TOP 35 BEST FREE MUSEUMS/ATTRACTIONS IN LONDON
London which is the capital of England and the United Kingdom is a home to about fourteen million individuals, is no doubt known as one of the greatest and most visited cities in the entire world. London is also complimented for having the busiest airspace in the world, the largest focus of higher education institutions in Europe, topmost GDP in the whole of Europe, largest world financial centre (competing along with New York), biggest known metropolitan area of any city in Europe not excluding that, London became the only city to host the summer Olympics three times in 2012. London is a big home to numerous varies of attractions as such, spending a holiday in London visiting museums and other attractions needs to be carefully mapped to ensure full experience of the main attractions.
London is a home to the most preferred museums and other attractions in the world and the attractive part is that most of the major sites are free to enter. An example of the most interesting museums in London to visit is the London Science Museum which has some interesting and very much fascinating pulls for outsiders visiting the location of all ages, another is, the Bristish Museum which has not only been free since it was launched open in 1753, also, accomolates more than seven million artifacts and one of the best collections of the ancient Greek and Egyptian antiques in the whole entire world. Art is also a major source of attraction in London with some of the most widened gallery in the world. The two best in London are The Tate Britain which has emphases on British artwork from around the sixteenth century up to date and the Tate Modern which has it focus on contemporary ark from around the world.
The best of London’s culture is free, including the world-class exhibitions to attractive art collections and historical locations. Entry to the most valuable collections of these museums and galleries are free and require charges on special exhibitions. It’s no surprise London is one of the world’s capitals of culture and is much appreciated for that fact.
1. British Museum
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history. Enjoy a unique comparison of the treasures of world cultures under one roof, centred around the magnificent Great Court.
World-famous objects such as the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies are visited by up to six million visitors per year. In addition to the vast permanent collection, the museum’s special exhibitions, displays and events are all designed to advance understanding of the collection and cultures they represent.
2. Natural History Museum
This summer sees a major part of the Museum’s transformation into a Natural History Museum for the future. Diving through the heart of Hintze Hall, a gigantic blue whale skeleton leads a cast of natural world stars, telling the dramatic story of evolution, diversity in the world today and our urgent role in the planet’s future.
This real, 25.2-metre female whale skeleton is surrounded by hundreds of new specimens across three floors, including ten other star specimens in the ground floor wonder bays.
The Museum offers a wide-ranging programme of temporary exhibitions and events all year round which inspire a love of the natural world and educate on the power of nature.
Other highlights include dinosaur fossils, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the state of the art Darwin centre and this summer’s blockbuster exhibition, Whales: Beneath the surface.
3. National Gallery
The National Gallery displays more than 2,000 Western European paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
You can explore inspiring art by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir and Van Gogh. The pictures in the collection belong to the public and admission to see them is free. There are free guided tours, audio guides available in multiple languages and free family activities for children of all ages.
You can also travel from the Middle Ages, through the Renaissance and into the 21st century with Rembrandt, Ingres, Richter, Picasso and more at the National Gallery’s Monochrome exhibition (until 18 February 2018).
4. Science Museum
The Science Museum is the most visited science and technology museum in Europe. There are over 15,000 objects on display, including world-famous objects such as the Apollo 10 command capsule and Stephenson’s Rocket.
Our interactive galleries bring to life first scientific principles and contemporary science debates. Plus, you can experience what it’s like to fly with the Red Arrows or blast off into space on an Apollo space mission in our stunning 3D and 4D simulators or watch a film on a screen taller than four double-decker buses in the IMAX 3D Cinema.
5. Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s greatest museum of art and design, representing more than 3,000 years of human creativity, with collections unrivalled in their scope and diversity.
In recent years, the V&A has undergone a dramatic programme of renewal and restoration. Highlights include the Medieval Renaissance galleries containing some of the greatest surviving treasures from the period, the breathtaking jewellery gallery and the stunning British galleries, illustrating the history of Britain through the nation’s art and design. In addition to its outstanding free permanent collection, the V&A offers a programme of temporary exhibitions and an extensive events programme.
6. Tate Modern
Britain’s national museum of modern and contemporary art from around the world is housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the Thames. The awe-inspiring Turbine Hall runs the length of the entire building and you can see amazing work for free by artists such as Cézanne, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Dalí, Pollock, Warhol and Bourgeois.
7. Museum of London
Step inside the Museum of London for an unforgettable journey through the capital’s turbulent past. Discover prehistoric London, see how the city changed under Romans and Saxons, wonder at medieval London and examine the tumultuous years when London was ravaged by civil wars, plague and fire.
