museums and attractions to visit in London

London (England) has a lot to offer for you culturally, even if you're on a budget, including free museums, free activities and free attractions. 116 museums and attractions in London can be visited without charge.

Are you looking for free things to do in London? These are the best places to visit:

British Museum

National Gallery

Victoria and Albert Museum

Natural History Museum

National Portrait Gallery

Imperial War Museum London

The Wallace Collection

Science Museum

Royal Air Force Museum, London

Tate Britain

London Transport Museum

Museum of London Docklands

Tate Modern

Sir John Soane's Museum

Wellcome Collection

The Geffrye Museum of the Home

Bank of England Museum

Kenwood House

Horniman Museum and Gardens

Grant Museum of Zoology

Guildhall Art Gallery & London's Roman Amphitheatre

William Morris Gallery

Kew Palace and Queen Charlotte's Cottage

Queen's House - Royal Museums Greenwich

Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great

Myddelton House Gardens

Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology

National Army Museum

Royal Hospital Chelsea

Forty Hall and Estate

Museum of the Order of St John

Valentines Mansion and Gardens

John Wesley's House and The Museum of Methodism

Museum of Freemasonry

Croydon Airport Visitor Centre

The Design Museum

Fulham Palace

Honeywood Museum

Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge

Rose Theatre

Marble Hill House

Valence House Museum

Museum Of Croydon

Museum of Richmond

Orleans House Gallery

Hogarth's House

Barbican Art Gallery

Bethlem Museum of the Mind

Whitehall Historic House

Royal Academy of Music Museum

The Chocolate Museum

Royal College of Physicians

Vestry House Museum

Barnet Museum

Gunnersbury Park and Museum

Old Speech Room Gallery

The Twickenham Museum

Dorich House Museum

Crystal Palace Museum

Greenwich Heritage Centre

Anaesthesia Heritage Centre

Bruce Castle Museum

Battersea Arts Centre

Lauderdale House

The Clockmakers' Museum

South London Gallery

Little Holland House

Museum of Asian Music

Royal College of Nursing Library and Heritage Centre

Hackney Museum

British Optical Association Museum

Wimbledon Windmill Museum

Metropolitan Police Museum

Geology Collections, University College London

The British Red Cross Museum

Markfield Beam Engine and Museum

Royal College of Music Museum

Sikorski Museum

National maritime museum - royal museums greenwich.

Brent Museum and Archives

Burgh House & Hampstead Museum

V&A Museum of Childhood

Fitzroy House

Embankment Galleries at Somerset House

Upminster Tithe Barn Museum of Nostalgia

Islington Local History Centre and Museum

The Museum of Wimbledon

Enfield Museum

Turner's House, Twickenham

Barnet Local Studies and Archives

The royal academy of arts.

Stephens House and Gardens

Headstone Manor Museum

Kingston museum, st bartholomew's museum, redbridge museum, ucl art museum, marylebone cricket club museum, dana centre, british dental association museum, chartered insurance institute museum, walthamstow pumphouse museum, new london architecture, the london sewing machine museum, centre for recent drawing - c4rd, cuming museum, museum of the royal pharmaceutical society, the fleming collection, the wiener library, the museum of immigration and diversity, merton heritage & local studies centre, british airways speedbird heritage centre, inns of court and city yeomanry museum, salvation army international heritage centre, kurdish museum, library and archive.

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Best museums

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Posted on 19th December 2023 Categories Arts + Culture

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

39 Free Museums in London

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London is a cultural hub – packed with pretty much every kind of museum and gallery imaginable. Don’t miss these brilliant free museums in London.

It’s no secret that London isn’t the cheapest city – step outside of your door and pounds pour from your purse, encouraged by a series of delicious meals and must-see attractions . Believe us, we know how you feel.

So it can be surprising just how many of London’s museums are free to visit. Pretty much all of the city’s biggest museums and galleries cost totally zilch to visit – not something that you can say about many cities.

Not sure where to start? We’ve chosen 39 of the best free museums in London – get some comfortable shoes on. It’s time to explore.

Free Museums in London

Science museum.

South Kensington

South Kensington is home to three of the best free museums in London – the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the V&A.

The Science Museum is the perfect chance to learn more about all the things you’ve ever wanted to know about, and then some! It’s been delighting visitors since 1857 with its amazing collections.

The Museum also does some very fun adults-only “Lates” events. The calendar is very varied – past events have ranged from lectures to Faberge Egg decorating and silent discos, so check the schedule and be sure to book ahead.

Address: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD

Booking: You’ll need a ticket to enter. Book your slot here .

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is one of the most striking and fascinating free museums in London, and a great day out.

Sadly, Dippy the dinosaur has left the building. These days you’re greeted by a huge skeleton of ‘Hope’, a blue whale skeleton hanging in the world-famous Hintze Hall just inside the entrance of the museum. It’s a striking start to a fascinating museum.

Learn about the history of planet earth, walk in the footsteps of the dinosaurs or take the escalator up into the solar system to explore outer space – it’s a journey through our natural world.

Don’t be turned off if natural history wasn’t your thing in school, it’s impossible not to have a good time (and learn something) in this awesome museum.  

Address: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD

Booking: There are a few walk-up tickets available on the door, though this isn’t guaranteed so book your tickets beforehand .

The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)

This museum is positively regal – and not just because it was named after (and opened by) Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert.

The huge Victorian Gothic building is striking enough (fittingly so for a museum dedicated to design) – but wait until you get inside.

The V&A has a broad collection loosely focused around art and design, with more than two million pieces in total spread out over five acres.

Be sure to see the world’s largest collection of post-classical (around 500 – 1450 AD) sculptures, many William Morris designs, fashion exhibitions and everything in between.

For fans of more modern fashion, some pieces from the late, great Alexander MacQueen’s catalogue form part of the V&A collection.

Booking: No need to book, just turn up.

British Museum

With an eclectic collection amassed throughout the centuries, the British Museum demands comfortable shoes and a lot of time.

Considering the priceless exhibits on display, the fact that this museum has free entry is a real treat as you embark on an incredible tour through the history of humanity. An entire afternoon or morning will barely skim the surface, while even a full day will leave many treasures undiscovered.

It’s truly mesmerising to be mere centimetres from some of history’s most significant artefacts, like the Rosetta Stone, used to translate Egyptian hieroglyphics, or intricate artwork from the ancient civilisation of Mesopotamia.

Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG

Booking: If you go during the week, walk-ins are pretty easy to get. Or, you can book a timed slot here to guarantee entry.

Museum of London

City of London

With so many free entry museums in London featuring collections sourced from around the world, the Museum of London takes a completely different tack – showcasing the history of our weird and wonderful city.

The museum traces the history of London from prehistoric times through to modern times, with an emphasis on the characters that have called the city home. It’s a fascinating look at the events and people who have made the great city what it is today.

Note: The Museum of London is in the process of moving to a new location in Smithfields and will reopen in 2026. 

Address: 150 London Wall, Barbican, London EC2Y 5HN

Booking: Pre-book your tickets here

National Maritime Museum

Greenwich is full of treasures – few better than the surprisingly good National Maritime Museum, although The Painted Hall comes close.

You don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy learning about Britain’s maritime history. Retracing the history of the seas in Britain from the Roman landings (fittingly, in Greenwich) and onwards is super interesting.

Also keep an eye out for the temporary exhibitions on eclectic subjects throughout the year. Most of are chargeable and will require you to buy a ticket in advance.

Address: Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF

Booking: Pre-book your tickets here.

Queen’s House

Queen’s House is a relatively recent addition to Greenwich’s museum collection, and is found in the former royal residence of Queen Anne of Denmark.

In fact, as much of the delight of Queen’s House is exploring the gorgeous neoclassical buildings as it is seeing the art displayed within. First constructed in 1637, it is a very significant building in British architecture.

That said, the art is pretty impressive, too. In particular, be sure to check out the famous Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I.

Despite its fame, historians are not actually sure who painted the 1588 masterpiece, as prior attributions to painter George Gower were proved incorrect.

Booking: Pre-book your tickets to The Queen’s House here.

Imperial War Museum

Tucked away in Kennington, the Imperial War Museum is a full-on sensory overload thrusting you into the brutal reality of war.

Through a varied collection that includes letters, films, photographs and artefacts, the museum is an unflinching and often poignant look at modern warfare and its impact on people and society.

The collection is particularly interesting as it offers many different perspectives, from those on the front lines of modern warfare through to the journalists, artists and poets that have covered the subject.

The Holocaust Galleries, over two floors, are a sobering reminder of the horrific impact of war on civilians. It’s rare to experience such a large exhibition shrouded in almost complete silence, but this moving section achieves that.

Address: Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZBooking: Book your tickets in advance to avoid having to queue.

Sir John Soane’s Museum

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An odd and totally lovable museum in Holborn, Sir John Soane’s is one of London’s coolest little museums.

Sir John Soane had humble beginnings, but grew to become a great architect who most famously designed the Bank of England, which influenced architectural trends worldwide.

Although most of his work at the Bank of England has been removed over time, you can still step into his eccentric world at this museum. Housed in his former home (and now a few adjoining buildings), it showcases his eclectic collection of art, furniture and various antiques and oddities.

Check it out during the unique “Late” events held every month, when they light it up by candlelight and run a tour on a different theme. Dates vary, so check the calendar online .

Address: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP

Booking: Just walk in.

V&A Museum of Childhood

Bethnal Green

In Bethnal Green, this offshoot of the popular V&A museum is dedicated to the childhood experience.

Your inner child will love exploring the amazing collection of toys and games from antique dolls’ houses to 1970s action figures. Kids are sure to especially love the hands-on exhibits – little wonder it’s one of the best places to visit with kids in London.

In addition to the large permanent collection, there are also frequent temporary exhibits upstairs.

Address: Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA

Booking: No need to book, just walk in.

London Mithraeum

One of London’s quirkier and lesser-known spots is literally a blend of old and new.

The London Mithraeum is a museum centred around the ruins of a Roman Temple and is located, rather oddly, underneath the shiny glass Bloomberg Buildings in the middle of the city.

A visit to the Mithraeum is not just looking at old artefacts, but a full on sensory experience. There’s a timed entry where you’re thrust into the Roman world for a dramatic and fun-filled ten minutes. Think chanting and moody lighting and you’re on the right track.

Address: 12 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AA

Booking: You can book your timed entry slot here.

Wellcome Collection

A museum mostly consisting of art about medicine might seem like a bit of a strange one, but the Wellcome Collection attracts more than 700,000 visitors every year.

Inside, you’ll find an oddly fascinating collection of art, books and artefacts relating to the development of medicine around the globe. It’s certainly enough to evoke some morbid curiosity! There are regularly changing temporary exhibitions that, although often sounding niche, never fail to capture the imagination.

As well as the museum, there is also a cafe, a bookshop and a particularly impressive library.

Address: 183 Euston Rd, London NW1 2BE

Booking: You can book a timed entry slot before you visit the Wellcome Collection.

Royal Air Force Museum

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Occupying a huge area once known as the Hendon Aerodrome, the Royal Air Force Museum has a huge collection of items about the British airforce.

With five hangars and another large building, there’s a vast collection of items from original Supermarine Spitfires from the Battle of Britain, to the Eurofighter Typhoon, in addition to books and photographs.

One of our favourite hangars is Hangar 2 which charts the story of Hendon as a site of pioneering flight in England, into World War I.

There’s also a special section for kids, with replica planes and helicopters, as well as a great cafe.

Address: Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL

Booking: Book your tickets before you go for guaranteed entry.

British Library

We love the striking red brick buildings of the British Library , home to the largest national library in the world.

The British Library has so many books that no-one knows the exact number. The best guesses put it at between 150 and 200 million in the collections. Pretty amazing, right?

A lot of the building is restricted to readers but they do have a few exhibition spaces where there is always something interesting on.

Address: 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Booking: Just walk in, but you will need to apply for access to the readers rooms. You can do that here.

Petrie Museum

Part of the University College of London, the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology delves into the world of the Ancient Egyptians.

Intricate carvings, clothing, pottery and hieroglyphics from Egypt and Sudan await inside the unassuming brick building.

The initial collection was donated by the 19th century author and Egyptologist Amelia Edwards, and has grown to be more than 80,000 items. It’s a definite must for anyone interested in Ancient Egypt.

Address: Malet Pl, London WC1E 6BT

Booking: No need to book, just rock up and walk in.

Museum of the Home

The offbeat Geffrye Museum of the Home has finally reopened with a new lease of life.

The collections feature items from domestic life through the centuries, giving you the chance to have a nose at how families have lived throughout history. You can also venture through the beautiful front gardens.

You can also admire the exterior of the building, which is a Grade I listed almshouse dating from the 18th century. 

Now it has reopened it has certainly reclaimed its spot amongst the best free museums and galleries in London.

Address: 36 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8EA

Booking: No need to book. Just walk in.

Design Museum

The Design Museum moved to its new impressive Kensington premises in 2016 after many years on the bank of the Thames.

Inside the ultra-modern new building, the Design Museum walks you through the interesting history of design throughout the ages. The exhibits cover different areas including product, industrial, fashion, architectural and graphic design.

See classics like the London Tube Map brought to life and look at everyday objects in a completely new light after exploring this great London museum – free!

Address: 224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG

Booking: No need to book in advance for the free collection – book here for access to paid exhibitions .

National Army Museum

Located in Chelsea, the National Army Museum opened in 2017 after a huge renovation project.

The new, spruced up museum offers five permanent collections devoted to the history of Britain’s land forces. There’s a lot of focus on individual stories and experiences, which adds a lot to the experience.

Entry to the museum is free, but there is also a regular calendar of ticketed temporary exhibits that are worth checking out.

Address: Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HT

Booking: No need to book in advance.

Museum of Brands

Notting Hill

Looking for unusual places to visit in London for free? It might not sound like the most interesting topic for a museum, but there’s a lot to the history of advertising, marketing and packaging.

At the Museum of Brands , you can check out many different items from eyebrow-raising Victorian advertisements to 90s toys.

It’s really interesting to see how advertising has reflected society and attitudes, and you can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic on your visit.

Booking: There are plenty of walk in spots available, but you can also nab a timed ticket .

Grant Museum of Zoology

Another great offering from the University College of London is the Grant Museum of Zoology in Bloomsbury.

The museum was founded in 1828 by England’s first Chair of Zoology, and has one of the oldest natural history collections in the UK.

Within the eclectic collection, some of the highlights include the skeletons of extinct animals such as the dodo, Tasmanian tiger and quagga plains zebra – when it comes to London free museums, this is one of our favourites.

Address: Rockefeller Building, 21 University St, London WC1E 6DE

Booking: Booking is not required.

Note: The museum is currently closed for renovation at the time of writing, but will be reopening fully updated in January 2024.

Hampstead Museum

For over 300 years, Burgh House has been one of London’s most iconic residences.

It was originally built as a lavish home and lived in by characters including Elsie Bambridge, the daughter of Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling. Today, Burgh House is open to the public and houses the Hampstead Museum , a small but thorough local history museum.

There are permanent collections including many of Helen Allingham’s watercolours, as well as a calendar of interesting events.

Address: New End Square, London NW3 1LT

Booking: No advance booking is required, although the museum is only open Wednesday to Friday, and Sundays.

Horniman Museum

Forest Hill

In Forest Hill in leafy south London, the Horniman Museum is like the Natural History Museum but on a much smaller (and more digestible) scale.

Its collection has subjects including natural history, anthropology, and musical instruments, and is particularly famous for its many taxidermied species.

There’s quite the eclectic mix, and you’re sure to find something intriguing at the Horniman Museum.

Address: 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ

Booking: There’s no need to book in advance, although remember that you’ll need to pay if you want to visit the butterfly house and the aquarium.

Bank of England Museum

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Don’t be fooled – it turns out that bank museums can be pretty fascinating (we know, we were pretty surprised too).

For many years, the Bank of England’s collection was only open via a private and exclusive tour, but today it’s much more accessible. Everyone is welcome to check out the collection of bank notes and other memorabilia, for free!

Of all the items, perhaps the most interesting has little to do with money. Instead it’s the emotional resignation letter of Kenneth Grahame, who worked for the bank for 30 years and also wrote the world-famous children’s book The Wind in the Willows .

Address: Bartholomew Ln, London EC2R 8AH

Booking: Just walk in. 

Museum of Docklands

West India Quay

Located in a Grade I listed sugar warehouse in Poplar, the Museum of the Docklands traces the history of London’s docklands.

It’s a fascinating look into an area that was once considered one of the roughest in London, but has undergone a lot of rejuvenation in recent years.

The exhibits are varied, featuring information on workers, residents, buildings and trade unions in the docklands area. There’s also chilling footage from the Blitz on display.

Address: 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, No, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL

Booking: This museum is usually pretty quiet and there’s no need to book in advance. Turn up, and enjoy.

Queer Britain

King’s Cross

Queer Britain has been one of the hottest free museums in London since it opened in May 2022. It’s the UK’s first national museum dedicated to Queer culture.

They have changing exhibitions that reflect the lives and challenges of people in the LGBTQ+ community, be it art from people within the community itself or retrospectives challenging the entrenched narratives of society.

The Queer community have all-too-often been erased from society, and this museum preserves important artefacts and snapshots of LGBTQ+ history that would otherwise have been lost forever.

Address: 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH

Booking: The museum is free to enter – just turn up.

Anaesthesia Heritage Centre

Looking for a quirky London museum? Look no further than the Anaesthesia Heritage Centre – a historical spot dedicated to the anaesthetisation of patients (try saying that ten times).

From anaesthesia’s first public use in 1846 to modern day advancements, this museum houses a rare book collection as well as equipment that gives a fascinating insight into the world of anaesthesia, resuscitation, and pain relief. 

And those with morbid curiosity will love it. It’s one of the weirdest free museums London has to offer.

Address: 21 Portland Pl, London W1B 1PY

Booking: Entry is free, turn up between 10am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday.

Vagina Museum 

A Vagina Museum! Could such a thing really exist? Yes. Yes it can. This institution began life as a series of pop-ups that eventually grew into an actual museum on all things to do with vagina. 

