Natural History Museum

London Natural History Museum featuring interior views, heritage elements and heritage architecture
London Natural History Museum showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and interior views
London Natural History Museum showing heritage architecture, interior views and heritage elements
London Natural History Museum which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and interior views
London Natural History Museum featuring heritage elements, interior views and heritage architecture


Explore the wonders of the natural world for free in this fascinating museum. Learn about dinosaurs, creatures of the deep, our planet’s interior and much more.

Examine dinosaur skeletons, see animal specimens that are hundreds of years old and experience a simulated earthquake at the London Natural History Museum. Inside this magnificent Victorian terracotta building is a vast collection of items and interactive exhibits that cover the biology and geology of our planet.

The museum is divided into different colored zones, each one concentrating on a different aspect of life on Earth. One of the most popular attractions is the collection of dinosaur skeletons in the Blue Zone. Look at the first Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever found and the skull of a Triceratops. Walk past the enormous animatronic T. rex and watch how it reacts to human “prey.” Elsewhere in this zone observe fossils and skeletons of extinct animals, including the saber-toothed cat.

Head over to the Red Zone to learn more about the natural forces that shape our planet. Look at film footage, play interactive games and step into the earthquake simulator. There are also casts of victims of the Mount Vesuvius eruption that destroyed Pompeii.

Inside the Green Zone, find a live ant colony and a life-size model of a termite mound. See the mineral collection, which includes a 635-kilogram (1,400-pound) iron meteorite that fell in Argentina. Go over to the Aurora Collection, an exhibit of almost 300 naturally-colored diamonds.

Visit the Darwin Centre in the Orange Zone, which hosts more than 28 million insect specimens and a 28.3-feet (8.6-metre) giant squid. The area features glass windows through which you can observe the museum’s scientists at work. In the centre’s egg-shaped Cocoon building are many centuries-old biological specimens, including some that came back with Charles Darwin on HMS Beagle.

The London Natural History Museum is easy to get to by public transport. It is on numerous bus routes and is a short walk from the nearest Tube station, South Kensington. Street parking in the area is limited and expensive. The museum is open daily, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and admission is free.

Reviews of Natural History Museum

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
270
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
106
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
33
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Must see Museum of the moon before it goes in January

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Natural history museum Christmas ice skating was fantastic with a wonderful family atmosphere

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Too many dead and stuffed creatures.

5/5 - Excellent

allan

Visited Dinosnores the night before and it was excellent

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Good to tick off the bucket list and admirable for the world-class work that the NHM does, but the displays are pretty tired and dated - could be more engaging. The volcano section's the most interactive, dinosaur section could be better despite having an animatronic T-Rex. The museum was also super busy on a warm summer Saturday with no air conditioning, so it was pretty uncomfortable getting around.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Good to tick off the bucket list and admirable for the world-class work that the NHM does, but the displays are pretty tired and dated - could be more engaging. The volcano section's the most interactive, dinosaur section could be better despite having an animatronic T-Rex. The museum was also super busy on a warm summer Saturday with no air conditioning, so it was pretty uncomfortable getting around.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Natural History Museum

A trip to the Natural History Museum in London offers a variety of engaging activities, including thrilling animal adventures and insightful adult sessions. Nearby, you can explore vibrant art galleries, enjoy captivating theatre performances, and indulge in some delightful shopping. With so much to see and do, your visit promises to be a memorable experience filled with exploration and discovery.

Shopping

Harrods, a mere 966m from the Natural History Museum, offers a luxurious shopping experience. For more options, visit Portobello Road Market, just 1.6km away, or head to Westfield London Shopping Centre, 3.2km away, for a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Wembley Stadium, a vibrant sports facility, offers an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 9.7km from the museum. For a touch of luxury, visit Wimbledon Tennis Club, 8.0km away. Alternatively, unwind at Hampstead Heath, a picturesque recreational area, also 8.0km distant, perfect for relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, an exhilarating cable car gondola 12.9km from the museum. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill offers a fantastic indoor climbing experience 4.8km away. Don’t miss the excitement of karting at Oasis Go-Kart Track, also 4.8km distant.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Natural History Museum is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a captivating show at the Eventim Apollo or the London Palladium Theatre, both offering rich cultural experiences. For a romantic film night, the Curzon Mayfair cinema is a delightful choice, just a short distance away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in London offers a variety of attractions, including vibrant streets, urban parks, and charming squares. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture, enjoy family-friendly experiences, and explore the surrounding areas that enhance their stay. Whether you're seeking educational exhibits or relaxing green spaces, the museum's vicinity has something for everyone to enjoy.

  • Hyde Park: An expansive urban park that offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, Hyde Park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With beautiful gardens, serene lakes, and plenty of space for picnics, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy nature, located 1.4km from the Natural History Museum.
  • Buckingham Palace: As the official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is steeped in history and culture. Visitors can witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the stunning architecture, just 3.2km away from the museum.
  • Piccadilly Circus: A vibrant street known for its neon lights and bustling atmosphere, Piccadilly Circus is a must-see for any visitor. It’s a hub of entertainment, dining, and shopping, situated 3.2km from the Natural History Museum, offering an exciting city vibe.

Best time to go to Natural History Museum

The best time to visit Natural History Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Natural History Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Natural History Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Natural History Museum

To save money on your visit to the Natural History Museum in London, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays typically offer the cheapest stays, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Utilise public transport and explore free activities around the museum to further cut costs. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can also provide additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Natural History Museum are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Natural History Museum is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Natural History Museum is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Natural History Museum is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you specify your budget, chosen location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel reservation near the Natural History Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia