Natural History Museum Tours

London Natural History Museum showing interior views, heritage architecture and heritage elements
London Natural History Museum which includes interior views, heritage elements and heritage architecture
London Natural History Museum which includes interior views, heritage architecture and heritage elements
London Natural History Museum featuring heritage elements, interior views and heritage architecture
London Natural History Museum which includes interior views, heritage elements 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 Center in the Orange Zone, which hosts more than 28 million insect specimens and a 28.3-feet (8.6-meter) giant squid. The area features glass windows through which you can observe the museum’s scientists at work. In the center’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.

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Best Lodging Options Near Natural History Museum

The Rembrandt

The Rembrandt

4 out of 5
11 Thurloe Place, Kensington, London, England
The Rembrandt
The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington

The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington

4 out of 5
140 Gloucester Road, London, England
The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington
Gainsborough Hotel

Gainsborough Hotel

3.5 out of 5
7-11 Queensberry Place, Kennsington, London, England
Gainsborough Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington

Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington

4 out of 5
68-86 Cromwell Road, London, England
Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington
The Ampersand Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

The Ampersand Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

5 out of 5
10 Harrington Road, London, England
The Ampersand Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
100 Queen's Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton

100 Queen's Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton

5 out of 5
100 Queens Gate, South Kensington, London, England
100 Queen's Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton
Montana Hotel London

Montana Hotel London

3 out of 5
67/69 Gloucester Road, Kensington, London, England
Montana Hotel London
The Other House South Kensington

The Other House South Kensington

4 out of 5
15-17 Harrington Gardens, Kensington and Chelsea, London, England
The Other House South Kensington
Princes Gardens

Princes Gardens

4 out of 5
Watts Way, London, England
Princes Gardens
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

The Natural History Museum in London offers a variety of activities, including photo tours and quick tours showcasing American animals. The museum is open on Thursdays and hosts educational programs, making it an ideal destination for both fun and learning. Nearby, you can also enjoy theater, shopping, and entertainment, enhancing your overall visit experience.

Shopping

The closest shopping spot is Harrods, located only 0.6 miles from the museum, offering luxury goods. Portobello Road Market, about 1 mile away, is perfect for unique finds. If you're up for a drive, check out the Westfield London Shopping Centre, just 2 miles away, for a variety of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Experience the energy of Wembley Stadium, just 6 miles from the museum, where you can catch a thrilling sports event. For live music, head to Shepherd's Bush Empire, only 2 miles away, and enjoy a vibrant concert atmosphere. Indulge in luxury vibes at Wimbledon Tennis Club, located 5 miles from the museum.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views on the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 8 miles from the Natural History Museum, perfect for family adventures. Try climbing at The Castle Climbing Centre, 6 miles away, or enjoy thrilling water sports with Back of Beyond Adventures, also 6 miles distant.

Nightlife

In the vicinity of the Natural History Museum, the Eventim Apollo offers a vibrant theater experience, while the Grosvenor Victoria Casino adds a touch of excitement with its gaming atmosphere. For a cozy movie night, the Electric Cinema provides a charming setting for film lovers, perfect for a romantic outing.

Find the best attractions near Natural History Museum

When visiting the Natural History Museum in London, you'll find a variety of attractions nearby, including vibrant streets, urban parks, and lively piazzas. This area is perfect for travelers seeking cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Don't miss exploring the museum itself, along with other local history museums that showcase fascinating exhibits and the rich natural history of the region.

  • Hyde Park: Enjoy a serene escape in one of London's largest urban parks, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With beautiful gardens, walking paths, and opportunities for picnicking, Hyde Park offers a refreshing break from the city's hustle and bustle, all within 0.9 miles from the Natural History Museum.
  • Big Ben: Marvel at the iconic clock tower, a symbol of London’s rich history and architectural beauty. Located 2 miles away, Big Ben stands as a cultural landmark, with its impressive clock face and surrounding scenery, making it a must-see for any visitor.
  • Buckingham Palace: Discover the grandeur of the historic palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Just 2 miles from the museum, Buckingham Palace offers a glimpse into royal life, complete with the Changing of the Guard ceremony for a truly cultural experience.

Best time to go to Natural History Museum

Visitor numbers around Natural History Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 traveling between January and March for lower hotel prices. Book your stay about a month in advance or check Expedia's last-minute deals for savings. Sundays offer the best rates, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to find eco-friendly hotels and package deals that combine flights and accommodations. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also unlock exclusive discounts and cash back for future stays, helping you make the most of your budget.

  • 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. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you a variety of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply adjust the price filter to sort from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Natural History Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.