They’ve had trouble securing funding over the years and, as a result, have ended up bouncing around. Good news though, they will be opening up again in a more permanent location soon and bringing back all the quirky exhibits you could want. 

The museum has recently reopened in its new surroundings near the Olympic Park having moved from its previous Bethnal Green base.

Address: Arches 275-276, Poynser Street, London, E2 9RF

Booking: Entry is free, although you can book in advance with a recommended donation.

Faraday Museum

Part of the Royal Institution, the Faraday Museum is a gem of a collection that celebrates more than 200 years of scientific innovation and pioneering discoveries, named after the much-celebrated Michael Faraday, who was a key part of the evolution of electromagnetism and the development of the electric motor.

Set over three floors, the museum pays tribute to British scientific brilliance from the 1800s onwards, with a recreation of Faraday’s magnetic lab as it would have been almost 200 years ago, and a nanotechnology lab from the modern day to compare against.

Upstairs, meet the likes of Faraday himself, and Ada Lovelace – daughter of Lord Byron and mathematical genius who developed the world’s first programmable computer. Then head up to the first floor to learn about many of the famous scientists to have been part of the Royal Institution over the past couple of centuries.

Address: 21 Albermarle Street, London, W1S 4BS

Booking: Entry is completely free. Turn up and enjoy.

Royal Academy of Music Museum

Baker Street

The Royal Academy of Music Museum forms part of the Royal Academy, which has been recently celebrated its bicentenary. With alumni including the likes of Elton John, Simon Rattle and Felicity Lott, the museum opened in 2001 to provide a telling insight into how great musicians manage their craft.

Among the many rich treasures contained within the museum are Stradivarius stringed instruments, keyboard instruments by the likes of Broadwood, Pleyel and Erard, and enough musical memorabilia to make any music fan a little weak-kneed.

The museum also holds regular recitals, seminars, workshops and family-friendly activities, all totally free of charge.

Address: Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5HT

London Sewing Machine Museum

Pretty much equidistant between the South London suburbs of Balham and Tooting lies one of London’s more niche, but extremely compelling museums, the Sewing Machine Museum .

Situated upstairs in a warehouse-style building with a blue sign saying “Wimbledon Sewing Machine Co. Ltd” is one of the most wonderful single-subject collections in London.

Among the sewing machines on show is an 1865 Pollack & Schmidt machine that was given to Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter and later given to her Nanny, while the oldest piece in the collection dates back to 1829, almost 200 years ago. The Thimmonier was named after its inventor, who is thought to have created the first ever sewing machine and cost the museum a whopping £50,000.

Even if haberdashery isn’t your jam, trust us, making the trip to visit the stunning collection is time very well spent.

Address: 292-312 Balham High Road, London, SW17 7AA

Booking: No need to book in advance, although donations are gratefully received to keep the museum open.

Museum of Freemasonry

How much do you know about freemasonry? No, us either. Yet, you can find out about the intriguing history of this secret organisation at the Museum of Freemasonry a short walk from Holborn station.

Comprising of two galleries, the museum tells the story of freemasonry, from its inception through to the current day and discover the meaning behind all of the symbols.

The collection on display include a songbook, ceremonial robes and snuffboxes created by Napoleonic prisoners of war, some of which date back 300 years. 

So, if you want to unravel the mystery wrapped around the enigma that is freemasonry, this is a brilliant secret gem.

Address: Freemasons’ Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AZ

Booking: No advance booking is required. 

Free Galleries in London

The tate modern.

The Tate Modern opened in 2000, so it is one of the newer free museums in London, but it has wasted no time in establishing a great name for itself.

Situated inside an old power station on the South Bank, it is one of London’s most impressive museums. A towering monolith of art on the banks of the Thames.

Unsurprisingly, given its name, The Tate Modern houses one of the world’s largest collections of modern and contemporary art.

Check out the expansive permanent collection, with thousands of incredible artworks dating from 1900 through to today. Highlights include works by Monet, Hepworth, Pollock and Rothko and pieces by Picasso from every period of his life.

Add to this an ever-changing roster of temporary exhibitions (for which you have to pay) and you’re onto a winner.

Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG

Booking: Tickets are available on the door, although pre-booking a slot is recommended for the paid exhibitions. If you want to browse the free collections, just turn up and enjoy.

Read Next: 60 Straight-Up Awesome Things to do in London

The Tate Britain

Located in Millbank, The Tate Britain is another of the best free museums in London.

The Tate Modern might be the cool new kid on the block, but personally I prefer its more austere sister museum further downriver, the Tate Britain.

The museum opened in 1897 and has been welcoming visitors to admire a huge collection of British art from the Tudor times onwards since.

It’s a walk though the history of the country’s art (though the interpretation of British is relatively loose)  straight through from Hogarth to David Hockney, with British greats such as Gainsborough, Reynolds and Frederick Lord Leighton dotted in between.

Several artists left their life’s works to the Tate Britain, including renowned artist J. M. W. Turner.

Address: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG

Booking: As with the Tate Modern, Tickets are available on the door, although pre-booking a slot is recommended for the paid exhibitions. If you want to browse the free collections, just turn up and enjoy.

The National Gallery

Trafalgar Square

If you only make time to visit a few museums during your London trip, The National Gallery should be at the top of your list.

The gallery sits proudly overlooking Trafalgar Square and features an impressive collection with more than 2,300 pieces from the mid 1200s to 1900. It’s certainly one of the best free art museums in London, and a must see.

Botticelli, Leonardo. Rembrandt, Degas, Giotto, Da Vinci, Monet, Titian… you get the point. The National Gallery is like a hall of fame for leading European artists post-Renaissance.

Beware, it’s vast – you’ll need at least a full morning or afternoon to explore the full collection or book a guided tour to learn more.

Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

Booking: You’ll need to book a slot in advance . Warning – they fill up quickly.

National Portrait Gallery

Westminster

Tucked behind the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery is the biggest collection of portraits in the world. It’s not quite as vast as the National Gallery but it’s very much worth taking your time to see the collection.

One interesting thing about this free London art museum is that the paintings are chosen for the significance of the subject, not the artist. Some of the most well-known subjects include William Shakespeare (allegedly), the Bronte sisters and Queen Victoria.

After your visit, stop off at the cool rooftop cafe when you’re finished as the views of London are pretty spectacular.

Address: St. Martin’s Pl, London WC2H 0HE

Booking: Walk-ins are fine, but book a free ticket here just to be safe.

The Wallace Collection

North of Oxford Street, there’s no missing the striking buildings of the Wallace Collection , one of the most interesting free art museums in London.

Inside the buildings, you’ll find paintings from the 15th to 19th century, with a particularly impressive collection of 18th century French artworks said to rival the collection at Versailles.

This free museum is the only place you’ll ever be able to see these masterpieces – when Sir Richard Wallace’s widow bequeathed the collection, she made it a condition that not a single piece should ever leave the imposing building.

Address: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN

Booking: No need to book in advance for the permanent collection.

Soho Photography Quarter

Soho  

Soho Photography Quarter is an outdoor exhibition space on Ramillies Street that you need to visit.

The gallery’s ethos is all about highlighting the very best of contemporary photography and ensuring that they are accessible to a wide audience, without being stuck behind a pesky paywall.

This extension of The Photographer’s Gallery has been a long time coming – not far from Oxford Street, SQP hosts a rotating programme of modern artworks that will change bi-annually, with the debut exhibition Christian Thompson: Human Being Being Human proving a huge success.

Address: 16-18 Ramillies St, London W1F 7LW

Booking: No need to book – just turn up and admire the work on display.

The Whitechapel Gallery

Whitechapel 

The Whitechapel Gallery may not pack in the pictures like the National Gallery or The Tates but it does have some great collections and roaming exhibitions too feast your eyes upon – and all entirely free. 

Some of the great masters have hung art on these walls. The names in their history books include top dogs like Frieda Kahlo and Picasso. The art you’ll find there now is no less impressive. 

We also love this place for its bookshop. It’s a truly excellent place to pick up great works of literature, art books and more. Plus with all the money you’ve saved on a ticket, maybe you’ll have some left to spend here. 

Address: 77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX

Booking: No need to book 

Guildhall Art Gallery

The City of London 

How many London Galleries do you know that boast an actual Roman amphitheatre in their basement? Because that’s exactly what they’ve got at Guildhall Art Gallery . 

Yep, the structure was unearthed in 1988 when the gallery was expanding, and has been confirmed as the sort of place the Romans would have enjoyed watching people fight to a grizzly but (at least?) entertaining death.   

In more charming news the top floors are stuffed with great art, most of it pre-modern, some dating as far back as several hundred years. 

Address: Basinghall St, London EC2V 5AE

Booking: Free entry, you can book your ticket to assure entry if you wish.

Royal Institute of British Architecture

As you’ll know, we’re big fans of architecture, particularly in London, and the Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA) have three purpose-built exhibition spaces at their Portland Place location designed to showcase items from their extensive collections.

The Architecture Gallery shows off the best of their collections in a regularly-evolving exhibition, while the First Floor Gallery and Practice Space shows off RIBA’s relationship with architects and clients along, while highlighting RIBA award winners and education programmes.

Check out the range of current exhibitions here

Address: 66 Portland Place, London, W1B 1AD

Booking: Entry to the exhibitions is completely free  

So, there we are – the best free museums in London. Plenty to keep you entertained and out of trouble right?

Read More: Unmissable Things to do in London

Need To Know

• Although the museums are free, the smaller ones, in particular, do appreciate donations. If you have any spare pounds, they’ll be well used to keep the museums open and fund them for future generations.
• It’s hard to avoid the crowds at the bigger free museums and galleries in London, but going mid-week and away from school holidays can help. Get there early when they’re generally at their quietest.
• For the larger museums like the British Museum and the Natural History Museum, research what you want to see beforehand. If there’s something you’re desperate to see, check whether it’s on view – many of the largest museums like the Tate Britain rotate their collection on a frequent basis so not everything is on show.
• We’ve mentioned the museum “Lates” in quite a few entries. These are when London’s museums open late into the night for special events and exhibitions. They’re a really interesting way to see a different side of the museum – but they are rarely free.

Best Free Museums in London: Map

Discover More London Art + Culture Guides

• A Bumper Guide to 18 of the Best Museums in London
• 8 Brilliant Small Museums in London
• The Best Egyptian Museums in London
• 18 Weird Museums in London: Discover The City’s Small, Quirky and Unusual Museums

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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.

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.

Best Free London Museums: Top 10 Most Popular 

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

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. ***

4. National Gallery

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. 

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 
• 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

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).

• 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 
• 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

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

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  
• 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. 

15. Guildhall Art Gallery & Roman Amphitheatre

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. 

16. National Portrait Gallery

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

• 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. 

• 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

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. 

• Size: Large. 
• Don’t Miss: The tulip stairs and the iconic painting of Elizabeth I. 

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.

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

21. Whitechapel Gallery

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

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

25. British Optical Association Museum

Focuses on the history of eyewear and optical instruments.

• Charing Cross

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 
• Good for Kids? Not really. 

27. Royal Pharmaceutical Society

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 
• 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 
• 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 

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

• Hampstead  
• 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  
• Don’t Miss: The very odd history of Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard, who lived here. 

33. Kenwood House

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

• Hampstead Heath  

34. Museum of London Docklands

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  
• 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

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. 

39. William Morris Gallery

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

• Walthamstow 
• 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. 

• 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

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

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. 

• 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) 
• 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

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  
• Don’t Miss: The throne, tracing boards, giant bronze doors, original letters. 

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. 

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

The world’s first museum dedicated to gynecological anatomy! 

• Bethnal Green  
• 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. 

• 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

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

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
• Price: Adults from £9.50.

3. The London Transport Museum

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. 

5. The Courtauld Gallery

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.

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

6. The Old Operating Theatre

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.

• 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.
• Price: Adults £10. 

9. The Charles Dickens Museum

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 
• 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

Your Ultimate Guide to a Family Trip to London on a Budget

33 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in London

Printable London Packing List to Save you Money

37 Weird & Wonderful Things London is Famous For: See or Skip?

Masterlist: 201+ London Instagram Captions for the Perfect Post

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The Best Free Museums in London

Here is our list of the best free museums in London, including science, military, history, and art museums.

We also list the best kid-friendly options.

Visiting a free London museum is one of our picks for the top 10 things to do in London .  

• Art Galleries
• Military Museums
• Science and Medicine
• General & History
• Kid-Friendly
• Free with Tourist Passes

FREE LONDON ART GALLERIES

London is a hub of international art and culture, which means that many of the city’s free museums are world-class art galleries and exhibits.

Many of these locations are national museums that are funded by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. This means they'll likely always be free no matter when you want to visit.

Here is our list of the best free art museums and galleries.

The National Gallery

One of the most impressive collections of art throughout the ages is right in London at The National Gallery and completely free.

The National Gallery in London houses an exceptional collection of Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries.

You can see works from Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Degas, Van Gogh, Botticelli, and Rembrandt all the way to more primitive stone sculptures.

This museum is located right next to Trafalgar Square, another famous and well-known landmark in London.

Museum open daily from 10am – 6pm and Friday until 9pm (Closed on 24th–26th December and 1st January) and admission to the museum is free.

Tips From Tourists

Users on our Facebook Group frequently discuss this museum as one of the best free attractions to visit in London.

One excellent tip we recently discovered is that this is an excellent spot to visit when it gets hot outside, because the National Gallery is climate controlled and has air conditioning during the warmer months.

Tate Modern

Get a look at modern and contemporary art from artists around the world at Tate Modern .

Tate Modern in London showcases an impressive array of contemporary and modern art from the 1900s to the present day.

They have both themed exhibits - such as examining the way media and modern society impact the world - to exhibits based on specific artists.

The museum opens daily from 10 am - 6 pm and admission to the museum is free.

This is one of our favorite suggestions we've found on our Facebook Group, because it's a little-known secret about the Tate Modern: The 6th floor offers one of the best views of St. Paul's Cathedral in the entire city!

Tate Britain

If you’re interested in British art, Tate Britain is where you need to visit.

Tate Britain in London is renowned for its extensive collection of British art from the 16th century to the modern era, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the country's artistic heritage.

The museum presents an enriching experience with its diverse range of paintings, sculptures, and artworks that highlight the evolution of British artistic styles and narratives over centuries.

You can find exhibits on specific periods in British art history and on famous British artists such as Gainsborough, Hogarth, Bacon, and more. 

Tips From Tourists:

Most people already know about this, but if you were unaware, there's actually a boat that travels between both the Tate Britan and Tate Modern, making travel between the two museums very easy!

The National Portrait Gallery

If you have a love of British culture and history or are interested in learning more, The National Portrait Gallery is a good choice.

The National Portrait Gallery in London celebrates the faces and stories of prominent figures in British history through an extensive collection of portraits, spanning from the Tudor period to the present day.

The collection includes paintings, photographs, sculptures, and other artistic representations, providing insights into the lives and achievements of notable personalities.

Admission to the gallery is free and it opens daily from 10 am - 6 pm.

Like the Tate Modern, the National Portrait Gallery also has a Cafe & Bar that offers some of the best views in all of London, including the Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar Square.

Victoria & Albert Museum

Also known as the V&A , this massive museum located in South Kensington has curated one of the largest collections of art and design in the country.

Its exhibits encompass a vast and diverse array of artifacts, including textiles, fashion, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, furniture, and more, spanning centuries and cultures from around the world.

The museum's collection allows visitors to explore the evolution of design and craftsmanship, showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of human expression throughout history.

Admission to museum is free with some chargeable exhibitions and events. The museum opens daily from 10 am - 5:45 pm.

If you're interested in visiting multiple free museums in one day, the Victoria & Albert Museum is located close to both the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.

Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection was compiled throughout the 18th and 19th centuries before being gifted to the British Nation in the late 1800s.

It features exquisite paintings, sculptures, furniture, armor, and porcelain, providing a glimpse into the opulent world of European aristocracy and showcasing masterpieces by renowned artists like Fragonard, Rembrandt, and Titian.

The collection is displayed within the grand Hertford House, offering a unique blend of art and historical elegance.

It remains one of the most impressive collections of sculptures, furniture, armor, and paintings in the world.

The entry to the permanent collection is free and it opens daily from 10 am - 5 pm.

This museum isn't as big as some of the other locations on our list, so you probably won't need as much time to see everything. Most of the recommendations on our Facebook Group indicate 90 minutes should be more than enough for most visitors.

Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre

The Guildhall Art Gallery is a lovely collection of paintings and other artwork that rotate throughout the year, much of which is Victorian or pictures of London.

Adjacent to the Guildhall Art Gallery is the Roman Amphitheatre, an archaeological site that dates back to the Roman period.

Discovered during excavations, this ancient amphitheater offers a glimpse into London's rich history, providing visitors with an understanding of Roman life and entertainment.

The exhibits at the Roman Amphitheatre showcase artifacts and remains that shed light on the city's Roman past, enhancing the overall historical experience for visitors.

While admission to both Art Gallery and Amphitheatre is free, ticket booking is recommended.

It opens daily from 10:30 am - 4 pm with the last admission at 3:45 pm.

Whitechapel Gallery

The Whitechapel Gallery in London is a pioneering contemporary art space known for its commitment to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking contemporary art from both emerging and established artists.

Founded in 1901, it has a rich history of promoting modern art and engaging with a diverse range of artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, video, installation, and performance.

You can find works from artists like Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Sophie Calle.

Whitechapel gallery opens everyday except Monday. Timings are 11 am - 6 pm on Tuesday -Wednesday & Friday - Sunday and 11 am - 9 pm on Thursdays.

Serpentine Galleries

The Serpentine Galleries are two separate galleries within Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, connected by a bridge over the Serpentine Lake.

Exhibits at the Serpentine Galleries typically encompass a wide range of contemporary art forms, including paintings, sculptures, installations, film exhibitions, Japanese architectural drawings, multimedia art, performance art, and more.

The galleries aim to provide a platform for innovative and thought-provoking contemporary art that engages with social, political, and cultural issues of our time.

The galleries open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-6pm.

