London’s Natural History Museum with Kids: Your Ultimate Family Guide
London’s Natural History Museum is a captivating gateway to the wonders of the natural world, inviting visitors to embark on an extraordinary journey of discovery.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of South Kensington, this world-renowned institution boasts an awe-inspiring collection of over 80 million specimens, from towering dinosaur skeletons that spark the imagination to dazzling gemstones that showcase nature’s artistry.
For Sawyer, an avid dinosaur enthusiast, this was the ultimate destination—his excitement was palpable as we set off to explore this incredible museum. We wondered where he gets the energy as we had spent the morning touring Lords Cricket Ground.
A place where curiosity knows no age, the Natural History Museum offers something for everyone, making it an ideal spot for families, tourists, and science lovers alike.
Looking back at the entrance as we begin our walk
From the moment you step through its doors, you are immersed in the mysteries of our planet, venturing through exhibits that unravel the secrets of prehistoric creatures, the vastness of space, and the delicate intricacies of wildlife.
Each zone offers a unique perspective, inviting you to learn, marvel, and connect with the natural world.
Even the building itself is a masterpiece.
The breathtaking Romanesque architecture, designed by Alfred Waterhouse, is a sight to behold, with intricate details and grand arches that leave you in awe before you’ve even stepped inside.
It feels as though the very walls of the museum hold stories waiting to be discovered.
Walking through the many halls of London’s Natural History Museum
Our visit was unforgettable. From Sawyer’s wide-eyed fascination with the life-sized dinosaur models to moments of wonder as we delved into the history of our planet and the mysteries of the cosmos, every exhibit held something special.
Whether you’re captivated by ancient fossils, intrigued by modern-day conservation efforts, or simply enjoy soaking in the beauty of nature’s wonders, the Natural History Museum promises an inspiring experience.
Below, we’ve compiled everything you need to know to make your visit to London’s Natural History Museum smooth, enjoyable, and full of unforgettable moments.
Getting to London’s Natural History Museum
London’s Natural History Museum Address: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Reaching the Natural History Museum is as much a part of the adventure as exploring its halls. Situated in South Kensington, the museum is incredibly well-connected and easy to find, whether you’re traveling from within London or further afield.
For those using the iconic London Underground, South Kensington Station is your go-to stop. It’s served by the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines, making it accessible from nearly any corner of the city.
A massive Blue Whale
Once you step off the train, follow the clearly marked pedestrian subway—it’s like a tunnel of anticipation, gradually building your excitement as you approach the museum.
If you prefer a scenic stroll, take the street-level route instead and enjoy a glimpse of London’s charming streets and vibrant atmosphere.
If you’re arriving by bus, there are several routes that will drop you close to the museum. Check out routes 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, and C1, which all serve the area.
Traveling by bus offers the added bonus of sightseeing as you make your way through the city’s bustling streets.
For those who love the freedom of cycling, the museum is bike-friendly too, with docking stations nearby for Santander Cycles (London’s bike-sharing scheme).
It’s a great way to weave through the city at your own pace, arriving ready to delve into the wonders of natural history.
If you’re driving, be aware that the museum is in a congestion charge zone, and parking options are limited.
We recommend parking further out and using public transport to complete your journey—it’s often more convenient and environmentally friendly.
And of course, for anyone traveling from outside London, South Kensington is just a short ride from major rail hubs like Victoria, Paddington, and King’s Cross St Pancras.
Lukas and Sawyer planning the day… a map is a must
For international visitors, Heathrow Airport is a direct trip on the Piccadilly Line, so you could almost make the museum your first stop after landing!
No matter how you choose to arrive, the journey to London’s Natural History Museum sets the stage for the incredible discoveries that await you inside. It’s not just a trip; it’s the beginning of an unforgettable experience.
Entry to London’s Natural History Museum
Stepping through the doors of London’s Natural History Museum is like crossing into a world of endless discovery and wonder.
The best part?
Entry to the museum is completely free! It’s a generous gift from the museum to the public, allowing everyone, no matter their budget, to explore the vast treasures it holds.
However, we booked our tickets online through the Natural History Museum website, even though it’s free it’s always best to book as it could be very busy and you might miss out if ther museum is full.
We didn’t show our tickets when we arrived, we just walked straight in but better safe than sorry.
This makes it an ideal destination for families, tourists, or anyone looking for an inspiring day out without the pressure of an entrance fee.
Upon arrival, you’ll need to pass through security, as is common with most major attractions in London.
The process is swift and straightforward, with friendly staff guiding you through. Once inside, you’re free to roam the museum at your own pace.
There is also a luggage and a cloakroom but these have a small charge.
