The Natural History Museum in London, a free-admission gem in South Kensington, invites you to marvel at everything from stunning dinosaur skeletons to a giant blue whale, all housed in a breathtaking Gothic building that makes for an unforgettable family outing.
Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom Get directions
"The Natural History Museum offers a wealth of exhibits and is known for its stunning architecture. Every visit is always a treat." - The MICHELIN Guide UK Editorial Team
"Have you ever wondered how a T-Rex would wear a giant Christmas jumper? It’s a fascinating sight at the Natural History Museum as the team squeezes their resident animatronic dinosaur into a fetching red number."
"Established in 1881, the Natural History Museum of London has an impressive 70 million specimens in its stately walls. Based on the collection of Sir Hans Sloane, the museum now includes such star wonders as Archie the Giant Squid who resides in the Darwin Centre Spirit Collection of jarred specimens (Archie can’t be in the main museum as its weight would cause it to crash through the floor), as well as a cursed amethyst and a piece of Kryptonite. Some of the specimens were even collected by Charles Darwin himself, a statue of whom sits in the main hall near a replica of a Diplodocus donated by Andrew Carnegie. The building was constructed with terracotta tiles in order to resist the soot in the air of Victorian London, with the west wing and the east wing are adorned with images of living and extinct species, respectively. However, you may note a coelacanth in the extinct animals wing, as it was of course only recently that ancient fish was revealed to still be living on our planet. In 2015 it was controversially announced that the popular diplodocus skeleton in the main hall (it can be seen in one of the photos) would be removed on the grounds that it was not a genuine skeleton. This resulted in a well supported “save Dippy” campaign, but the decision stands to give pride of place to the real skeleton of a blue whale. As such, in 2017, a blue whale skeleton was hung from the ceiling. The sea creature, which had been injured by whalers, was found beached in Ireland in 1891. The museum is also a fully functional laboratory, with more than 300 scientists working in a variety of fields related to biology & geology. Taking a behind the scenes tour or visiting the newly renovated Darwin Centre Cocoon you can see them at work. The building also contains a massive research archive, library, and operational labs." - ATLAS_OBSCURA
"Situated in London’s South Kensington area, right across from the V&A, this popular museum explores the diversity of our planet from dinosaurs to volcanoes and marine life. With a whole host of interactive exhibitions, it is a great option for families. The museum is well known for its famous dinosaur collection and large selection of rare fossils. Must-sees include the mammal gallery in the blue zone for impressive replicas of mammoths, giraffes, and cetaceans, and the gorgeous Hintze Hall for a good look at the blue whale skeleton that hangs from its ceiling. When it’s time to rest, take a break at one of three cafes or enjoy burgers, steaks, and pizza at the T.Rex Restaurant. The Natural History Museum is free to enter." - MATADOR_NETWORK
"The Big Three Museums at South Ken These are the museums that all British children within schooltrip distance of London have visited at some point, and they're just as much fun for adults. The Natural History museum, Science Museum, and Victoria & Albert museum are clustered around the bottom of Exhibition Road where it meets Cromwell Road. Taking in all three in a day is possible, if daunting. Covering everything from prehistoric creatures to the latest space missions—via the art and design of Britain and her erstwhile empire—these three museums are Britain's answer to the Smithsonian, and a half day in them is enough to blow your mind with things you never knew. The Science Museum specializes in hands-on exhibits that are great for kids, and the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum are a must."