Included in Tourist Passes:

If you have your eye on an art gallery that isn’t free, there is most likely a way to get a concessionary or cheap ticket.

By buying a tourist pass, you get entrance to these museums included:

• Queen’s Galleries
• Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art
• Werner Collection at Ranger House
• Foundling Museum

Check out our article about London tourist passes here .

Honorable Mention:

Looking for even more free museums?

• Design Museum
• Sir John Soane’s Museum
• Camden Arts Centre

FREE LONDON MILITARY MUSEUMS

The UK has a long military history and gives great honor to veterans who served in the various branches of the armed forces.

Here is our list of free military museums in London - for a full military museum list, check out our post here . 

Imperial War Museum

The full Imperial War Museum is an organization of collections throughout London, with the namesake location holding everything from letters and firsthand accounts of war to machinery and recordings. 

Visitors can expect to learn about the history of London military actions from the first World War to modern times.

The exhibits are divided into various sections like First World War Galleries, Second World War Galleries, Turning Points, The Holocaust Galleries, Witnesses to War, Lord Ashcroft Gallery and Peace and Security.

The museum opens daily at 10am to 6pm and entry to the museum is free.

Some users on our Facebook Group recommend setting aside an entire day for this museum, as there is a lot to see and do here.

They also suggest seeing HMS Belfast, but it must be noted that tickets for the floating museum are not free.

National Maritime Museum in Greenwich

The Royal Navy is represented in the National Maritime Museum .

From exploration and discoveries to feats of bravery, you can explore the exhibits and learn about sailors, captains, and technology from the UK’s maritime history.

The museum showcases a rich collection of ship models, maritime art, and historical artifacts, offering a fascinating journey through the world's maritime heritage.

From exploration and navigation to the legacy of Admiral Lord Nelson, its exhibits provide a captivating glimpse into centuries of maritime history and its impact on society.

The museum opens daily from 10 am - 5 pm. Entry to the museum is free but booking is recommended before visit.

National Army Museum

Learn about the stories of soldiers in the UK Army through historic paintings, films, and weaponry at the National Army Museum .

If you’re interested in the technology of the World Wars or the history of poppies as a symbol, this museum is for you. 

The museum showcases a diverse range of exhibits, spanning from ancient battles to modern conflicts, honoring the history, soldiers, and innovations of the British Army.

The displays offer insight into weaponry, uniforms, personal stories, and the evolving role of the army throughout the centuries.

The museum opens Tuesday - Sunday from 10 am - 5;30 pm.

Royal Air Force Museum

Aviation enthusiasts will love the RAF Museum in London.

You’ll find historic aircraft and flight simulators, as well as an in-depth look at the first 100 years of the Royal Air Force and its development.

Visitors can explore iconic planes, wartime relics, and learn about the courageous men and women who shaped the skies.

Discover the history of aviation in England in this huge and impressive military museum.

Museums open every day from 10 am - 5 pm. Admission to all areas of museum is free.

Museums included in Tourist Passes

London has a wide variety of military museums, paying tribute to the sacrifices made during wartime.

Here are some other museums throughout the city that require purchasing a ticket, but can also be visited for free or at a concession with the purchase of a tourist pass .

• HMS Belfast
• Churchill War Rooms
• Household Cavalry Museum
• Tower of London with Beefeater Tours

FREE SCIENCE AND MEDICAL MUSEUMS IN LONDON

If science and medicine are what you’re interested in, take a look at this list of museums. 

In London, you’ll find everything from natural history to medical marvels.

You can find even more medical museums on our full Medical Museums in London post. 

Natural History Museum

See skeletons, fossils, and wildlife photography to learn about the history of life on earth. 

The Natural History Museum is one of the main three museums on Exhibition Road and is a beautiful building on its own. 

The museum boasts popular exhibits like the iconic Diplodocus dinosaur skeleton "Dippy," a towering blue whale model suspended from the ceiling, and the captivating Earth Hall showcasing geological wonders.

Additionally, the museum showcases a remarkable collection of minerals, gems, and fossils, providing a fascinating glimpse into Earth's natural history and biodiversity.

The museum open everyday from 10.00 am - 17.50 pm with last entry at 17.30 pm. Entry to the museum is free.

TIP: If you are visiting London anytime between Mid-October to Mid-January, you can ice-skate at the Museum! See our post on ice-skating rinks in London .

One of the members of our Facebook Group has a few suggestions to keep in mind before visiting.

The most important tip is to make reservations so you can avoid waiting in line to get in.

They also note that the air conditioning is not very effective on the upper floors, so you might want to go during colder months of the year.

It's also worth noting that the museum can get crowded during school breaks, so you should avoid those time periods.

Science Museum

From biology to astronomy, the Science Museum on Exhibition Road is packed with objects, photos, and interactive exhibits that give you a peek into the scientific wonders of our world.

The museum features well-known exhibits such as Stephenson's Rocket, an emblem of the Industrial Revolution, the Apollo 10 command module, showcasing space exploration milestones, and the interactive Wonderlab, where visitors can engage with scientific experiments and demonstrations.

The museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of science, technology, and innovation, showcasing iconic inventions and their impact on society.

Admission to the museum is free and it opens daily from 10 am - 6 pm, with the last entry at 05:15 pm.

Some members of our Facebook Group indicate that kids don't like this museum very much, as it's far more focused on scientific facts and discoveries, requiring a lot of reading and a focused attention.

That said, if you're an adult, chances are you'll enjoy the experience!

British Dental Association Museum

If you’ve ever wondered what dentistry looked like in the 1700s and through the years until today, take a look at the British Dental Museum .

The museum features a fascinating array of vintage dental instruments and historic dentures, offering a glimpse into the evolution of dentistry and oral healthcare practices.

It provides a unique perspective on the progression of dental care and the tools used by dental professionals throughout history.

The museum holds dentists’ chairs, tools, dentures, and other dental objects.

Royal London Hospital Museum

Note: Museum is now closed.

Find the strange and fascinating in the Royal London Hospital Museum .

You’ll see everything from collections of historic surgical instruments to a replica skeleton of the Elephant Man.

It is housed in a former church crypt and has a display on Jack the Ripper, to make things a bit spooky.

Grant Museum of Zoology

From a frightening skull of an African Rock Python to their collection of animal brains, there are enough novelties in the Grant Museum of Zoology to keep everyone entertained for the afternoon.

The museum features a diverse array of preserved animal specimens, including rare and extinct species, offering a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of zoology and natural history.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate displays, from delicate skeletons to taxidermy specimens, providing insights into the biodiversity and wonder of the animal kingdom.

Museum is currently closed for improvement and will reopen in January 2024.

Horniman Museum

The Horniman Museum in London is known for its eclectic collection, including an extensive anthropology exhibit featuring cultural artifacts from around the world, Butterfly house as well as an impressive aquarium showcasing diverse marine life.

This unique museum holds diverse collections of objects - from gardens and an aquarium to animal bones and instruments.

Visitors can immerse themselves in global cultures and natural wonders, making it a fascinating destination for anthropology and nature enthusiasts.

The Museum is open daily from 10am - 5.30pm.

Anesthesia Heritage Centre

If you’re medically-minded, a visit to the Anesthesia Heritage Centre would be a great way to spend a few hours in London.

The Anesthesia Heritage Centre houses an intriguing collection of artifacts and documents, chronicling the history and evolution of anesthesia and pain relief in medical practice.

Visitors can explore the journey of anesthetic techniques and equipment, providing valuable insights into the advancement of medical science and patient care.

The centre holds a rare book collection, historic anesthetic instruments, and biographies of important people to the practice.

The Heritage Centre is open Monday to Friday 10:00 am – 16:00 pm.

Wellcome Collection

If you want to change your perspective on health, wellness, and science, take a visit to the Wellcome Collection .

The collection showcases thought-provoking exhibits exploring the intersections of medicine, art, and culture, delving into topics such as health, disease, and human experience through various multimedia displays and contemporary art installations.

You’ll find medical instruments, architectural displays, and art collections as you discover how artwork affects medicine and health.

Visitors can engage with thought-provoking collections that challenge perceptions and promote understanding of the complexities of the human condition and medical progress.

The collection is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am – 18:00 pm with the exception of Thursday on which it is open from 10:00 am - 20:00 pm.

The Faraday Museum at the Royal Institution

The Faraday Museum at the Royal Institution in London celebrates the life and work of Michael Faraday, a pioneering figure in electromagnetism, featuring his scientific instruments and original research materials.

From experiments and technological advancements to the people who completed them, the Faraday Museum is a snapshot of British innovation.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of electricity, magnetism, and scientific discovery, gaining insights into Faraday's significant contributions to modern physics.

You can even find Michael Faraday’s lab, preserved as it was in the 1850s.

The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.

Medical Museums Included in Tourist Passes

You can find more museums about all things science and medicine on the list of attractions included in several London tourist attraction concession passes .

Here is a list of some of the museums available:

• Florence Nightingale Museum
• Freud Museum
• Old Operating Theatre Museum

Cheap Science Museums

These museums aren’t quite free, but they are affordable to enter.

Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum

• Adults £4 | Children, Students, and Seniors £2

Hunterian Museum

• Some archives available online

There are even more medical and science museums in London. Here are our honorable mentions you might want to visit:

• Bethlem Royal Hospital Museum of the Mind
• British Optical Association Museum
• Museum of the Order of St. John
• Museum of Royal Pharmaceutical Society
• St Bartholomew's Hospital Museum

FREE GENERAL AND HISTORY-RELATED MUSEUMS IN LONDON

London has been a city for roughly 2,000 years.

That is a lot of time for people to live, move, and make exciting advancements, and that means this is the perfect city for museums about history.

Here is our list of free history-related museums.

And come along with us on one of our free walking tours to learn about the history of this great city.  We offer a WW2 London Blitz Tour . 

Bank of England Museum

What happened to the use of gold as currency? You’ll find out why the Bank of England switched to paper in the museum.

The Bank of England Museum in London offers a captivating journey through the history of British currency, featuring rare banknotes, gold bars, and interactive exhibits on monetary policy and the central banking system.

Visitors can explore the fascinating world of finance, understanding the role of the Bank of England and its impact on the country's economy.

You can also hold a bar of gold and get a picture with it! 

The museum is open Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm. It is open until 8 pm on every third Thursday of the month.

Museum of London

Note: Museum is now closed. New museum will open for public in the year 2026.

How has London changed over the years?

Head to the Museum of London to learn about the city in Medieval times, under Roman rule, and how it became an international hub today.

The museum showcases the history and evolution of London, featuring exhibits on Roman London, the Great Fire, and contemporary urban development, providing a comprehensive journey through the city's rich past and vibrant present.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the diverse stories of Londoners and the city's cultural, social, and economic transformations over centuries.

British Museum

For an interesting overview of human history, visit the British Museum.

The British Museum in London houses world-renowned exhibits like the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles, showcasing ancient artifacts and art from civilizations across the globe, offering a glimpse into human history and cultural heritage on a global scale.

Visitors can explore diverse collections spanning millennia, from Egyptian mummies to Greek sculptures, fostering an understanding of the interconnectedness of civilizations and their contributions to humanity.

If you want a narrated tour, we lead one !

The museum opens daily from 10 am - 5 pm and on Fridays till 8:30 pm.

In addition to the museum itself, you can also enjoy a nice afternoon tea at the Great Court Restaurant inside!

This is a very big museum, and you can easily spend an entire day here, so you might want to take a break for tea while you're here.

British Library

Written histories, maps, and illustrated manuscripts from over 3,000 years of civilization sit in the British Library .

One of the most impressive artifacts is none other than the Magna Carta, original manuscripts by Dickens and Austen, but they also house Shakespeare's first Folio.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of literature and scholarship, exploring rare texts and significant documents that have shaped the course of human knowledge and culture.

You can even view one of the world’s earliest printed books!

For opening hours and other information, click here .

If you're a Beatles fan, make sure to stop here just to see their permanent exhibition of handwritten Beatles lyrics!

Burgh House & Hampstead Museum

Find 300 years of local neighborhood history in the historic Burgh House in Hampstead .

This Museum features local history exhibits, showcasing the heritage and culture of Hampstead, including artworks, photographs, and artifacts, providing insight into the area's evolution over time.

Visitors can explore the vibrant cultural identity of Hampstead through the museum's collections, offering a window into the neighborhood's past and present.

The museum opens Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday & Bank Holidays from 10am to 4pm.

London Mithraeum

Also known as the Temple of Mithras , this museum is an ancient Roman temple left from the days of Roman rule.

It was discovered during a fairly recent excavation in the 1950s and now displays artifacts left by the first Londoners.

The London Mithraeum showcases the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras, offering a glimpse into ancient Roman religious practices and architecture in London.

Visitors can experience an immersive historical journey through multimedia displays, revealing the mysteries of this ancient cult and its significance in Roman society.

Opening hours:

• Tuesday – Saturday 10.00 am – 18.00 pm
• Sundays 12.00 pm – 17.00 pm
• Wednesday during term time 12.30 pm – 18.00 pm
• First Thursday of the month 10.00 am – 20.00 pm
• Closed Mondays, Christmas & New Year bank holidays

Royal Academy of Music Museum

Discover collections of unique instruments, including instruments that have been played by or for famous historical figures.

The Royal Academy of Music Museum presents an extensive collection of musical instruments, manuscripts, and memorabilia, featuring items owned and used by notable musicians, providing a rich narrative of musical history and innovation.

Visitors can explore the world of classical music and its evolution, gaining insights into the lives and legacies of renowned composers and performers.

This small museum is run by the Academy, so check out the cheap (or sometimes free) concerts given by students.

The museum is currently open on Fridays from 11am - 6pm.

Tip: If you go to the basement-level bar during intermission, you might catch some musicians!  

Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology

This university-run museum is home to 80,000 artifacts of Egyptian and Sudanese archaeology, and it one of the best in the world.

The museum boasts a diverse collection of ancient artifacts, offering a glimpse into Egypt's rich history.

From intricately detailed pottery to mummies and ancient jewelry, it showcases the fascinating evolution of Egyptian civilization.

If you’ve ever wondered how people from the Nile Valley lived, visit the Petrie Museum .

The museum opens Tuesday - Friday from 1pm - 5pm and Saturday from 11am - 5pm.

Museum of London Docklands

How did rivers shape London society through the ages? Find out at the Museum of London Docklands .

The Museum of London Docklands presents a captivating exploration of London's maritime and trade history, showcasing artifacts and stories of its bustling docklands.

Visitors can delve into the city's past, from the slave trade to the Industrial Revolution, through immersive exhibits and interactive displays.

You can even visit an exhibition about the lost rivers that we can no longer see.

The museum opens daily from 10 am - 5 pm.

Museum of Freemasonry

If you’ve ever been fascinated by the Freemasons, this museum is for you .

Discover 300 years of Freemason history, with literature and saved artifacts.

The Museum of Freemasonry in London offers a unique insight into the history and symbolism of Freemasonry, displaying rare artifacts, regalia, and Masonic literature.

Visitors can explore the intriguing world of Freemasonry, uncovering its traditions, rituals, and contributions to society over centuries.

There are even 5 free tours per day - depending on whether or not the meeting house is in use - so check the schedule!

The museum opens Monday - Saturday from 10:00 am - 17:00 pm and First Thursday of month from 10:00 am - 20:00 pm.

London Sewing Machine Museum

Sewing enthusiasts might enjoy a short trip to the London Sewing Machine Museum .

There are 600 machines on display, many of which are rare or have historic significance.

The museum features a remarkable collection of antique sewing machines, showcasing their evolution and impact on textile craftsmanship.

Visitors can explore the ingenuity and craftsmanship of these historical machines, from early treadle models to ornate Victorian designs.

Their opening hours, however, are restrictive. For more details about the hours, click here .

Looking to visit as many museums as possible? Interested in some that aren’t free? An easy way to do that is by purchasing a London tourist pass.

They offer bulk concessions and sometimes include entrance to attractions for free. Check out our article about London tourist passes here .

Here is a list of museums that are included in some tourist passes:

• Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
• Charles Dickens Museum
• Rugby Museum
• Cartoon Museum
• Jewish Museum
• London Bridge Experience
• Madame Tussauds
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not
• Benjamin Franklin House
• London Canal Museum
• Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising
• Twining Tea Shop and Museum (with the Turbo Pass)

Cheap or Almost-Free Museums

Not all the museums in London are free, unfortunately, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t affordable!

• Dr. Johnson’s House
• London’s Cinema Museum

KID-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS IN LONDON

It is entirely possible to have a fun and educational trip when you add in some of these great family-friendly museums to your itinerary.

Here is a list of free and cheap museums in London that are great for kids.

The British Museum

The British Museum in London offers engaging kids exhibits, allowing young learners to discover ancient civilizations through interactive displays and hands-on activities.

From Egyptian mummies to Greek mythology, children can embark on an educational and entertaining journey through the past.

Kids will love exploring history through statues of pharaohs, ancient board games, and a large, mummified bull.

The British Museum holds artifacts from every continent - including the famous Rosetta Stone.

The Museum of London offers exciting kids exhibits, bringing the city's history to life with interactive displays, dress-up opportunities, and immersive experiences.

Children can step into the past, exploring London's diverse past and engaging with its vibrant culture through a child-friendly lens.

Learn about the events that shaped London in the Museum of London .

The whole family will enjoy discovering the remains of exotic animals that used to live in the capital, like hippos!

One of the most exciting museums on this list is the Natural History Museum , thanks to their huge dinosaur skeletons assembled and standing high overhead.

The Natural History Museum provides enriching kids exhibits, allowing young minds to delve into the wonders of the natural world through interactive displays and hands-on activities.

From dinosaur skeletons to live insects, children can explore and learn about the fascinating biodiversity that surrounds us.

You can also discover present-day animal life with insect and wildlife photography exhibits.

Discover how the world works at the Science Museum .

The Science Museum in London offers captivating kids exhibits, inviting young learners to engage with interactive displays and exciting experiments that unravel the wonders of science and technology.

From space exploration to robotics, children can discover the marvels of the scientific world in an entertaining and educational manner.

