You will feel like an explorer stepping into South Kensington's cathedral of nature the moment you step beneath Hintze Hall's soaring Romanesque arches. London's Natural History Museum is a towering celebration of the natural world, housing tens of millions of specimens across five main collections. It is an unmissable destination for families and curious minds alike. As you wander through the lofty galleries, your gaze will inevitably fix on Hope, the magnificent blue whale skeleton suspended gracefully from the ceiling of the main hall. Head straight to the Earth Hall to ride an escalator directly through a metallic giant globe, or explore the popular Dinosaur Gallery to face a roaring animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex. You can touch real meteorite fragments, feel simulated earthquake tremors in the Volcanoes gallery, and marvel at shimmering gemstone collections from every corner of our planet. Outside, the peaceful nature garden offers a serene refuge right in the city center. With interactive hands-on displays, incredible Victorian terracotta architecture, and endless treasures to discover, this remarkable museum turns complex science into pure wonder. It delivers an unforgettable educational journey that will keep every member of your family enthralled from start to finish.
What to see at Natural History Museum
- Hintze Hall with Hope the blue whale skeleton
- Dinosaur Gallery featuring a roaring animatronic T-Rex
- Earth Hall escalator ride inside a giant metallic globe
- Volcanoes and Earthquakes gallery with a shake simulator
- Lush Nature Discovery Garden and urban habitat spaces
Visiting tips
Reserve free timed-entry tickets online in advance to bypass long general admission queues at the entrance.
How long: 3-4 hours · Best time: Weekday mornings
How to get there & what’s nearby
Natural History Museum is easy to reach on London’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Tower of London. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our London travel guide.
Natural History Museum in pictures
See the full London travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.