Then venture into the Galleries of Modern London where you can walk the streets of Victorian London, take a stroll in recreated pleasure gardens and marvel at the magnificent Lord Mayor’s Coach.
8. Imperial War Museum
IWM London’s world-class collections tell the everyday and exceptional stories of people whose lives have been forever impacted by war, with unique documents and objects, art, sound and film.
Ground-breaking galleries reflect on war from the First World War onwards, to conflicts that continue to shape our world today.
Discover their First World War Galleries as well as our permanent exhibitions including The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes and Secret War. Explore stories and key moments from the Second World War in A Family in Wartime and The Holocaust Exhibition.
9. Horniman Museum and Gardens
The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill is a free museum with extensive collections of anthropology, natural history and musical instruments. The museum hosts a variety of special exhibitions, concerts, festivals, shows, workshops and activities.
The Horniman museum is a South London treasure. You’ll love the gigantic overstuffed walrus, the new aquarium, the beautiful gardens and the café.
10. National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum is the largest museum of its kind in the world, filled with stories of exploration and human endeavour.
Discover stories about Britain’s encounter with the world at sea, learn about the life of great British hero Admiral Horatio Nelson and the Royal Navy, and see the uniform he wore when he was fatally wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar. We host free and ticketed events, from lectures by our curators, music nights to seasonal family celebrations.
On-site eateries include Neptune Café, our Museum Café and the elegant Brasserie.
11. V&A Museum of Childhood
The V&A Museum of Childhood houses the UK’s national collection of childhood objects, ranging in date from the 1600s to the present day.
As well as toys, dolls and games, the museum has a wealth of objects relating to aspects of childhood including home, childcare, play, learning and clothing.
Rare, hand-crafted objects sit alongside well-loved toys from the 20th century, allowing an insight into how different children might have lived, thought and felt, through the objects they were surrounded by throughout their childhood.
In addition, the museum runs temporary exhibitions and displays, activities, events and workshops, outreach projects and an award-winning programme for schools.
12. Sir John Soane’s Museum
The former residence of Sir John Soane, architect of the Bank of England. Over 20,000 architectural drawings, antiquities and works by Turner, Canaletto and Piranesi as well as two sets of paintings by William Hogarth and the Egyptian Sarcophagus of Seti I can be found here.
13. Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre
Established in the late 19th century as a collection of art treasures worthy of the capital city, the Guildhall Art Gallery soon lived up to this ambition, with exhibitions that featured world famous masterpieces and works by some great artists. Now, following the gallery’s first renovation and re-hang in more than 15 years, visitors have the chance to witness paintings dating from 1670 to the 21st century.
Step into the ruins of London’s Roman Amphitheatre, in which crowds would once have gathered to watch wild animal fights, public executions and gladiatorial combats. Lost for centuries, the original circular walls were rediscovered by archaelogists working on the site of the new Guildhall Art Gallery building in 1988.
14. Wallace Collection
A free national museum displaying superb works of art in an historic London town house. The collection was acquired principally in the 19th century by the 3rd and 4th Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the illegitimate son of the 4th Marquess. The 28 rooms, many recently refurbished with elaborate gilding & wall silks, present collections of French 18th-century painting, furniture and porcelain (many once owned by Madame de Pompadour and Queen Marie-Antoinette) together with paintings by Titian, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Gainsborough, Hals’ ‘The Laughing Cavalier’ and Fragonard’s ‘The Swing’, four armouries and wonderful Renaissance treasures. Dine in the beautiful glazed courtyard restuarant.
15. National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery houses the world’s largest collection of personalities and faces, from the late Middle Ages to the present day. Visitors come face-to-face with the people who have shaped British history, from kings and queens to musicians and film stars. Artists featured range from Holbein to Hockney, and the collection includes work across all media, from painting and sculpture to photography and video.
As well as the permanent displays, the National Portrait Gallery has a diverse programme of exhibitions and free events, and a stunning rooftop restaurant with spectacular views across the London skyline.
16. Tate Britain
London’s Tate Britain holds the largest collection of British art in the world from 1500 to the present day. You’ll find masterpieces by Gainsborough, Hogarth, Millais, Whistler, as well as outstanding modern and contemporary artists such as Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud and Damien Hirst. We also have the largest collection of works by JMW Turner in the world.