Any future astronauts in your family can enjoy the gallery dedicated to space exploration, with a full-sized model of the lander that put the first men on the moon!

V&A Museum of Childhood

This branch of the V&A Museum is filled with wonder and whimsy.

There are collections of children’s books and literature and a small city of working dollhouses.

The museum provides delightful kids exhibits, featuring a diverse array of toys, games, and childhood memorabilia, allowing children to step into the enchanting world of play and imagination.

From vintage dolls to interactive displays, it offers a charming exploration of the history and evolution of childhood.

Check the Museum of Childhood schedule for free activities to join in on, too!

The museum opens daily from 10.00 am – 17.45 pm.

Get a glimpse of just how many different species share the planet with us at the Grant Museum of Zoology .

The museum presents engaging kids exhibits, offering a chance for young explorers to discover a diverse collection of fascinating animal specimens and skeletons, sparking curiosity about the natural world.

Children can observe and learn about the incredible variety of creatures that inhabit our planet, fostering a love for science and biology.

You can find a collection of brains and bisected heads as well as participate in family art activities that change monthly!

Burgh House is a historic house dedicated to local history in the Hampstead neighborhood.

The museum offers delightful kids exhibits, providing a glimpse into the history of Hampstead with interactive displays and activities tailored for young visitors.

Children can engage with the neighborhood's past, stories, and artifacts, making history come alive in an accessible and engaging way.

The kids will have great fun trying on available old-fashioned clothes and playing with interactive displays.

This is a branch of the Museum of London dedicated to the history of the London docks on the River Thames and how trade impacted the city’s history.

The museum offers engaging kids exhibits, letting young explorers discover the maritime history of London through interactive displays and immersive experiences.

Children can step into the past, from the age of pirates to the industrial revolution, and uncover the city's maritime legacy.

Kids will love the model ships and walking through Sailortown.

The Horniman Museum has an eclectic mix of music and natural history artifacts.

Located in Forest Hill, one of the most noteworthy things to see here is their collection of musical instruments.

There are plenty of exhibits and activities to keep the kids entertained from the gardens and butterfly house to animal specimens and storytimes on specific Sundays.

Learn about the history of banking and how the Bank of England works today at the museum .

While here, you can take a photo in the gold vault corridor, see banknotes through the years, and hold a solid gold bar!

Included in Tourist Passes

There are family-friendly museums all over the greater London area, so there is sure to be something you’ll find interesting.

If you want to see a museum that isn’t free you can save by purchasing a London city pass that includes entrance!

Here is a list of museums that are great for kids and included in a tourist attraction concession pass :

• London Transport Museum (Children are always FREE!)
• Old Operating Theater Museum

Affordable Kid-Friendly Museums

Here is a list of museums that are both cheap and great for the family!

• Golden Hinde
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theater
• Viktor Wynds’s Cabinet of Curiosities
• Pollock’s Toy Museum

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Jessica O'Neill

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The 10 Best Free Museums in London (2024)

Kristoffer Fons

Traveling to London can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be!

There are many ways to enjoy this incredible city without breaking the bank. One of the best ways to do this is by visiting some of London’s many fabulous museums – and the best part is, many of them are free!

In this guide, we’ll show you the 10 best free museums in London so you can make the most of your trip.

1. The British Museum

2. the national gallery, 3. the tate britain and tate modern, 4. the science museum, 5. the natural history museum, 6. the victoria and albert museum, 7. the imperial war museum, 8. sir john soane’s museum, 9. the design museum, 10. bank of england museum.

This world-renowned museum houses over 8 million artifacts from all over the globe, ranging from Egyptian mummies to Roman busts to dozens of rare and priceless works of art. And admission is free! Plan to spend at least a few hours here – you won’t be disappointed.

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Another popular choice for art lovers, the National Gallery contains over 2,300 paintings from the middle ages to the early 20th century. From Leonardo da Vinci to Vincent van Gogh, there’s something here for everyone. Again, admission is free.

These two sister museums are must-sees for any art lover visiting London. The Tate Britain focuses on British art from 1500 to the present day, while the Tate Modern showcases international modern and contemporary art. Admission to both museums is free.

Tate Britain :

Tate Modern :

• Looking for a Harry Potter museum in London? It may not be free, but it’s great value for money. Read all about the closest you’ll get to a Harry Potter Museum in London here .

This museum is a great choice for families or anyone with an interest in science and technology. With over 15,000 objects on display ranging from early steam engines to a moonrock brought back by the Apollo astronauts, there’s something here for everyone. Admission is free.

Go to website Location :

If you’re looking for more cool things, check out this brilliant guide to alternative and unusual things to do in London .

Another great option for families, this museum houses one of the largest collections of natural history specimens in the world. From dinosaurs to coral reefs, there’s plenty to see and learn here. Admission is free.

This museum is dedicated to art and design, with over 145 galleries housing everything from fashion and furniture to painting and sculpture. If you’re interested in any kind of art or design, this is the place for you – and again, admission is free!

This museum tells the story of conflict from WWI through today, with exhibitions on everything from everyday life during wartime to iconic artifacts like an original Spitfire plane. Admission is free although there are charges for some special exhibitions.

The Sir John Soane’s Museum is an absolute hidden gem tucked away in London’s bustling Holborn district.

A visit to the former residence of the eccentric architect Sir John Soane feels like stepping back in time as you wander through the maze of rooms filled with his eclectic collection of art, antiquities, and architectural curiosities.

Highlights include the awe-inspiring Egyptian sarcophagus of Seti I and an array of paintings by greats like Canaletto and Turner.

A must-visit for history buffs and art lovers seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience.

If you’re a design enthusiast exploring London, the Design Museum in swanky Kensington is right up your alley.

This sleek, contemporary space showcases the best design across various fields, from cutting-edge technology to fashion and graphics.

The museum’s ever-changing exhibitions will keep you coming back, and the permanent collection offers a fascinating look at iconic designs that have shaped our world.

After soaking in all that creative inspiration, pop into the museum’s café for a well-deserved break.

Nestled in the heart of London’s financial district, the Bank of England Museum is a surprising find worth your time.

Step inside, and you’ll uncover the story of the Bank, from its beginnings in 1694 to its present-day role in the economy.

Marvel at the dazzling display of gold bars, learn about the intricacies of banknotes, and even try lifting a genuine gold bar!

It’s a fascinating visit that’ll leave you feeling like an insider in London’s world of finance.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to enjoy London without spending a fortune.

So next time you plan a trip, add some (or all!) of these fantastic free museums to your itinerary – you won’t regret it.

No, not all museums in London are free. However, many major ones offer free entry to their permanent collections, while special exhibitions or events may require an admission fee. In this guide, I have listed museums that are free of charge for everyone, including both locals and tourists.

Most museums in London have security measures and may require visitors to check large bags or backpacks at the entrance. It’s best to travel light when visiting museums or be prepared to use the cloakroom facilities if available.

Most major museums in London provide wheelchair access and facilities for disabled visitors. However, some smaller or historic museums may have limited access due to the nature of the building. It’s best to check the museum’s website or contact them directly for accessibility information.

Most museums in London allow non-flash photography for personal use, but there may be restrictions for specific exhibits or artworks. Always look for signs or ask museum staff if you’re unsure.

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• ATTRACTIONS

40+ Best Free Museums In London Worth Your Visit Today

• In ATTRACTIONS Museums

Looking to manage your budget by exploring free museums in London?

Well, this city makes it EASY. There are literally dozens of them spread throughout London. In this guide, we have collected all the free museums in one place so you don’t have to trawl the internet for hours researching.

Now, grab a cup of very British tea, and get planning as we discover today’s topic: What museums are free in London?

• 1 What to Expect from Free Museums in London
• 2 Difference Between Museum And Gallery
• 3 Free Museums in Central London
• 4 Free Museums in North London (List of free museums in London North)
• 5 Free Museums in South London – Including Interactive Map!
• 6 Free Museums in East London – Including Interactive Map!
• 7 Free Museums in West London – Including Interactive Map!- Free Entrance Museums in London West!
• 8 Quick 3 Top Picks For Free Museums In London For Kids
• 9 Quick 3 Top Picks For Free Museums In London For Students
• 10 3 Tips For Visiting Free Galleries And Museums In London
• 11 FAQs about Free Museums In London
• 12 Conclusion

What to Expect from Free Museums in London

Like many cities, free museums in London can be hit or miss. They can be utterly fabulous – such as the Tate Gallery – or they can be small and only worth your while if you are popping in whilst waiting for the bus.

However, they all carry a huge benefit – they are FREE to enter . And if any of you have been to London in recent times you will notice that it is a pricey vacation spot.

Once you have read this guide you will be able to decide for yourself whether it is worth it to even visit museums with an entry fee – you might get your cultural fix simply by hopping around the free ones.

So if you have been asking yourself is National Museum in London free , then read on.

Difference Between Museum And Gallery

Before we start, let’s clear up a question we see often, and that is what is the difference between a museum and a gallery.

Officially, a gallery is a place that showcases a certain type of artwork, usually by one artist, or a bunch of artists working on one theme. Usually (but not always) the gallery aims to generate income for the artist.

On the other hand, museums usually display a wide range of artifacts relating to a specific topic, with no aim to sell products . Oftentimes this is related to a particular topic, such as the national history of a country, or a particular genre – such as modern art.

In this guide we include a mixture of both.

Free Museums in Central London

For the majority of visitors to London, Central London will be your main stomping ground.

Especially for a first time visitor, it makes sense to stay, eat and sightsee in and around the heart of London.

Here are some of the best free museums in Central London from which you can pick.

Interactive Map – Free Museums In Central London Map

Here is a handy interactive map that shows you the best free museums in and around Central London.

The National Gallery London

If you love art then the National Gallery is for you. With a collection of over 2300 paintings and free entry , it’s a great place to spend a rainy afternoon.

You probably already know what the building looks like from its striking columns that are apparent on photos of Trafalgar Square – you can’t get more central than this.

• Address: Trafalgar Square, London
• Opening hours: Open Monday through Sunday 10 am to 6 pm

The Mithraeum

This old Roman temple looks like something straight out of Rome. Surrounded by modern buildings, you wouldn’t even know it is there. A must see when in central London.

• Address : Queen Victoria Street London EC4N 8BN
• Opening Hours: Closed Mondays, open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm and on Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm

The British Museum Free Entry!

Located in west central London, the British Museum has over 8 million artifacts documenting human history.

It is one of the most comprehensive collections in the world. It is grouped into “departments” covering geographical locations from across the globe.

• Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
• Opening hours: Open Monday through Sunday 10 am to 5 pm, late night Fridays to 8.30 pm
• FAQ – is the British Museum in London free? Yes!

The Bank of England Museum

Interested in currency and the history of the Great British Pound ? Then the Bank of England Museum has it all. Check out over three centuries of coins, notes and more.

• Address: Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH
• Opening hours: Monday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm

The Guildhall Library

Full of famous books about a range of subjects including culture, food, family life and more.

• Address: Aldermanbury EC2V 7HH
• Opening Hours: 9.30 to 5 pm, closed Sundays

Grant Museum of Zoology

If you are interested in things like zoology and all things dissectable you can catch up on a range of items and displays that have been analyzed in the animal world.

• Address: Rockefeller Building, 21 University St, London WC1E 6DE, United Kingdom
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1 pm to 5 pm, Saturday 11 am to 5 pm, closed Sunday and Monday

Museum of London

The Museum of London is being rebranded as the London Museum . Its previous location at London Wall in Barbican in the east of the city has been closed in December 2022, and it will relocate to West Smithfield in central London in 2026.

• Address: Previously in Barbican London Wall. New address in West Smithfield from 2026
• Opening Hours: Currently Closed, 2026 reopening

The National Gallery

Over 200,000 paintings and artworks mainly from the 16th century onward, the National Gallery is a free London museum that offers art buffs an all encompassing experience.

• Address: St. Martin’s Place WC2H 0HE
• Opening Hours : Open daily 10am–6pm and Friday until 9pm

Sir John Soane’s Museum

A museum located in the old home of Mr John Soane – this little known treasure is full of interesting art work with paintings stuffed in every corner.

• Address: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3BP
• Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm, closed Monday and Tuesday

Free Museums in North London (List of free museums in London North)

The British Library

Home to some of Britain’s best loved treasures, the British Library is where you can check out the Magna Carta as well as some authentic and original song lyrics from bands like the Beatles!

• Address: 96 Euston Road, NW1
• Opening Hours: Monday through Thursday 9.30 am to 8 pm, Friday 9.30 am to 6 pm, Saturday 9.30 am to 5 pm. Sunday 11 am to 5 pm

Queer Britain Museum

An LGBTQ+ museum in London that was the first of its kind in the UK and is a celebration of all things Pride and beyond.

• Address: 2 Granary Square London N1C
• Opening Hours: 12 pm to 6 pm, closed Tuesdays

The Wellcome Museum

A fascinating collection of medical artifacts from the days of yore, as well as some modern developments in technology too.

• Address: 183 Euston Road NW1
• Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm, late nights to 8 pm, closed on Mondays

Free Museums in South London – Including Interactive Map!

The National Army Museum

Located in south west London the National Army Museum is a place to come if you want to see tanks, helmets and other memorabilia dedicated to those what have defended their country.

• Address: Royal Hospital Road SW3 London
• Opening Hours: 10 am to 5.30 pm, closed on Mondays

The Tate Britain

Part of the wider collection of Tate Galleries, the Tate Britain offers visitors the chance to see traditional British art dating back as far as the Tudors. There are also some more recent additions to the collection.

• Address: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
• Opening Hours: Open Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

The Horniman Museum

Most famous for its collection of stuffed dead animals, the Horniman also has displays of anthropology and a nice garden to explore.

• Address: 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ, United Kingdom
• Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 5.30 pm

The National Maritime Museum

Models of ships, flags from ships, things that used to be in ships, and paintings of ships! If you are a sea loving person, then this is the museum for you!

• Address: Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF
• Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm

The Royal Air Force Museum

History of the British RAF is on display in this aerodrome. If you want to see a firm favorite of Britain, then it will be worth a stop by.

• Address: Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL

The Tate Modern

Can be visited along with the Tate Britain on the same day. The Tate Modern is a free modern art museum in London . It is home to a huge collection of great contemporary works and is one of our favorites !

• Address: Millbank SW1P 4RG

HMS Belfast

This cool navy boat is a floating museum right on the River Thames was built in Harland and Wolff – the famous shipyard that built the Titanic. It is now full of artifacts and reconstructed ship quarters.

• Address: The Queen’s Walk SE1

The Science Museum

A museum dedicated to all things science, the Science Museum London free entry is worth it. Note however that you need a ticket to enter. These must be booked online in advance here to secure your place! This is one of the great things to do with kids London has to offer!

• FAQ: Is the Science Museum free in London? Answer? Yes
• Address: Exhibition Road SW7 2 London
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

Natural History Museum

Here, in the same area of London as the Science Museum you can find the Natural History Museum. It is perhaps most famous amongst visitors for the massive plaster cast replica of Dippy the Dinosaur . It is also home to the Otumpa meteorite. Is the natural history museum in London Free? Yes!! Entry is open to all free of charge.

Victorian And Albert Museum

With millions of artifacts dedicated to art, design and all things creative in its possession, the Victoria and Albert museum can never display everything at once! If you are into art and design this is perhaps the free museum in London you need to visit!

• Address: Cromwell Road SW7
• Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 17:45 pm, late night opening on Friday to 10 pm

Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms are part of the Imperial War Museum and are home to the famous Cabinet War Rooms that were the workplace bunker of the government during WWII!

• Address: Clive Steps, King Charles St, Westminster SW1A 2AQ
• Opening Hours: 09.30 am to 6 pm

Imperial War Museum

The main branch of the Imperial War Museum is found on the Lambeth road and is dedicated in memory of those who have suffered in conflicts since the First World War

• FAQ – Is the Imperial War Museum in London free? Answer – Yes!
• Address: Lambeth Road, Westminster SE1
• Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm

Queen’s House

An old royal palace is home here to an extensive collection of marine paintings as well as the Royal Observatory Greenwich

• Address: Romney Rd, Greater, London SE10 9NF, United Kingdom
• Opening Hours from 10 am to 5 pm

Free Museums in East London – Including Interactive Map!

The V&A Museum of Childhood

A museum for children full of fun things to see and touch, the Museum of Childhood has been closed and will be rebranded as the Young V&A and become a fun place for imaginative play.

• Address: Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA
• Opening Hours: Open daily 10am–5:45pm

Museum of London Docklands

Situated in the E14 postcode of London, this museum focuses on the importance of the Thames River to London and also the role played by the transportation method during slavery.

• Address: 1 West India Quay, Hertsmere Road, E14
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

Whitechapel Gallery

Known as the gallery for everyone, this is an inclusive art gallery housed in a turn of the 20th century building and hosts regular interesting art exhibitions

• Address: 77-82 Whitechapel High Street
• Opening Hours : 11 am to 6 pm, closed Mondays

Geffrye Museum of the Home

A celebration of what the Home means to different people, including interesting displays on how the multi cultural population of London defines their personal space.

• Address: 136 Kingsland Road London E2 8EA

Free Museums in West London – Including Interactive Map!- Free Entrance Museums in London West!

The Cartoon Museum

One for cartoon lovers young and old, the cartoon museum is one of the free galleries and museums in London West and contains over 9000 comics and scripts for fans of this drawn art form.

• Address: 63 Wells Road London, W1T
• Opening Hours: Daily 10.30 am to 5.30 pm, closed Mondays. Late night opening until 8 pm on Thursdays.

The Design Museum

Another great museum to visit for those who love design and fashion, architectural drawings and the world of graphic design. Perfect for students studying elsewhere.

• Address 224-238 Kensington High St, London W8
• Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 6 pm, late night open to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday
• FAQ: Is the Design Museum in London free? Answer: Yes

Serpentine Galleries

Located beside the Serpentine lake, the galleries offer a range of temporary interesting art exhibitions and stunning grounds within Kensington Gardens.