The layout is easy to navigate, with signs pointing you toward various exhibits, and maps available to help you plan your route through the museum’s multiple zones.
While general entry is free, some special exhibits and temporary displays may require a ticket.
These are often well worth the extra cost, as they showcase more niche or limited-time collections.
It’s worth checking out the museum’s website or speaking to the staff when you arrive to see if any such exhibits are taking place during your visit.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum also offers a range of facilities to enhance your experience.
You’ll find spacious, family-friendly areas, gift shops filled with dinosaur-themed merchandise, and cafés where you can sit back, relax, and reflect on all that you’ve seen.
For those planning a longer visit, there are also lockers available to store your belongings, allowing you to explore without having to carry everything with you.
What You Will See in London’s Natural History Museum
Once inside London’s Natural History Museum, you’re in for a visual feast that will transport you through time, space, and the very essence of life on Earth.
The museum’s 80 million specimens are spread across a variety of captivating exhibits, each one offering a unique perspective on the wonders of our planet.
First photo of the day… Sawyer and a dinosaur
It’s impossible to see everything in one visit, but each zone is designed to spark your curiosity and draw you deeper into the mysteries of the natural world.
The first stop on any visit should be the magnificent Hintze Hall, where the towering skeleton of Hope, the blue whale, hangs gracefully from the ceiling.
This awe-inspiring display sets the stage for the incredible journey ahead. The size of the whale is hard to fathom until you see it up close, and it’s just one of many stunning specimens that await you.
The hall itself is a masterpiece, with its grand staircase and high arches, making it the perfect introduction to the museum’s treasure trove of knowledge.
The magnificent Hintze Hall, with Hope, the blue whale, hanging from the ceiling.
From Hintze Hall, you can venture into the different galleries that take you through Earth’s history, from its fiery beginnings to the modern day.
The Dinosaur Gallery is an absolute must-see, especially for those, like Sawyer, who have a deep love for prehistoric creatures.
The gallery features an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, including a full-sized Tyrannosaurus rex that will leave you wide-eyed with wonder.
You’ll find yourself walking alongside life-size models of these ancient giants, learning about their evolution, behaviour, and eventual extinction.
It’s a thrilling experience for kids and adults alike, and one that will spark endless fascination.
For those with an interest in the cosmos, the Exploring Space exhibit offers a journey beyond Earth, where you can learn about the universe’s vastness and the exploration of our solar system.
The museum showcases spacecraft, meteorites, and models of the planets, giving you a glimpse into humanity’s quest for knowledge beyond our planet.
Another chance to pose for a photo, this time with a Mammoth
It’s a captivating look at how science has pushed the boundaries of what we know and what we’ve yet to discover.
Another highlight of the museum is the Human Biology gallery, where you can explore the marvels of the human body. Interactive exhibits allow you to learn about everything from our bones and muscles to how our organs work.
You can even see a full-body replica of a human, as well as learn about the various ways our bodies adapt to the world around us. It’s an eye-opening exhibit that puts our own existence into a whole new perspective.
The Earth’s Treasury gallery is a gem in itself, showcasing an incredible array of minerals, gems, and precious stones that have been shaped over millions of years.
From sparkling diamonds to vibrant emeralds, the stunning display will captivate anyone with an interest in the beauty that lies beneath the Earth’s surface.
The museum’s collection of fossils is equally impressive, allowing visitors to marvel at preserved plants, insects, and animals from ancient times.
Mum and Sawyer talking all things fossil
For younger visitors, the museum has dedicated spaces where children can engage in hands-on activities, discovering the wonders of the natural world through interactive play.
The Investigate Centre invites kids to become junior scientists, examining real specimens like fossils, animal skins, and rocks. It’s a fantastic way to inspire curiosity in the next generation of explorers.
As you wander through the museum, you’ll also find temporary exhibits that change regularly, ensuring that there’s always something new to discover.
These exhibits dive deep into specific areas of natural history, offering a more focused and sometimes more interactive experience.
It’s worth checking the museum’s website to see what special exhibits are on during your visit.
We let Sawyer use the camera… it’s always interesting to see the world through a child’s eye… he thought the Ichthyosaur was worth it
No matter where you turn, there’s something to captivate your imagination and deepen your understanding of the natural world.
From the towering giants of the past to the intricate details of the universe, the museum offers an enriching experience that will leave you with a sense of awe and wonder.
Whether you’re here for a few hours or a full day, there’s no shortage of incredible sights to see, and each exhibit will inspire you to learn more about the world we live in.
Frequently Asked Questions About London’s Natural History Museum
Visiting the Natural History Museum in London is sure to be an unforgettable experience, but you may have some questions before you go.