17. Geffrye Museum
The National Portrait Gallery houses the world’s largest collection of personalities and faces, from the late Middle Ages to the present day. Visitors come face-to-face with the people who have shaped British history, from kings and queens to musicians and film stars. Artists featured range from Holbein to Hockney, and the collection includes work across all media, from painting and sculpture to photography and video.
As well as the permanent displays, the National Portrait Gallery has a diverse programme of exhibitions and free events, and a stunning rooftop restaurant with spectacular views across the London skyline.
18. Royal Air Force Museum
Experience the next dimension in our 4D Theatre or take an exhilarating flight in a simulator (charges apply).
Enjoy a welcome, drink, snack or meal in our fully licenced Wessex Cafe or brand new restaurant (arriving autumn 2017). Don’t forget to visit our shop which is packed with affordable gifts to help you remember your trip.
Facilities throughout the Museum include free Wi-Fi, baby changing rooms, wide aisles for prams and wheelchairs, free wheelchairs on request and accessible toilets. Their London site offers a Quiet Room for visitors with sensory overload.
Open from 10:00 to 18:00 daily, offering free admission and ample parking.
19. Wellcome Collection
Wellcome Collection is a free destination for the incurably curious. Explore what it means to be human through a unique mix of galleries, events and meeting, reading and eating places.
Upstairs Medicine Now and Medicine Man present exhibits spanning six centuries, from the bizarre to the beautiful, the ancient to the modern, including a Peruvian mummified male, Darwin’s walking stick, a gastrointestinal camera the size of a baked bean and a robot used in the human genome project.
20. British Library
The British Library is the UK’s national library.
Sir John Ritblat: Treasures of the British Library Gallery is ‘The holy grail for history buffs’ – Time Out. Magna Carta, Lindisfarne Gospels, Jane Austen’s notebook, handwritten lyrics by the Beatles, Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook and Nizami’s Five Poems are just a few of the Treasures you can see.
Every year the British Library hosts a range of exhibitions, some of which are free. Coming up, journey to where magic and myth began with our Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition or celebrate the sound archive with a free exhibition dedicated to taking time to listen.
Enjoy the lively programme of talks, courses, Lates and family events inspired by both the British Library’s exhibitions and its diverse collection.
You can eat and drink in one of the cafes or visit the Shop, the perfect place for the curious and literary minded. And discover more about the British Library’s history, collections or architecture on a tour of the building.
21. Whitechapel Gallery
For more than a century the Whitechapel Gallery has premiered world-class artists from modern masters such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Frida Kahlo to contemporaries such as Sophie Calle, Lucian Freud, Gilbert & George and Mark Wallinger.
With beautiful galleries, exhibitions, artist commissions, collection displays, historic archives, education resources, inspiring art courses, dining room and bookshop, the gallery is open all year round, so there is always something free to see.
The gallery is a touchstone for contemporary art internationally, plays a central role in London’s cultural landscape, and is pivotal to the continued growth of the world’s most vibrant contemporary art quarter.
22. Museum of London Docklands
Step inside a 200-year-old warehouse revealing the long history of London as a port, through stories of trade, migration and commerce.
Discover a wealth of objects in world-class galleries, including Sailortown, an atmospheric recreation of 19th-century London; and London, Sugar and Slavery, which reveals the city’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. With unique finds, unusual objects and fascinating tours, the Museum of London Docklands is one of London’s hidden treasures.
23. National Army Museum
The National Army Museum has five state-of-the-art gallery spaces taking you on an interactive journey exploring the army’s character and impact from the British Civil War right up to the modern day. The galleries explore what is like to be a Soldier, the origins of the Army, how Battle tactics and technology has changed over time, how the Army influences Society and the impact the army has had around the world.
24. Serpentine Galleries
The Serpentine is two exhibition spaces situated on either side of The Serpentine lake in London’s Kensington Gardens: the Serpentine Gallery and the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
In addition to a seasonal exhibitions programme of eight shows per year, the Serpentine presents its annual Serpentine Pavilion during the summer months, the first and most ambitious architecture programme of its kind in the world. These programmes are complemented by a series of outdoor sculpture projects, special artist commissions, digital commissions, public and educational programmes, and major outreach projects including the renowned Edgware Road Project.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, the galleries offer free admission throughout the year.
25. Ironbridge Gorge
26. Museum of Science and Industry
27. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
28. Tower Of London
29. West End Theatre
30. Edinburgh Festival
31. The National Space Centre
32. Blaenau Ffestiniog
33. Drusillas Park
34. Port Lympne
35. Blackpool Tower