• Address – London W2 3XA
• Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm daily, closed Mondays

The Wallace Collection

Fancy art and collectibles spanning the centuries are on display here in this equally fancy period townhouse .

• Address: Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN
• Opening Hours: Daily between 10 am and 5 pm

The Royal Academy of Arts

A hugely symbolic and important art exhibition and institution in the United Kingdom, the museum hosts a range of exhibitions and events

• Address: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD, United Kingdom
• Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 5.30 pm, Closed Mondays, Late night openings on Friday to 9.30 pm

The Petrie Museum

An interesting and free to visit Egyptology museum in London, containing tens of thousands of artifacts from Egypt and even the Sudan.

• Address: Malet Place WC1E 6BT
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1 pm to 5 pm, closed Sunday and Monday, open Saturdays 11 am to 5 pm

Museum of Brands

Explore some of Britain’s favorite brands and iconic advertising that grew out of the development of a consumer culture dating back to the time of Queen Victoria.

• Address: 111/117 Lancaster Road, W11
• Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 6 pm

Hampstead Museum

Located in Burgh House on the first floor there is a bunch of information on those who have lived in the house and surrounding area. The house itself is simply stunning and was built in 1704.

• Address: New End Square, Hampstead, NW3 1LT
• Opening Hours: Open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm

Anaesthesia Heritage Centre

Interested in learning about how doctors knock people out? Then this one’s for you in this museum that tells the story of everything related to anesthesia.

• Address 21 Portland Place London W1B
• Hours: Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm

Soho Photography Quarter

This is a new and fun outdoor concept with open air shows and exhibits related to modern photography.

• Address: Ramillies Place W1
• Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday, Saturdays 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday and Friday 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday 11 am to 6 pm

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

Those interested in Architecture and design can visit interactive exhibitions for free of charge at the RIBA in Portland Place.

• Address: 66 Portland Place W1B
• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 5.30 pm (late night to 8 pm Tuesdays), Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, closed Sundays

Quick 3 Top Picks For Free Museums In London For Kids

So out of this extensive list, what are the free museums in London for Kids that we would recommend?

Quick 3 Top Picks For Free Museums In London For Students

Depending on what you are studying, there is probably something on this list specifically tailored to your interest.

However, the best museums for Students in London with free entry would be the British Museum, the Tate Modern and perhaps the cartoon museum!

3 Tips For Visiting Free Galleries And Museums In London

• Check the website for visiting – since many of these museums are charitable organizations with some run by volunteers you should validate the opening times in advance.
• Check you don’t need a ticket – some of these free museums in London still require you to reserve a ticket place in advance.
• Check the exhibition you want to see – whilst all of these museums are free entry, you will find that specialist rotating exhibitions will usually carry and entry fee and may require advance tickets.

FAQs about Free Museums In London

Here are some of the most frequent questions we get asked about free museums in London.

Are all museums in London free?

No - museums like Madame Tussauds or the Tower of London carry entry fees, but there is a huge number of free museums in London to explore.

How many free museums in London?

There are rumored to be around 170 museums in London Town. Our guide covers almost 40 of those!

Why are museums in London free?

National museums in London are free to encourage visitor numbers to the city and increase the number of charitable donations.

No you have no excuse not to visit London – you could fill your whole trip with free museums!

Since you now know that you don’t have to splash all your cash on this, you might need to consider what type of city pass is best for you when visiting the city.

Take a look at our city pass guides to make the right decision for your budget.

I’m Sebastian and I love exploring and writing about London. I’ve spent lots of time wandering around the city, finding cool places and learning all the best things to do. On my blog, LondonPass.info, I talk about all the awesome spots in London, from the famous ones everyone knows to secret places that are super special.

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Guide To The Best Free Museums In London

Here’s my guide to 10 amazing free museums in London. London is literally overflowing with fantastic museums displaying world class art, ranging from the prehistoric to modern periods. Whatever your art geekery, London has an outlet for it.

You could spend a lifetime visiting these must see museums in London. They’re rich, diverse, and endlessly fascinating.

Even better, many of London’s best museums are free, absolutely free. Or at least free to visit the permanent collection.

You may have to buy tickets for special exhibitions. But, for the most part, you can soak up exquisite art without emptying your wallet.

In a city like London that tends to be expensive, you can’t beat free. Especially if you’re on a budget.

If you want a virtual preview, the museums have parts of their collections on Google Arts & Culture.

10 Best Free Museums in London

Read on for my picks for where you can see the best free art in London. Prepare to be immersed.

1. Tate Modern, London’s Modern Art Museum

One of my favorite spots in London is the Tate Modern . Opened in 2000, it’s housed in the former Bankside Power Station. The industrial look seems fitting for its cutting edge art. In 2016, the museum was expanded, renovated, and a viewing terrace was added.

Today, the Tate Modern is home to room after room of world famous international modern and contemporary art. It’s not just limited to paintings either.

They’re installations, sculptures, films, and photography. The Tate Modern is organized by theme, and isn’t chronological.

Among other modern art masterpieces , you can clap your eyes on Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych , Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain , Amadeo Modigliani’s Peasant Boy , Pablo Picasso’s Nude Woman in a Red Armchair, Georgio de Chirico’s the Uncertainty of the Poet , and Henri Matisse’s The Snail, and Salvador Dali’s Lobster Telephone .

Don’t miss the room with Mark Rotho’s luminous Seagram Murals , with their deep hues of black, blue, purple, and red. They were inspired by the Michelangelo’s Laurentian Library in Florence.

The murals were Rothko’s first public commission. They were intended to hang in a swanky Four Season restaurant. Unhappy with the proposed setting, Rothko reneged on the deal, returned the commission, and reclaimed his paintings.

In the 1960s, after negotiation, Rothko gave nine of the murals to the Tate Modern, which the director called “a princely gesture.”

Rothko insisted on a permanent, exclusive room for the murals. They’re displayed as Rothko intended — in a dimly lit space where you can absorb their meditative character.

The Tate Modern also offers a stunning free view, so you can skip expensive tourist traps like the London Eye. There’s a viewing platform on the top floor of the Blavatnik Building. Just ride the elevator to the 10th floor.

• Address : Bankside, London SE1 9TG
• Hours : Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Friday to Saturday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Entry fee : free
• Tube station : Southwark and St. Pauls
• Pro tip : You can take a virtual tour on Google Arts & Culture

2. The British Museum: Museum of the World

In the artsy Bloomsbury area, you’ll find one of the world’s foremost museums, the British Museum . Opened in 1753, it’s a universal museum and an unmissable site in London.

The British Museum has a massive collection of the world’s most important historic artifacts. It seeks to provide a cross cultural understanding of art owned by “humanity.”

But it’s owned by humanity in name only. Many of the goodies on display date from England’s reign as a major world super power.

It’s utterly amazing how much stuff the Brits gobbled up, with their obsessive fervor for quirky collecting.

Most famously, the British Museum holds title to the Elgin Marbles , effectively acquired by conquest. They’re in Room 18. These beautiful friezes and sculptures once formed part of the Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens, built between 447 and 438 B.C.

The man responsible for their divorce from Athens was Lord Elgin, a British Ambassador. In the midst of Ottoman upheaval, he procured a dodgy and ambiguous permit to excavate and export Parthenon frieze relics to England. Greece has repeatedly asked for their return, but to no avail.

The Parthenon marbles aren’t the only Greek sculptures on display. There are many rooms dedicated to Greek and Roman sculpture.

Other must see highlights of the British Museum are the Egyptian mummies, the renowned Rosetta Stone, the Assyrian lion hunt reliefs, the Lindow Man, the Lewis Chessmen, and the Sutton Hoo Ship Buria.

Here’s my complete guide to the British Museum .

You can book a 2 hour  guided tour  of the British Museum or a  2.5 hour private tour . You can even have  afternoon tea  at the museum or book a special  guided tour for kids and families .

You can also book a longer  5.5 hour guided tour  that covers both the British Museum and the  National Gallery of Art , which is just 15 minutes away on foot.

• Address : Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG
• Hours : Open daily 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. On Friday the museum is open until 8:30 pm
• Entry fee : Free, but the audio guide is £7
• Tube station : Four options: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Russell Square, or Goodge Street

The British Museum is very child friendly offering child appropriate routes for the museum. To avoid long lines, use the back entrance on Montague Street.

You’ll still go through security. But there are far fewer people at this entrance. The museum’s bookshop is amazing!

3. The National Gallery: European Paintings

On the north side of the Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery . The museum is incredibly diverse, featuring 2,000 European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries.

You’ll find familiar names like Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci , Michelangelo , Botticelli , J.M.W. Turner, Monet, and Van Gogh.

The most famous painting on display is Leonardo da Vinci’s The Virgin of the Rocks. But Van Gogh’s Sunflowers also draws hordes of admirers.

The gallery is an artistic experience in and of itself. It has soaring ceilings and glass topped domes. The floor of the entryway is covered with beautiful mosaics depicting the Labors of Life, the Pleasures of Life, and Modern Virtues.

You’ll probably need a few hours to tour the place. You could spend the entire day there, if you were so inclined.

The museum does offer subject based audio guides, so you can focus in a particular topic, instead of wandering aimlessly.

Here’s my complete guide to the National Gallery . Though it’s one of London’s best free museums, you may want to book a guided tour because it’s massive.

• Address : Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
• Hours : Daily 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, until 9:00 pm on Friday
• Tube station : Charing Cross
• Pro tip : There are free guided tours daily at 11:00 am 2:30 and at 7:00 pm on Friday night. You can a virtual tour on Google Arts & Culture.

4. Natural History Museum: Almost a Cathedral

Opened in 1881, London’s Natural History Museum is housed in a stunning Victorian building in the South Kensington neighborhood. It looks more cathedral-like than museum-ish.

Even if you’re not interested in natural history, you should still stroll by — the facade of the building is just so grand and stunning.

When you walk in, the grandure continues. You’re greeted by a massive whale skeleton suspended from the roof in the Central Hall.

The museum’s not ultra high tech. But it does have an “escalator through the earth.” And skeletons of the first Tyrannosaurus Rex and Iguanadon ever found, among its 70 million specimens.

Filled with dinosaur skeletons, the Blue Zone is the museum’s most popular area. It focuses on all life forms from dinosaurs to the smallest invertebrates.

The Red Zones focuses on the planet Earth. The Orange Zone is the Darwin Center, with exhibits collected by Darwin himself. And the Green Zone focuses on earth sciences with displays of gems, meteorites, fossils, and minerals.

This museum is massive. You really can’t see everything in one day. Pick a zone or, if you have time, make multiple visits. Or book a guided tour to see the highlights.

• Address : Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
• Hours : Daily 10:00 am to 5:50 pm
• Tube stations : South Kensington and Gloucester Road
• Pro tip : You can take a virtual tour of the museum on Google Arts & Culture

5. Victoria and Albert Museum: Decorative Arts

Not far from the Natural History Museum is the Victoria and Albert Museum . It really doesn’t have much to do with either monarch. But the immense museum is named for the royal couple who did so much to support the many triumphs of the Victorian era.

The Victoria and Albert Museum is a non-stuffy museum with an eclectic collection of national treasures in the field of decorative and design arts.

The huge collection illustrates the far reach of the British Empire. Virtually every medium is represented — photography, furniture, jewelry, paintings, ceramics, etc.

You may want to use their “Greatest Treasures Guide” to ferret out the best pieces, if you have limited time.

When you walk inside, you’ll see a stunning display — American glass artist Dale Chihuly’s glass chandelier.

The must see objects at the Victoria and Albert Museum include the Ardabil Carpet (world’s oldest oriental carpet from 1539), Tipu’s Tiger (a Sultan’s toy), and a replica cast of Trajan’s Column in Rome .

I also like the Paul and Jill Ruddock Galleries. The rooms are filled with Renaissance sculptures, including a life size replica of Michelangelo’s David that lives in Florence .

And don’t miss the Photography Galleries. There’s always something new there. In 2018, those galleries were expanded, doubling their space.

If the weather is nice, head to the museum’s John Madejski Garden when you’re done ogling the art. It’s an enclosed courtyard garden, almost like a monastery cloister.

From there, you get a good look at the beautiful facade of the Lecture Theater, which was once the original entrance to the museum. On the triangular pediment, you’ll see Queen Victoria handing out laurels.

Like London’s other free museums, the V&A is massive. If you’re not on a budget, you may want to book a private tour .

• Address : Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL
• Hours : Daily 10:00 am to 5:15 pm
• Tube station : South Kensington
• Pro tip : Grab a museum map at the entrance to help plan your visit. You can take a virtual tour on Google Arts & Culture.

6. Tate Britain: Best Of British Art

I don’t typically recommend visiting a museum solely for its architecture. But for the Tate Britian , I could make an exception. The museum is a pristine glistening work of art itself.

The museum boasts a domed rotunda, beautiful spiral staircase, terrazzo floors, and Victorian details. Built in the late 19th century, the Tate Britain underwent an extensive renovation completed in 2013. The result is an ultra pretty museum experience.

Plus, there’s some spectacular art to be found. Tate Britain features traditional British art from the 16th century to the present.

It’s home to J. M. W. Turner’s watercolors, Francis Bacon’s abstract religious triptychs and screaming popes, and gorgeous Pre-Raphaelite art works .

Some of Tate Britain’s most famous paintings include Sir John Everett Millais’ Ophelia , John William Waterhouse’s The Lady of Shalott , and John Constable’s Flatford Mill.

Of special note, there are 8 rooms dedicated to Turner, one of Britian’s greatest and most famous artists. In the mid 19th century, Turner shocked his colleagues with his loose brush strokes and fiery palette, presaging the later Impressionist movement.

The gallery includes some of Turner’s greatest masterpieces, such as Self Portrait, Peace, Burial at Sea, and Norham Castle, Sunrise.

Heres’s my complete guide to the Tate Britain . Click here for a  2.5 hour guided tour  of the collection, which I’ve taken and really enjoyed. You can also book a  guided tour of both the Tate Britain and the Tate Modern .

• Address : Millbank, Westminster, London SW1P 4RG
• Hours : Daily 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Tube stations : Pimlicco, Victoria, Westminster Pro tip : You can take a virtual tour on Google Arts & Culture

7. The British Library: The Smell Of Rare Books

London’s British Library is the world’s largest library. While it’s not particularly pretty, there’s a dashing statue of Newton by Eduardo Paolozzi in the square.

The British Library is also stashed with all kinds of gems: printed books, maps, important documents, and illustrated manuscripts.

The British Library has three free permanent exhibition rooms: the Sir John Ritblat Gallery, the Philatelic Exhibition, and Conservation Uncovered. The Sir John Ritblat Gallery is the most interesting.

There, you’ll find Mozart’s hand written musical compositions, Lewis Caroll’s Alice Adventures, Charlotte Brontë’s manuscript for  Jane Eyre, the Gutenberg Bible, and the Magna Carta. Beatles’ fans will be pleased to find hand written copies of song lyrics.

• Address : : 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB
• Hours : Mon to Th 9:30 am to 8:00 pm, Fri 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, Sat 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Sun 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Tube stations : Euston, King’s Cross and St Pancras
• Virtual tour

8. Sir John Soane: an Oddball Art Collection

Sir John Soane was one of Britain’s foremost Neo-Classical architects and a professor of architecture at the Royal Academy. He created his own museum, and you can feel his spirit and legacy in the cluttered, bejeweled place.

Built in 1812, Sloane designed the gloomily-lit house-museum to hold his vast collection of art and objects from around the world. Soane sometimes used his museum as an educational tool, quizzing his students on the derivation of a frieze or painting.

Soane bequeathed his museum to England on the condition that nothing be changed or moved. In this, he was like American collector Isabella Stewart Gardner , who made the same preconditions for her eponymous museum in Boston. The Soane museum was lovingly restored and, as was the plan, is nearly identical to when Sloane died in 1837.

Soane was a curiosity collector. He purchased art based on whether it amused or interest him, not on its intrinsic significance. You’ll find a mishmash of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian artifacts, urns, statues, and vases.

There are also some world class paintings, including ones by Watteau, J.M.W. Turner, Canaletto, and William Thomas Beckford.

Of special note are the paintings by 18th century artist and satirist William Hogarth. Hogarth satirizes the foibles and morality of society. In The Rake’s Progress series, a young man inherits a fortune and blithely squanders it.

In 1824, Soane ran out of room for paintings in his main Picture Room. He created a special folding device, which put extra movable walls on hinges.

The paintings held within can only be seen when a museum assistant opens them. So certain paintings are only seen at certain times (check the website).

I’d say the Sir John Soane Museum is one of the best hidden gems in London .

It’s an out of the way place. And it’s a fascinating sort of time machine or wormhole to English history. After your visit, take a stroll in the nearby park.

• Address : 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Holborn London
• Hours : Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, last entry at 4:30
• Tube station : Holborn or Temple
• Pro tip : On the first Tuesday of the month, there’s an evening candlelit tour.

9. Museum of London: History of London

The Museum of London takes you on a journey of the history of the UK’s capital city from its prehistoric first settlers around 450,000 BC to today’s contemporary multicultural hub. It’s rather like the Carnavalet Museum in Paris .

Outside the museum you can see the ruins of old London Wall. They actually placed glass in the museum’s Roman section so that you can look at the wall.

I wish I was there right now because there’s a special exhibition on the Clash and the making of their iconic album, London Calling. And the exhibition is free!

• Address : 150 London Wall, Barbican, London EC2Y 5HN
• Tube station : Barbicon, St. Paul’s, Moorgate

10. William Morris Gallery: Art & Crafts Extravaganza

William Morris was an innovative designer in the Arts & Crafts period of the late 19th century. It’s a period of design that I just adore. My house is filled with Stickley furniture and arts and crafts pottery.

Morris was a prolific artist. He trained in embroidery, wood engraving, and weaving.

He gained fame for his idealistically patterned designs and wallpapers. Inspired by nature, they featured intricate swirling leaves, thieving birds, rose-filled trellises, and fruit tree branches.

But Morris was also business savvy. He built a successful commercial business, selling household furnishings and textile designs from his Oxford Street shop.

Though raised in privilege, Morris “crossed the river of fire” and became a socialist when he was 50. That decision informed his design aesthetic.

He didn’t want to produce designs just for the wealthy. Morris said: “I don’t want art for a few, any more than education for a few, or freedom for a few. “

The intimate gallery is housed in his house-atelier. It takes you on a tour of the different phases of Morris’ life. His beautiful hand crafted designs are on display.

At the entrance to each room, you can read about its original use and furnishing. The gallery also hosts events, including craft workshops, as you might expect.

• Address : Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow, London, E17
• Hours : Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Tube station : last stop on the Victoria line

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to London’s wonderful free museums. You may enjoy these other London travel guides and resources:

• 5 Day Itinerary for London
• 3 Day itinerary for London
• Best Day Trips From London
• London Tourist Traps To Avoid
• Guide to the Tower of London
• Guide to St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Guide to the Churchill War Rooms
• Guide To Westminster Abbey
• Guide To Hatfield House
• Guide To Hampton Court Palace

If you’d like to visit London’s amazing free museums, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on August 7, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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Free art galleries and museums in London

Find out which of London’s magnificent museums are completely free to visit

London can be a pretty expensive place to go out in, and there's the small matter of the deepening cost of living crisis to boot. But there's no need to lock yourself away, because almost all the art here is free to see. M ost of London's major museums – as well as many of its smaller institutions and literally every commercial gallery – are free to enter, so you can see world-class art and artefacts without getting out your wallet. From the Tate to Gagosian, the National Gallery to Camden Art Centre, you've got your choice of literally hundreds of amazing art spaces, all free. Want to see masterpieces by Raphael and Turner, or contemporary abstraction by future art stars? You can, and you don't have to pay. 

Our list of brilliant, and totally free, art galleries and museums in London covers the four corners and centre of the city, so wherever you live, there’s a gratis cultural experience near you. Go forth and enjoy, and save your pennies for something else.

RECOMMENDED: The best free things to do in London .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Free museums in London: central

British museum.

Officially the country's most popular tourist attraction, the British Museum opened to the public in 1759 in Montagu House, which then occupied this site. The current building is a neoclassical marvel built in 1847 by Robert Smirke, one of the pioneers of the Greek Revival style. The most high profile addition since then was Lord Foster's popular glass-roofed Great Court, open since 2000 and now claimed to be 'the largest covered public square in Europe'.

National Gallery

• Trafalgar Square

There are masterpieces from virtually every European school of art. The modern Sainsbury Wing extension contains the gallery’s earliest works: Italian paintings by early masters like Giotto and Piero della Francesca. In the West Wing are Italian Renaissance masterpieces by Correggio, Titian and Raphael; in the North Wing, seventeenth-century Dutch, Flemish, Italian and Spanish Old Masters. In the East Wing are some of the gallery’s most popular paintings: works by the French Impressionists and post-Impressionists.

Tate Britain

Tate Modern gets all the attention, but the original Tate Gallery, founded by sugar magnate Sir Henry Tate, has a broader and more inclusive brief. Housed in a stately Portland stone building on the riverside, Tate Britain is second only to the National Gallery when it comes to British art. The historical collection includes work by Hogarth, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Constable (who gets three rooms to himself) and Turner (whose works are displayed in the grand Clore Gallery).

Wallace Collection

Built in 1776, this handsome house contains an exceptional collection of 18th-century French furniture, painting and objets d'art, as well as an amazing array of medieval armour and weaponry. It all belonged to Sir Richard Wallace, who, as the illegitimate offspring of the fourth Marquess of Hertford, inherited in 1870 the treasures his father had amassed in the last 30 years of his life.

Grant Museum of Zoology

• Natural history

The Grant Museum of animal skeletons, taxidermy specimens and creatures preserved in fluid retains the air of the house of an avid Victorian collector while posing questions about issues in life sciences today. The collection includes remains of many rare and extinct animals, such as a dodo and the skeleton of the zebra-like quagga, which was hunted out of existence in the 1880s.

The Library and Museum of Freemasonry

• Libraries, archives and foundations
• Covent Garden

Freemasons’ Hall, the eye-catchingly bombastic stone building where Long Acre becomes Great Queen Street, is the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England and the principal meeting place for Masonic Lodges in London. It was built between 1927 and 1932 as a memorial to the Freemasons who died in WWI. In addition to the Grand Temple, there is a library and museum, committee rooms and administrative offices. The library and museum houses a collection of Masonic material, accessible to the general public.

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

• Things to do
• Classes and workshops

Designed by George Grey Wornum, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) building is a fine example of 1930s architecture. The Grade II-listed building hosts regular talks and exhibitions. There's also a shop and a café with an outdoor terrace, in addition to one of the finest architectural libraries in the world, which contains around four million items and is open to non-members who bring along photo ID.

Sir John Soane’s Museum

Designed by architect Sir John Soane to house his own collection of paintings and architectural salvage, the museum is a tranquil place full of unexpected treasures, with a wealth of intriguing natural lighting effects best viewed on a bright day. On the first Tuesday of each month, Sir John Soane's Museum stays opens late and some parts are lit by candlelight.

Free museums in London: north

British library.

• King’s Cross

‘One of the ugliest buildings in the world,’ opined a Parliamentary committee on the opening of the new British Library in 1997. But don't judge a book by its cover: the interior is a model of cool, spacious functionality, the collection is unmatched (150 million items and counting), and the reading rooms (open only to cardholders) are so popular that regular users are now complaining that they can't find a seat.

Royal Air Force Museum

Attractions at the Royal Air Force Museum include 80 aircraft on display, an interactive area, a simulator ride and 'Our Finest Hour', a multi-media account of the Battle of Britain. In the interactive Aeronauts Gallery visitors can take a pilot aptitude test to discover whether they are made of the ‘right stuff’.

Wellcome Collection

• Science and technology

Founder Sir Henry Wellcome, a pioneering nineteenth-century pharmacist and entrepreneur, amassed a vast and idiosyncratic collection of implements and curios relating to the medical trade, now displayed in this swanky little museum. The Wellcome Collection’s temporary exhibitions are usually wonderfully interesting, and in the past have tackled such subjects as sleep and dreaming, and the relationship between madness and art.

Free museums in London: east

Museum of london.

The history of London, from prehistoric times to the present is told in the Museum of London through reconstructed interiors and street scenes, alongside displays of original artefacts found during the museum's archaeological digs.

Bank of England Museum

Housed inside the former Stock Offices of the Bank of England, this engaging and surprisingly lively museum explores the history of the national bank. As well as ancient coins and original artwork for British banknotes, the museum offers a rare chance to lift nearly 30lbs of gold bar (you reach into a secure box, closely monitored by CCTV). One exhibit looks at the life of Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows and a long-term employee of the bank. Child-friendly temporary exhibitions take place in the museum lobby.

Museum of the Home

Housed in a set of eighteenth-century almshouses, the Museum of the Home offers a vivid physical history of English interior. Displaying original furniture, paintings, textiles and decorative arts, the museum recreates a sequence of typical middle-class living rooms from 1600 to the present day. It's an oddly interesting way to take in domestic history, with any number of intriguing details to catch your eye - from a bell jar of stuffed birds to a particular decorative flourish on a chair. There's an airy restaurant overlooking the lovely gardens, too.

Museum of London Docklands

• Isle of Dogs

Housed in a nineteenth-century warehouse (itself a Grade I-listed building), this huge museum explores the complex history of London's docklands and the river over two millennia. Displays spreading over three storeys take you from the arrival of the Romans all the way to the docks' 1980s closure and the area's subsequent redevelopment.

V&A Museum of Childhood

• Bethnal Green

CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT

Home to one of the world's finest collections of children's toys, dolls' houses, games and costumes, the Museum of Childhood shines brighter than ever after extensive refurbishment. Part of the V&A museum, the MoC has been amassing childhood-related objects since 1872 and continues to do so, with 'Incredibles' figures complementing bonkers 1970s puppets, Barbie Dolls and Victorian praxinoscopes. The museum has lots of hands-on stuff for kids dotted about the many cases of historic artefacts.

Free museums in London: south

Imperial war museum.

• Military and maritime

Located in the stately 1815 building that once housed the Bethlem Royal Hospital for the insane (aka Bedlam), the museum holds an important collection of art, much of it commissioned during WWI and WWII, in addition to examples of the machinery of war, official communications, manuscripts of war literature and other, more personal artefacts from various conflicts.

Horniman Museum

• Forest Hill

South-east London’s premier free family attraction, the Horniman was once the home of tea trader Frederick J Horniman, it's an eccentric-looking art nouveau building (check out the clocktower, which starts as a circle and ends as a square), with a main entrance that gives out on to extensive gardens. If nothing else, the Horniman is worth visiting to see the fat Victorian walrus, which was overstuffed in the 1880s as its taxidermists had no idea what a walrus was supposed to look like.

National Maritime Museum

The most important of the group of attractions known (since the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012) as the Royal Museums Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum is the world's largest maritime museum, a huge store of creatively organised maritime art, cartography, models, interactives and regalia. It was greatly enhanced in 2011 by the addition of the Sammy Ofer Wing, which provides a new entrance from Greenwich Park, presided over by Yinka Shonibare's Fourth Plinth sculpture 'Nelson's Ship in a Bottle'.

Tate Modern

This powerhouse of modern art is awe-inspiring even before you enter, thanks to its industrial architecture. Inside, the original cavernous turbine hall is used to jaw-dropping effect as the home of large-scale, temporary installations. The permanent collection features heavy-hitters such as Matisse, Rothko, Bacon, Twombly and Beuys. Tate Modern does weekend after-hours gallery-going extremely well, opening until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Free museums in London: west

Design museum.

• Art and design

The Design Museum is looking flash these days. Now located in the Grade II-listed former Commonwealth Institute building on Kensington High Street, it boasts three times the space it used to and has an archive, library, ace restaurant and a permanent collection. Plus, check out its incredible curved ceiling. It’s a design feat in its own right. 

National Army Museum

More entertaining than its modern exterior suggests, this museum dedicated to the history of the British Army kicks off with ‘Redcoats’, a gallery that starts at Agincourt in 1415 and ends with the American War of Independence. Upstairs, 'The Road to Waterloo' marches through 20 years of struggle against the French, featuring 70,000 model soldiers. Also on display is the kit of Olympic medal winner Dame Kelly Holmes (an ex-army athlete), while Major Michael ‘Bronco’ Lane, conqueror of Everest, has donated his frostbitten fingertips.

Natural History Museum

• South Kensington

Both a research institution and a fabulous museum, the NHM opened in Alfred Waterhouse's purpose-built, Romanesque palazzo on the Cromwell Road in 1881. Now joined by the splendid Darwin Centre extension, the original building still looks quite magnificent. The pale blue and terracotta façade just about prepares you for the natural wonders within.

Science Museum

Only marginally less popular with kids than its natural historical neighbour, the Science Museum is a celebration of the wonders of technology in the service of our daily lives. In 'Exploring Space', rocket science and the lunar landings are illustrated by dramatically lit mock-ups and models, before the museum gears up for its core collection in 'Making the Modern World'. Located here are the Apollo 10 command module, classic cars and an absorbing collection of everyday technological marvels from 1750 to the present.

The V&A is one of the world’s most magnificent museums, its foundation stone laid on this site by Queen Victoria in her last official public engagement in 1899. It is a superb showcase for applied arts from around the world, appreciably calmer than its tearaway cousins on the other side of Exhibition Road. Some 150 grand galleries on seven floors contain countless pieces of furniture, ceramics, sculpture, paintings, posters, jewellery, metalwork, glass, textiles and dress, spanning several centuries.

More completely free things to do in London

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15 Free Museums in London You Need to Visit

With so many free museums in London, you don’t need to spend a fortune to have an enjoyable day in the city. We’ve put together a list of 15 free London museums for you to explore on your next visit to the Big Smoke. From art galleries, to history museums, whatever your interests you’ll find the perfect place to spend the day.

Table of Contents

• London Free History & Culture Museums

Free Art Museums in London

• Free Science, Technology, & Design Museums in London

Are There Many Free London Museums?

Those who love museums will know that entry fees can add up. Luckily, London is a big capital city with lots of free museums and exhibits to visit. In total, London has about 170 museums and many are free to the public. 

Free History & Culture Museums in London

For those interested in delving into the history and culture of London, the United Kingdom, and other parts of the world, these are the best free museums for you. 

Natural History Museum

Exhibition Road, Kensington

The Natural History Museum was established in the late 1800s and is home to many ancient specimens. With roughly 80 million pieces, spanning 5 primary collection: zoology, botany, entomology, mineralogy, and palaeontology, there’s enough in this free London museum to keep you occupied for days. At The National History Museum you’ll find discoveries from Charles Darwin, as well as an impressive dinosaur skeleton collection. This is a great museum for kids too and they’ll love learning about all the prehistoric animals.

Museum of London

London Wall, Barbican

If you want to learn everything there is to know about London, then the Museum of London is the place for you. Inside you’ll find documents detailing the history of London, all the way from prehistoric to modern times. The museum overlooks what remains of London’s Roman wall and has the largest urban history collection in the world .

British Museum 

Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury

The British Museum holds collections on human history, culture, and art. A large part of this collection was collected during the British Empire, and so contains pieces of history from all over the globe. From Ancient Greece to the Middle East, you can enjoy all these rich pieces of history in this free London museum.

National Maritime Museum

Romney Road, Greenwich

The National Maritime Museum , part of the Royal Museums Greenwich, focuses on Maritime history. Opened in 1937, by King George VI and the then Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II). Greenwich is the perfect place for a maritime museum as it has been the landing place for Romans and is the founding place of Greenwich Mean Time which has long been used by people at sea. 

Imperial War Museum

Lambeth Road, Lambeth 

The Imperial War Museum is the world’s leading museum of war. Located across three sites, one is a free museum in London. Founded during World War 1, the museum gives voices to those who lived, fought, and died during WW1. 

British Library 

Euston Road, St Pancras

The British Library is the National library of the UK and is a legal deposit library. This means that any book that is published in the United Kingdom and Ireland is sent here. Not only does this free London museum contain books, it also has newspapers, magazines, music, maps, and drawings. The British Library also holds famous manuscripts, including Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, and The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. For lovers of literature do not miss this free London museum, you might even discover some books set in London. 

You’ll find many fantastic free art galleries in London. Whether you’re looking for inspiration in contemporary pieces, or want to travel back in time with renaissance art, London has it all!

The National Gallery

Trafalgar Square, Westminster 

Located at the top of Trafalgar Square is The National Gallery . This is a free London art museum that contains over 2,300 paintings ranging from the mid-13th century to 1900. The gallery was started by the British Government on behalf of the British people. Beginning as just 38 paintings it has vastly expanded to today’s collection. With works from Monet and Seurat, this is a free London museum you do not want to miss visiting.

National Portrait Gallery

St Martins Place, Westminster

The National Portrait Gallery is home to many portraits that are of significance to the British people. In fact, when it opened in 1856 it was the first portrait gallery in the world. In this free London museum you’ll find portraits of Shakespeare, the Bronte sisters, and Queen Victoria, among lots of others. As of 2020, the museum is closed for refurbishment but pieces of their collection are to be displayed in other galleries around both London and the country.

 Tate Britain

Millbank, Westminster

Opening in 1987, the Tate Britain was the first of the Tate galleries, opening in 1897. The gallery holds both British art from the past and contemporary British pieces. Artists you can find within its walls include: Peter Blake, Thomas Gainborough, and Joshua Reynolds. Tate Britain is reported to hold the biggest collection of British art in the world – so if you’re looking to delve into the depths of British creativity, this is the place to be.

Tate Modern

Bankside, Southwark

Another member of the Tate group, The Tate Modern , is also a free museum in London. It is home to the UK’s collection of international modern art. Opening in 200, at this free gallery you’ll find works from Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and Andy Warhol. Located in an old powerhouse, you’ll get all the contemporary art inspiration you need here. 

Serpentine Galleries

Hyde Park & Kensington Park

Located across two London sites, the Serpentine Galleries are home to contemporary artworks. Only a 5 minute stroll apart you can make a wonderful day out of visiting these free museums. During her life, Princess Diana was the patron of these gorgeous galleries. Today you’ll find work from Henry Moore, Paula Tego, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. 

Victoria & Albert Museum

Cromwell Road, South Kensington

The Victoria & Albert Museum , also known as the V&A, is the world’s leading museum of art and design. This free museum in London’s collection spans over 5,000 years and holds 2.3 million objects. You’ll find beautiful paintings, furniture, fashion, ceramics and more in this iconic London attraction. 

Wallace Collection

Hertford House, Marylebone

The Wallace Collection is a free London museum that is home to a collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture and more. Established in 1897, the museum was named after Sir Richard Wallace who helped to build the art collection alongside the Marquesses of Hertford. None of the objects in the collection will ever leave on loan, so this free London museum is the only place you’ll be able to see them!

Free Science, Technology, & Design Museums in London

London has a museum for everything, and the next set of exhibitions to dive into are science, technology, and design based!

Science Museum 

Exhibition Road, South Kensington

London’s Science Museum was founded in 1857, and remains one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The exhibitions at this free London museum explore everything from energy, to space, to medicine. This is a great museum for entertaining children and adults alike and is well worth a visit if you can fit it into your London trip. 

Design Museum

Kensington High Street, Kensington

At the Design Museum you’ll find fashion, architectural, industrial, graphic, and product design items. Establish in 1989, this museum may be young in comparison to many London attractions but it’s not to be missed! 

About The London Eats List

The London Eats List is a place to discover the best things to do and eat in London. From the best London markets , to the best restaurants to visit in the city. This is the only guide to London you’ll ever need. If you think we’re missing out on a London gem, get in contact with us or give us a message on Instagram . 

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12 Best Free Museums in London

Are you searching the best free museums in London to visit during your trip in the English capital?

A trip to London can be expensive. Landing fees make flying there expensive, and once you get there, high average nightly rates hurt your wallet even more.

There is a bright spot, however: free-to-visit museums.

Because London is home to many world treasures, you can have a fantastic vacation visiting museums without paying a dime for admission. Awesome, right? You can save some money and buy London souvenirs and items !