Here are the answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions that will help you make the most of your visit.
What should you not miss at the Natural History Museum London?
There are so many incredible things to see, but a few highlights stand out as must-sees. First, don’t miss Hope, the magnificent blue whale skeleton suspended in Hintze Hall—it’s a showstopper that will leave you in awe from the moment you walk in.
The Dinosaur Gallery is another absolute must, especially if you’re fascinated by prehistoric creatures. You’ll find full-sized dinosaur skeletons, including a roaring Tyrannosaurus rex, which is sure to make a lasting impression.
The Human Biology gallery is also fascinating, offering an up-close look at how our bodies work and the Earth’s Treasury gallery, with its sparkling collection of minerals and gems, is an absolute treasure.
These are just a few, but trust us, there’s something spectacular around every corner!
Arrived… first stop Dinosaurs
What is the oldest thing in the Natural History Museum London?
The oldest thing in the museum? That’s a tough one, given the vast range of specimens housed here, but one notable contender is the Siliconia, a prehistoric fish fossil, which dates back over 400 million years.
This ancient fish, preserved in stunning detail, gives us a glimpse into life long before the dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
There are many other ancient fossils and specimens, but this one stands out as a true marvel from the distant past.
London’s Natural History Museum Opening Times?
The Natural History Museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:50 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore.
It’s worth noting that last entry to the museum is at 5:30 PM, so make sure to arrive a bit earlier if you want to take in the exhibits at a leisurely pace.
The museum is typically closed on December 24th, 25th, and 26th, so plan your visit accordingly.
Time for more dinosaurs
Is London’s Natural History Museum free?
Yes, entry to the Natural History Museum is completely free!
This makes it an ideal destination for families, students, and anyone looking for a memorable experience without the cost of admission.
There are special exhibits that require a ticket, but the majority of the museum is free to explore. It’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural world without worrying about the budget!
How long does it take to walk through London’s Natural History Museum?
How long you spend at the museum really depends on how deeply you want to explore!
If you’re taking a quick tour, you might spend about 2-3 hours, especially if you hit the major exhibits like the dinosaurs, blue whale, and gems.
However, if you’re a true natural history enthusiast and want to take your time soaking up every exhibit, plan for 4-5 hours or more.
With so much to see, it’s easy to lose track of time! There’s so much to discover, so don’t rush—take your time to enjoy every moment.
Our Final Thoughts
As we reflect on our time at London’s Natural History Museum, it’s clear that this is a place where the wonders of the natural world truly come to life.
For Sawyer, this visit was a dream come true.
As a passionate dinosaur enthusiast, he was absolutely buzzing with excitement from the moment we stepped inside.
Armed with a map in hand, he led us through the museum, guiding us to the dinosaur exhibits and beyond.
Yep this is what Sawyer was looking for first… T-Rex
At times he got us lost but that was fine as we saw exhibits we may not have seen.Watching his enthusiasm as he spotted each new fossil and pointing out the ones he’d been most eager to see was contagious, his joy was truly the highlight of the day.
The museum itself offers a perfect blend of awe-inspiring exhibits, fascinating facts, and moments that spark the imagination.
From the grandeur of Hope, the blue whale, to the intricate displays in the Earth’s Treasury, there’s something here for everyone—whether you’re a die-hard fan of dinosaurs like Sawyer, an avid lover of gemstones, or simply someone eager to learn about the mysteries of the natural world.
The hands-on exhibits, like the Investigate Centre, also made it a fantastic experience for young learners, with plenty of opportunities to engage, ask questions, and discover more.
But beyond the exhibits, it’s the atmosphere of the museum that truly makes it special.
The stunning architecture, the friendly staff, and the sense of wonder that fills every hall all contribute to making it an unforgettable experience.
Even after several hours of exploring, Sawyer was still full of energy and enthusiasm, eagerly discussing what we had seen and what we would visit next.
It’s a place that inspires curiosity and leaves you thinking long after you’ve left. Even when we where on the Thames Cable Car, a few hours later, he was still his excitement.
Just to note we visited London’s Natural History Museum in summer, it was very hot!
There were big fan’s around the halls blowing cool air but no air condition.
So be prepared and have plenty of water.
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Meet the family
We are a family of 4 living in New Zealand. I’m a teacher (great profession for traveling) and my wife Connie is a section administrator. We are also proud parents of two travel-loving boys.
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Hi, I've been fortunate enough to have travelled for over 25 years. My parents gave me the travel bug when I was 10 years old by taking my sister and I to the USA and Mexico for two months. I've travelled by myself, with mates, with my wife and now as a family of four. My goal is to inspire our families to get out and see the world.
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