What you'll find

To learn about the best free museums in London, keep scrolling.

1. Science Museum

The Science Museum is one of the best museums in London for free. Visiting this museum is an excellent opportunity to learn more about anything you’ve ever wanted to know. Its incredible collections have been captivating visitors since 1857.

The Museum also hosts several entertaining “Lates” events for adults only. The calendar includes events ranging from talks to Fabergé egg crafting and silent discos, so check it out and plan ahead. Visit www.sciencemuseum.org.uk to find out more.

The Science Museum is located in London at Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, SW7 2DD. You must have a ticket to enter.

2. Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is one of London’s most exciting free museums. Dinosaur Dippy has left. Hope, a blue whale skeleton, hangs in the museum’s Hintze Hall. It’s an exciting museum’s remarkable entrance.

Learn about Earth’s past, follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs, or ride the escalator up to the solar system to explore deep space. You’d love this London Museum even if natural history wasn’t your thing at school.

Natural History Museum is at Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD. You can get free tickets at the door, but you can also book a ticket online. Check out www.nhmc.ack.uk for more info.

4. British Museum

If you want to visit the British Museum, comfortable shoes and plenty of time are needed with its unique and vast collection gathered over the years.

It is undoubtedly one of the best free museums in London, offering a remarkable journey through human history. Even a full day will leave many wonders unexplored if you only spend an afternoon or morning exploring.

It’s genuinely mesmerizing to stand only inches from some of history’s most significant artifacts, such as the Rosetta Stone, which was used to decode Egyptian hieroglyphics or beautiful artwork from Mesopotamia’s ancient civilization.

British Museum is located at Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, with no pass required during weekdays. For free tickets, book here .

4. The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)

This Brompton Museum is regal, not just because Queen Victoria and Prince Albert opened it, but because of its amazing architecture, making it one of the best museums in London to visit on a budget.

The Victorian Gothic architecture is impressive, but wait until you go inside. The V&A comprises over two million art and design artifacts on five acres.

See the world’s greatest collection of post-classical sculptures (500–1450 AD), William Morris designs, fashion displays, and more.

Bags: Inside Out explores decades of fashion’s most famous accessory. This best free museum is located at Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, SW7 5BD, with no pass required.

Please note that while admission is free, there are some events and exhibitions that charge a fee. Visit www.vam.ac.uk for more detils.

5. Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum, tucked away in Kennington, is a sensory overload that immerses you in the horrific reality of war.

The museum provides an uncompromising and often poignant look at modern combat and its impact on people and society through a diverse collection of letters, films, photographs, and artifacts.

The collection is particularly noteworthy since it presents a wide range of perspectives, from those on the front lines of modern combat to journalists, artists, and poets who have written about it.

This fantastic museum is located at Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ. Book your ticket in advance here so you can ensure your free entrance.

6. Museum of London

With so many free museums in London presenting artifacts from all over the world, the Museum of London takes an entirely different approach, focusing on the history of our strange and fascinating city.

The museum chronicles the history of London from the prehistoric periods to the present day, focusing on the personalities who have lived there. It’s an enthralling look at the events and people who have shaped the great metropolis into what it is today.

Outside the museum, you can still see vestiges of the Roman wall built around early London 2,000 years ago.

Enjoy the free visit at 150 London Wall, Barbican, London EC2Y 5HN, with an entry pass available online .

7. Queen’s House

Queen’s House, located in the former royal house of Queen Anne of Denmark, is a relatively new addition to Greenwich’s Museum collection.

In fact, touring the beautiful neoclassical buildings is just as enjoyable as seeing the art displayed within. It is a noteworthy building in British architecture, built in 1637. Nonetheless, the art is also rather impressive. Make sure to see the iconic Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I.

Despite its reputation, historians are still determining who painted the 1588 masterwork, as previous attributions to painter George Gower were proven wrong.

The Queen’s House is located at Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF. Free tickets are available online .

8. National Maritime Museum

Greenwich is brimming with gems, the best of which is the unexpectedly fine National Maritime Museum, while the Painted Hall comes close.

You don’t have to be a history geek to appreciate Britain’s maritime past. It’s fascinating to trace the history of the waters in Britain from the Roman invasion of Greenwich onward.

Keep a look out for temporary exhibitions on topics ranging from Ansel Adams to Astronomy Photographer of the Year, most of which require paid tickets.

This fantastic museum can be found at Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF. It is entirely free, but make sure to book online in advance online to guarantee entry.

9. Sir John Soane’s Museum

Sir John Soane’s Museum in Holborn is an eccentric and completely adorable museum that is one of London’s most excellent tiny museums.

Sir John Soane had humble origins but became a distinguished architect, most notably for designing the Bank of England, which affected architectural trends worldwide.

Most of his work in the Bank of England has been dismantled, but you may still visit his museum. It’s in his former home (and a few nearby buildings) and showcases his paintings, furniture, antiques, and curiosities.

Sir John Soane’s Museum is located at 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP, with no pass required. Check out the museum’s website for more details.

10. The British Library

We adore the beautiful red brick structures of the British Library, which houses the world’s largest national library.

Nobody knows how many books are housed in the British Library. The best estimates place it between 150 and 200 million in the collections. Isn’t that incredible?

A large portion of the structure is off-limits to readers. Still, there are a few exhibition halls where there is always something intriguing going on.

The British Library is located at 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB. Tickets are only needed for reading rooms. Plan your visit here .

11. London Mithraeum

One of London’s odder and lesser-known locales is a literal mix of old and new.

The London Mithraeum is a museum centered on the remnants of a Roman Temple that is weirdly positioned beneath the gleaming glass Bloomberg headquarters in the city’s heart.

A visit to the Mithraeum is more than just looking at old artifacts; it is an immersive sensory experience. There’s a timed entry where you’re thrown into the Roman world for ten minutes of drama and excitement. You’re on the right track if you imagine chanting and dramatic lighting.

The museum address is 12 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AA. Book your visit here .

12. The Design Museum

After many years on the Thames’ bank, the Design Museum relocated to its new spectacular Kensington location in 2016.

The Design Museum, housed in an ultra-modern new structure, takes you on a journey through the fascinating history of design throughout the years. The exhibitions range from product design to industrial, fashion, architectural, and graphic design.

After exploring this free London museum, you’ll be able to see classics like the London Tube Map brought to life and look at everyday objects in a whole new way. But please note that some temporary exhibitions may require a pre-booked ticket and a fee.

The Design Museum is located at 224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG. Your free tickets are available online. For more information, check out their website .

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15 Fun, Free London Museums for Your Vacation Itinerary

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We regularly tout that we aren’t museum people…and, we generally stand by that statement. In London, we’d rather be outside exploring an interesting neighborhood or walking along the Thames. Over the years, however, many incredible and free London museums have attracted our attention.

Truthfully, we first sought out free museums in London for clean public toilets. Then, we found ourselves using them as an escape on rainy days. It was only recently that we actually started having a proper look around. Quite suddenly, we were hooked. Because here’s the thing: the no-cost cultural institutions in London are magnificent. 

Now, after countless trips to London, we have waltzed through a dazzling number of cost-free museums. We have pondered famous collections of artwork and peered down at ancient Roman ruins. We’ve also interacted with engaging displays and routed our way to off-beat exhibitions.

Spending months in London has allowed us to tour these museums at our leisure. Those visiting London on vacation, however, need to mind a timeframe. With so many to choose from, we’re here to help you determine which London free museums are worth your time!

Best Free Museums in London

Based on our personal experience, we are sharing our suggestions for the Top Free London Museums. We provide a description of each venue to help you decide if you want to add it to your London Vacation Itinerary .

We also include a map and trip planning advice later in the article. If you are a cost-conscious traveler – like us – you’ll want to read our Tips for London on a Budget , as well!

#1 British Museum

Open Daily from 10am to 5pm (and until 8:30pm on Fridays).

A renowned London institution, the British Museum contains a collection of artifacts that date to ancient times and cover a span of more than 2 million years. Some of the highlights are The Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, a Moai statue from Easter Island and Elgin Marbles from the Acropolis in Greece.

It’s a gigantic museum – one that could easily swallow up the better part of a day. To make it all more digestible for vacationers, they have created self-guided tours curated by interests and available time.

#2 The National Gallery

Open Daily from 10am to 6pm.

An absolute treasure trove of masterpiece paintings, The National Gallery was the first free museum in London that we visited. It is a must for art aficionados – but can be appreciated by anyone and we have returned several times.

At The National Gallery, visitors are able to view paintings by some of the world’s most famous artists. Works by Michaelangelo, Rembrandt and Vicent van Gogh (among many others) are on display for free. For a formal introduction to the artwork, guests can join a 60-minute tour .

Note that The National Portrait Gallery, which is right next door, is also free of charge. The collection features the likenesses of the United Kingdom’s most prominent citizens. For foreigners to make the most sense of who is who, we recommend downloading the free audio guide . 

#3 British Library Treasures Gallery

Open Monday to Thursday 9:30am to 8pm; Friday 9:30 am to 6pm; Saturday 9:30am to 5pm; Sunday 11am to 5 pm.

A fascinating collection of literary relics, the Treasures Gallery at the British Library proved to be much more enthralling than we had anticipated. Sheet music by Mozart, Jane Austen’s writing desk and handwritten Beatle’s lyrics are on display. That said, the most prized possession at the British Library is the Magna Carta.

Visitors can use a digital app for audio information regarding items in the Treasures Gallery as well as artwork located throughout the library. Daily 1-hour tours are also offered for a fee.

#4 Natural History Museum

Open Daily from 10am to 5:50pm.

The London Natural History Museum is a place of intriguing education. The institution features phenomenal exhibits and hands-on activities that are ideal for children (as well as curious adults). Some of the most interesting things to see are the dinosaur fossils, sparkling minerals, and an array of taxidermized creatures.

There is also a complete gallery dedicated to geological events, such as volcanos, earthquakes and tsunamis. For us, it was the most captivating gallery at this free London museum. The Hintze Hall audio tour , narrated by none other than Sir David Attenborough, explains the space that is home to a giant whale skeleton and an American Mastodon.

#5 London Science Museum

The Science Museum is another fabulous free London museum. It is an ideal stop to include on a London Itinerary with kids. That said, it impresses visitors of all ages…including us! In fact, we found the Science Museum to be more intriguing than the Natural History Museum.

From space exploration to the information age, the exhibits detail the history of science in a super fun and engaging way. Note that while the Science Museum is free to visit, it is necessary to reserve a timeslot . 

#6 The Victoria and Albert Museum

Open Daily 10am to 5:45pm (and until 10pm on Fridays).

Sensational from the moment we stepped inside, the V&A Art Museum hosts a stunning collection housed in an ornate building. From ancient artifacts to modern marvels, the exceptional exhibits are mind-bending.

Top things to see in the V&A are the enormous statues in the Cast Courts, the fantastic Fashion Gallery and the Silver Collection. It is truly amazing that the permanent collection at this spectacular London museum is free to visit.

There are said to be more than 7 miles of galleries here – so grab a map at the entrance (or look ahead online ) to efficiently spend your time.

#7 Museum of London

Currently Closed for renovation and relocation.

An outstanding way to learn about London’s long and illustrious past, the Museum of London beckons visitors with gripping displays. Outlining the timeline of the city – from its earliest days to modern times – the museum is a must for history buffs.

We were mesmerized by the stories presented and let time slip away as we explored the exhibits. Discovering the new space when it re-opens near Smithfield Market in 2026 is a priority for us! Until then, visitors can see what exhibits to expect on their website .

#8 Sir John Soane’s Museum

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

The Sir John Soane Museum is intriguing and beguiling – if not a bit off-beat. The extensive personal collection of statues, paintings and curiosities are crammed inside the architect’s former home. Covering nearly every inch of wall space, the items are said to be ‘left as it was’ at the time of Soane’s death in 1837. 

Do note that only a limited number of people are allowed to enter at one time (due to the tight quarters and narrow hallways). Luckily, we didn’t have to wait, but we have heard that long lines are the norm. Although the museum is free to visit, there are guided tours of the private apartments.

#9 Guildhall London and Roman Amphitheater

Open Daily from 10am to 5pm.

Serving as the Town Hall for the City of London , the Guildhall features two exhibition spaces that are totally free to see. The Art Gallery, which features a nice collection, and the ruins of a Roman Amphitheater, which is utterly enthralling.

In our opinion, visiting Roman remains is always impressive, but to see a 2000-year-old amphitheater in the center of London is simply amazing. While only an outline of the 6,000-capacity amphitheater is visible, visitors can walk around the space and imagine it in its glory.

To learn more about the ancient ruins before your visit, check out the official website . If the Roman ruins have piqued your interest, the nearby Mithraeum Temple – which is also free – might be worth checking out, as well.

#10 Tate Britain and Tate Modern

Both Open Daily 10am to 6pm.

Featuring 500 years of British art – including a dedicated gallery to JMW Turner – the Tate Britain is one of our favorite art spaces in London. Smaller than the sprawling National Gallery, we have found that it is much more manageable to navigate (find the floorplan online ).

From historic paintings to modern photographs, the Tate Britain showcases an abundance of works that can be seen in a snap (or longer for those who like to linger).

The Tate Modern is another free London museum to visit (check the current exhibitions ). The venue features contemporary pieces and is housed in the former Bankside Power Station. Plus, the views across London from Level 10 are superb!

#11 Saatchi Gallery

Open Daily 10am to 6pm.

Saatchi Gallery is a modern art institution that displays an array of contemporary works, with a focus on up-and-coming artists. The constantly rotating exhibits mean there is nearly always something new to see. In our experience, these free London exhibitions can be hit or miss.

Before making a stop at the Saatchi Gallery, we suggest checking what’s currently on show. Nonetheless, if you happen to be in Chelsea exploring one of the Best London Neighborhood s , at least pop by to see the building. The Duke of York Headquarters is Grade II listed and dates to 1801.

#12 The Design Museum London

Open Monday to Thursday 10am to 5pm and Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.

Admittedly, we were a bit hesitant to visit The Design Museum. However, we found the free exhibit – Designer, Maker, User – to be absolutely entertaining! Appealing to both adults and children, the displays cover a range of topics from transportation to architecture to fashion.

The modern space is clean and bright – and everything about it stokes creativity. We were most captivated by (and felt a bit nostalgic for) the displays that trace the evolution of digital technology. Equally entrancing – and not to be missed, in our opinion – is the exhibit detailing the London Tube.

#13 National Maritime Museum

On our first visit to the Maritime Museum in Greenwich, we envisioned breezing right through and moving on to more Greenwich Things To Do . Were we ever wrong! We spent hours viewing the historic vessels, peering at the old maps and soaking in the maritime history.

As interesting as this free London museum is to ship-loving adults, it is also a stellar spot for kids. In addition to the mature learning exhibitions, they offer complete galleries that are designed just for children.

#14 Queen’s House

A sumptuous 17th century mansion, The Queen’s House in Greenwich can make even the most tired tourist feel luxurious. Completed in the 1630s, the lavish estate has been used as a royal residence, an artist studio, an orphanage and a school. Now, it’s a bit of an underrated free London museum.

While the rooms are decorated with lavish maritime artwork – we found the house itself (and the elaborate, spiral Tulip Stairs ) to be the most inspiring. Guests are free to tour the space at their own pace. Oh, we almost forgot, it’s said to be haunted!

#15 Museum of London Docklands

London’s importance as a trading port can be traced all the way back to its origins. There is no better place to learn about the shipping past than at the Museum of London Docklands. Situated over 3 floors in a former warehouse at Canary Wharf, the exhibits cover an array of information – from life on the docks to the slave trade.

While part of the space is dedicated to young children , we enjoyed strolling the recreated streets of the docks, learning about the lives of sailors and understanding the port’s importance during WWII. Best of all, this museum helps visitors to better understand the history of London as a whole.

More Free London Museums 

Above, we outlined our top picks for the best free museums to include on a vacation to London. However, there are a few more that might pique your interest!

Young V&A

Open Daily from 10am to 5:45pm.

A beautiful museum bedecked with displays of throw-back toys and intricate dollhouses, Young V&A appeals to visitors of all ages. That said, it really is a children’s museum. Families looking for things to do in London for free shouldn’t miss it! Find more info on their website .

Vagina Museum

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

Educational and impactful, the Vagina Museum aims to overcome the taboo associated with the natural workings and health of the female body. Currently, it’s just a one-room, rotating exhibition with a gift shop (where there are some humorous offerings!).

Fulham Palace

Open Daily from 10:30am to 5pm.

Serving as the residence of the Bishops of London for more than a thousand years, the Fulham Palace is a place of history and reverence, power and wealth. Visitors are invited to learn about the Bishops who lived inside the palace – as well as explore the surrounding gardens. Additionally, the palace hosts inexpensive events – from guided tours to hands-on experiences. 

Map of Free Museums in London

Tips for Visiting Free London Museums

Before adding these institutions to your London travel itinerary, we have a bit of important advice.

London Museum Opening Hours

We have listed the current opening hours for each venue. However, it is always best to check again before setting off. Museums may close for special events, unexpected renovations or to rotate exhibits.

Large Bags, Umbrellas and Lockers

Some museums do not allow visitors to carry large bags or backpacks through the galleries. There are typically storage lockers on site – either for free or a small fee. In most cases, luggage (especially wheeled baggage) is not permitted inside at all. Again, it’s best to check online for current information.

Also note that visitors may be asked to leave wet umbrellas in the cloakroom or in a locker. Some museums may offer a plastic covering to keep your ‘brolly’ from dripping on the floors.

Special Exhibits at London Museums

In addition to offering cost-free general admission, many museums also feature special exhibits that require a paid ticket. To avoid disappointment, ensure that the exhibitions you expect to see are included in the free admission.

Donations, Gift Shops and Cafes

While the London museums featured on our list offer gratis entry, they all ask for donations. It is not required to contribute, but there are typically money boxes as well as contactless pay options at the entrance. Another way to support free museums in London is to purchase items from the gift shop or café.

Planning a Trip to London

Need more help planning your itinerary for England? Use our detailed travel guides for London!

• A Fabulous Way to Spend One Day in London
• The Best 3 Days in London – on a Budget
• How To Plan a One-Week London Itinerary  
• What and Where to Eat in London

Organize Your London Vacation

As you begin to make reservations, staying on top of the details is essential. Use our Printable Travel Planner to organize your trip!

More London Travel Guides

• How To Visit the Sky Garden for Free
• Self-Guided Westminster Walking Tour
• A Fun River Thames Pub Crawl
• Craft Breweries on the Bermondsey Beer Mile
• Visiting London at Christmas
• Day Trip to Windsor Castle

Start planning your trip to the UK ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

More Top UK Destinations

• What To See in Bath
• Things To Do in Bristol (and How To Plan a Day Trip )
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• 1 Day in Cardiff, Wales

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Free Guided Tours of London Museums and Galleries

Most major London museums and galleries offer free guided tours of their collections.

The tours are ideal if you don’t have much time and want to get the most out of your visit. Even with time to spare, most of them are worth doing anyway.

There’s no need to book in advance — just turn up and wait at the meeting point. Please be advised that the tours are usually run by volunteers and can be cancelled at short notice.

British Museum Tate Modern National Gallery Tate Britain V&A National Portrait Gallery Science Museum Wallace Collection

British Museum

Eye-opener tours.

The museum’s volunteer-led eye-opener tours show you the highlights of some of the most important rooms in the museum.

When: Daily Duration: 30-40 minutes Meeting point:  Meet at the room

Friday night spotlight tours

20-minute tours on Fridays when the museum is open until 8.30pm.

When: Friday Duration: 20 minutes Meeting point:  Meet at the room

Round Reading Room tours

The British Museum also offers free tours of the famous round reading room . Booking is essential .

When: Four times a month Duration: 20 minutes Meeting point: Information Desk (Great Court)

Tate Modern

Free 45-minute introductory tours of the collection’s highlights.

When: 12pm,1pm & 2pm Daily Duration: 45 minutes Meeting point: Level 2, Natalie Bell Building

Top Tip: Don’t miss the viewing gallery on level 10 of the Blavatnik building for one of the best free views of London.

National Gallery

Their 60-minute taster tour focuses on 5-6 paintings in the collection. The paintings selected change every day. Highly recommended.

When: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Time: 3pm Duration: 1 hour Meeting point: Central Hall

Tate Britain

Three tours a day. See Tate Britain Tours .

When: Daily 12pm, 1pm and 2pm Duration: Approximately 45 minutes Meeting point: Top of Manton Foyer stairs

Highlights tour

The Victoria & Albert’s one-hour highlight tour in the morning or afternoon focuses on the highlights of the collection and the history of the museum.

When: Daily 10.30am & 2pm Duration: 1 hour Meeting point: Meeting Point, Grand Entrance

Daily V&A tours

The V&A has several one-hour tours that focus on particular galleries and collections. Check the website for further details. Please note that these are volunteer-led tours and are subect to cancellation.

11:30 Designing the V&A 12:30 Fashion 13:30 Treasure of Europe 14:30 Theatre & Performance 15:00 Britain

When: Daily Duration: 1 hour Meeting point: Meeting point, Grand Entrance

National Portrait Gallery

There is a free highlights tours at the National Portrait Gallery

When: Daily Times: Either 11am or 3pm (check the events calendar ) Duration: 45-60 minutes Meeting point: Floor 3, Room 18

There is a 30-minute ‘Portrait of the Day’ talk every day.

When: Daily Times: 12.30pm Duration: 30 minutes Meeting point: Check the events calendar .

Science Museum

The Science Museum has a free 40-minutute highlights tour and tours of specific galleries. Dates and times vary. Click the links below for the next available tours.

Volunteer Highlights tour Exploring Space gallery tour Flight gallery tour Making the Modern World gallery tour

Meeting point: Information Desk, Level 0

Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection’s Great gallery highlights tour covers the best pieces in the collection. Reserve place at the entrance desk.

When: Daily Times: 2.30pm Duration: 30 minutes Meeting point: Great gallery (First Floor)

Related pages

• Top free museums
• Top free London museums map
• Museum lates: late night opening
• 2 for 1 at London attractions

Last updated: 25 April 2024

Places to visit

• Top free museums & galleries
• 2 for 1 London attractions
• 2 for 1 London attractions map
• Discount tickets to attractions
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London Pass museums to visit in London

The London Pass is the ultimate sightseeing package that has been especially tailor-made for visitors to London and Londoners alike. It allows you to make the most of your time efficiently with the Fast Track Entry and saves you money, with free entry to 36 museums and money off exhibitions and / or gift shops.

The London Pass currently provides free access and discounts on 36 of London's museums and 24 other popular attractions, tours and sights.

★ Special offer ★

Save over £480 ** with the london pass, starts from just.

*Terms and conditions apply. Based on 1 child, 1 day pass. **Compared to individual admission prices. Correct as of 01.08.2024

Apsley House, Wellington Museum

Revel in the dazzling Regency interiors, glittering treasures and fabulous art collections of the Duke of Wellington's Apsley House.

SAVE £9.70

Arsenal Football Club Museum

Explore the history of Arsenal Football Club encompassing the time at Woolwich, Highbury... and now Emirates Stadium.

FREE Stadium Tour

Save £8.00.

Banqueting House

The only complete surviving building of Whitehall Palace and the site of King Charles I's execution in 1649.

SAVE £5.50

Benjamin Franklin Museum

The world's only remaining home of Founding Father of the United States.

SAVE £7.00

Charles Dickens Museum

The beautiful Georgian terraced house in Bloomsbury is the only remaining London home of Charles Dickens.

Chelsea Football Club Museum

The history of Chelsea Football Club told with exhibits, artefacts and displays of silverware

FREE Stadium tour

Save £11.00, chelsea physic garden.

Tucked away beside the Thames, Chelsea Physic Garden is a celebration of the beauty and importance of plants.

SAVE £9.90

Churchill war rooms.

The secret underground headquarters where Prime Minister Winston Churchill worked and lived during the Second World War.

SAVE £17.50

Design Museum

One of the world’s leading museums devoted to contemporary design in every form from furniture to graphics, and architecture to industrial design.

SAVE £12.40

Eltham Palace & Gardens

The childhood home of Henry VIII meets 1930s Art Deco decadence.

SAVE £15.00

Garden Museum

The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of gardening.

SAVE £7.50

Hampton court palace.

The former home of the flamboyant King Henry VIII, is set in 60 acres of formal gardens and includes the famous maze and Great Vine.

FREE entry with Fast Track

Save £18.20.

Handel & Hendrix in London

In a single street in London, separated by a wall, are the homes of two of history’s most significant musical artists.

SAVE £10.00

HMS Belfast

The battleship that served with distinction in both the Second World War and the Korean War.

SAVE £16.00

Household cavalry museum.

Living museum about real soldiers doing a real job unchanged since the days of Charles II over 350 years ago.

Keats House

Grade 1 listed and set in a peaceful garden, this was the home of poet John Keats from 1818 to 1820.

Kensington Palace State Apartments

Both a palace open to the public while still home to royal family members; the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

SAVE £16.50

London museum of water and steam.

One of London’s most significant Victorian visitor attractions housing some of the world’s rarest working steam engines.

SAVE £11.50

London Transport Museum

The transport heritage of Britain's capital city explained through artefacts and interactive displays.

SAVE £24.00

Marylebone Cricket Club Museum

Home of cricket’s most precious artefact and the museum’s most famous exhibit—the original Ashes urn.

FREE entry and tour

Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising

The history of consumer culture from Victorian times to the present day described through 12,000 items.

SAVE £6.50

Old operating theatre museum.

One of London’s oldest and most intriguing museums—a former operating theatre where every patient was female.

Pollock's Toy Museum

The small museum dedicated to dolls, toys and wood theatres.

SAVE £6.00

Ranger's House

An elegant Georgian villa built in 1723 for Admiral Francis Hosier and where the Greenwich Meridian line passes through its grounds.

SAVE £7.60

Royal air force museum.

One of two sites belonging to the U.K's only national museum that tells the story of the Royal Air Force through its people and collections.

10% shop discount (£10 min spend)

Save £.

Royal Armouries

Located within the Tower of London grounds and home to the national collection of arms and armour, is Britain's oldest museum.

Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition

A modern reconstruction of the William Shakespeare's first 1599 Globe Theatre. Where tours, exhibitions and performances bring Elizabethan plays to life.

SAVE £13.50

The Cartoon Museum

The only place of its kind in the UK dedicated to collecting and displaying original British cartoons and comics.

The Courtauld Gallery

Located at Somerset House in the heart of London, this spectacular 18th century building is an elegant and intimate space.

The Fan Museum

Set in two grade II listed buildings dating from the 1720s that have been sensitively restored to their original grandeur in order to exhibit these wonderful items in suitably lavish surroundings.

SAVE £4.00

The foundling museum.

Discover the stories of the Foundling Hospital, London's first home for abandoned children, revealed through poignant artefacts.

The Freud Museum

Sigmund Freud's family home from 1938 to 1982, displays include the impressive study, extraordinary antiquities and iconic couch.

The Golden Hinde

Experience the life of a 16th century explorer aboard The Golden Hinde, a full-sized reconstruction of the ship Sir Francis Drake.

SAVE £5.00

The Jewel Tower

Built in 1365 as the 'Jewel House' to safeguard Edward III's silver plate and world treasures.

SAVE £5.20

The Jewish Museum

The only museum in London dedicated to a minority group. The story of Jewish history, culture and religion told in a compelling way.

The Postal Museum

The Postal Museum reveals Britain's history of society and communications through artefacts as letters, stamps and even the underground Mail Rail.

SAVE £14.50

The tower bridge exhibition.

One of the most impressive structures in the capital that has stood over the River Thames since 1894.

SAVE £9.00

The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum

The largest tennis museum in the world—with exhibits and artefacts dating back to 1555.

SAVE £12.00

Tower of London

The world’s most famous fortresses and has seen service as royal palace, prison, armoury and even a zoo.

SAVE £22.00

Wellington Arch

Crowned by the largest bronze sculpture in Europe—Wellington Arch is one of London's most iconic monuments.

World Rugby Museum

Over 25,000 objects displayed within permanent galleries supplement a regular programme of special exhibitions.

FREE entry and stadium tour

Save £8 (+8 tour).

© Copyright 2014—2023 Museums London (unless stated otherwise). Information believed to be correct at the time of publication.

• Destinations

Free tours in London

• Tours in London

73,281 Reviews in London

Exciting, charming, full of things to do & love - it's london.

London, once the center of a vast empire, this capital city remains the political, cultural & economic heart of Britain - a modern, multi-cultural metropolis at the fore of style, fashion, art, music, theater, creativity and commerce and rich in important history, heritage & character.

London's historical legacies & cultural heritage is exemplified beautifully on her streets, from winding medieval cobble-stoned paths and ancient structures like Tower Bridge & Tower of London to majestic buildings like Buckingham Palace & Houses of Parliament. Freetour.com recommended free walking tours with a local guide is the best way to get an unrivaled insight to London, see key sights such as Big Ben & Shakespeare's Globe and get valuable insider tips.

It's easy to get cultured in London, with world-class free museums & galleries like the British Museum & Tate Modern but it's also easy to chill out among the buzzing activity of a fast-paced capital - grab a bite in charming cafés & restaurants, stroll Hyde Park, get a birds-eye view over the Thames on the London eye, a spot of shopping on Oxford street or hunt vintage wares in Greenwich Market, Spitalfield market or the markets of Camden. By night you can catch a West-End show or embrace the vibrant nightlife of pubs & bars, live music venues & super clubs from Soho to Shoreditch. London really has something for everyone to love.

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Free Tour of London

Book the original London free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local guide

ABOUT THE Free Tour of London

No other tour covers so many major London landmarks! Have your cameras at the ready as we walk past Westminster Abbey and the Big Ben, and see where the King Charles lives as we stroll past Buckingham and St. James’s Palaces. On this 2.5-hour free walking tour you'll tick off many of London's must-see sites.

Your gratuity-based London Free Tour starts in front of the Apple Store in Covent Garden and finishes by Westminster Abbey.  We never cancel; tours run rain, hail or shine.

Homes of the British royal family

Around every corner is another piece of royal history on this gratuity-based free London walking tour! Your expert local guide will take you to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of His Majesty King Charles III (some tours will even see the changing of the guard!), and you’ll walk past St James’s Palace, where Princes William and Harry grew up. You’ll also see Westminster Abbey, where the Queen was crowned, Princess Diana was farewelled, and Kate and William were married. However, it’s not only the current royals who feature on this London walking tour – you’ll also hear about other kings and queens who left their mark on Great Britain.

Some of the world’s most iconic monuments

Of course though, it’s not just the royals who helped to shape London, the UK and indeed, the world. Your guide will tell you about Winston Churchill as you walk past the Churchill War Rooms, talk about Guy Fawkes as you stroll past the Houses of Parliament, and tell you about Admiral Nelson as you visit the Nelson Column on Trafalgar Square. With other must-see sites like Covent Garden, Horse Guards Parade and of course, the Big Ben, this London gratuity-based free walking tour shows you many of London's major landmarks.

Gratuity-based Free Tour concept

The gratuity-based model of the Free Tour allows guests to support and reward only the highest quality tours, and to ensure that the tour fits within their expectations, and within their budget.

The gratuity-based London Free Tour starts in front of the Apple Store in Covent Garden

• See the homes of King Charles III, Buckingham and St James’s Palaces respectively
• Stand before the stunning Westminster Abbey, site of royal coronations, weddings and funerals
• Learn about Guy Fawkes and his attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament
• Look up at the iconic Big Ben
• See Nelson’s Column on Trafalgar Square
• Hear about Winston Churchill outside the Churchill War Rooms
• Stroll down the famous Horse Guards Parade

TOUR SCHEDULES

Click on 'See more dates' to check availability

• Local English-speaking guide
• Gratuities for the guide (optional)
• Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we’re proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world’s best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That’s why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
• Wheelchair accessible

Customer reviews

Wonderful, Informative Free Tour gives a great overview of London

Our guide, Trevor, really made the tour worthwhile! He was knowledgable, friendly and entertaining and Trevor's love of history and the city of London was evident throughout the tour. Given that this was a free tour our expectations were fairly low, but this was significantly better than some paid tours I've taken in the past. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Sandeman's Free Tour to anyone and plan to take their other tours in the future.

Really enjoyed our free tour of London with our guide "Big Ben". As a historian, he knew a ton about Royal history and told some great stories that I thought were hilarious. Would definitely recommend for first time visitors to London like myself as I gained some great knowledge and seen some places that I plan on going back to see in my remaining time here.

Our experiences with this company were absolutely amazing. The tour guides are very fun, outgoing, and knowledgeable. They knew a lot about what they were talking about and they provided other ideas for things to go do if you had extra time. We had Charolette in London, and she did a fabulous job!

Did a free walking tour with amazing tour guide Angus. It was nice to hear interesting stories about the different sites and the monarchs. I love this concept so much and plan to take more Sandeman's walking tours in other cities as well.

Excellent free tour

We took the free tour with Rob, who was fantastic. Excellent way to see the city and explanations were excellent. Best guide tour in the city. Free means you pay as you decide. Of course we paid, it was worth every penny.

Sandemans London Free Tour

I did the free tour with David Flannagan and absolutely loved it. His love for history showed. It was both entertaining and interesting.

Rob was my guide and he was very informative and entertaining, and also great at answering general questions about the place or certain attractions. Would highly recommend if you are newly arrived in London and want a good tour to get your bearings and get some info behind some of the monuments.

My husband and I did the free tour and the old town tour, both with Angus as our guide. We really enjoyed the two of them. We got to walk the city and learn about all the history of it. Angus is a great storyteller and very fun, definitely recommend.

What is a gratuity-based Free Tour?

The gratuity-based Free Tour is the best introduction to London! A general overview tour including many of the highlights of the city, the Free Tour usually lasts around 3 hours and is provided by a local freelance guide in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, so tour content can vary depending on your guide’s particular area of interest and expertise.

The gratuity-based Free Tour is a walking tour with no need for public transport and is designed for independent travellers, not groups. You can book your spot in advance online or simply show up at the start point on the day. There is no payment necessary at the start of the tour but you are welcome to tip your guide at the end!

We believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of London's best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style. They'll never pressure you to tip; we believe that, if money is given, it should be voluntary and in direct proportion to the quality of the tour and the budget of the traveller.

Why join the SANDEMANs FREE Tour?

• The route covers many of London's major landmarks
• The meeting point is centrally located in Covent Garden
• The Free Tour is guaranteed to fit within your budget
• The guides performing tips-based Free Tours are incentivized to perform every time

WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN LONDON

• Private Tour

Book the original London free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local guid ...

London Soho Free Walking Tour

Discover the vibrant heartbeat of Soho by embarking on an unforgettable tour through London's iconic ...

London Old City Free Walking Tour

Discover major London landmarks on this 3-hour London Old City Tour!

London Jack the Ripper Free Tour

Discover London’s darkest history – including Jack the Ripper – on this 2-hour walking tour

London Historic Pubs Tour

Learn about the history of Beer and London at some of the city's oldest establishments on this 3-hou ...

2-hour London Highlights Private Tour

Make the most out of your visit and discover London's main attractions with your private tour guide

3-hour London Private City Tour

Enjoy a comprehensive overview of London's fascinating history and must-see sites with your private ...

Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.

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Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

Free Tour of Liverpool

Free Tour of Edinburgh

Thank you! Your support means more to us than we can express in words. Chris Sandeman and the SANDEMANs Live Community

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Tour of Theatre and Performance Galleries (2024)

Discover highlights from our renowned theatre and performance collections in this guided tour..

Daily from 14 September until 31 December 2024, except 24th, 25th and 26th December

V&A South Kensington

Cromwell Road London, SW7 2RL

Starts at the meeting point. Cromwell Road foyer, V&A South Kensington

Click on link for information on all our tours in V&A South Kensington

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