Hotels near Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom

The Natural History Museum draws millions of visitors annually to its world-famous exhibits. Its most recognizable display is undoubtedly the giant skeleton of a blue whale named "Hope", suspended in the Hintze Hall, welcoming visitors at the entrance. Another crown jewel is the dinosaur gallery, complete with an animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex and a wealth of fossilized remains.

The Earth Hall features an escalator slicing through a replica of the Earth's core, encircled with displays on volcanoes, earthquakes, and our planet's diverse geology. Aside from these permanent displays, the museum also houses a collection of rare minerals, gemstones, and meteorites, an exhibit which science and nature lovers are fascinated with. The Human Evolution gallery and marine reptiles hall are also crowd favorites.

Interactive displays such as earthquake simulators and touchable specimens continue to attract school groups and families. The mix of science, history, and immersive experiences provides an educational yet entertaining visit.

Yes, entry to the Natural History Museum is free, with visitors being able to explore the permanent galleries without needing to purchase a ticket, making it one of London’s most accessible and popular attractions. However, since the museum operates a timed-entry policy, reserving a free ticket in advance is strongly recommended to guarantee entry, especially at weekends and during school breaks.

Although most of the museum is free, exploring some of the special events or temporary exhibitions may be charged separately. Paid exhibitions are not obligatory and typically have some distinctive exhibit or interactive facilities on display that are not part of the regular collection.

Donations are accepted and used for scientific research, educational programs, and conservation at the museum. Free access ensures that people of different backgrounds are able to explore the museum's facilities, whether they're first-timers, students, or repeat science enthusiasts looking to learn more about the museum's vast collection.

Yes, the Natural History Museum hosts a range of varied events and one-off exhibitions regularly throughout the year. Its season-defining shows are often thematic and delve into science, nature, and conservation, conveyed through the use of interactive exhibits, immersive installations, and multimedia productions that keep visits engaged.

Some of the recent shows have focused on deep-sea dwellers, extinct mammals, and planetary science. Beyond exhibitions, the museum also hosts public programs in the form of evening lectures, family workshops, science festivals, as well as after-hours events like "Lates," where adults can enjoy cocktails and live music while strolling through its many galleries.

All of these events are charged separately from general admission, and it is worth reserving a spot in advance as they get booked rather fast. These activities guarantee that the Natural History Museum offers something fresh and stimulating for returning visitors.

Yes, visitors can choose from a variety of tours to elevate their visit. Guided tours for groups and individuals can be reserved, offering a more in-depth experience of the museum's most popular galleries, special collections, and behind-the-scenes areas. Seasoned guides provide additional context on exhibits, answer questions, and share fascinating stories about the artifacts on display.

There are thematic tours highlighting a specific aspect such as dinosaurs, human history, or geology, as well as regular tours which focus on the most popular aspects of the museum. Educational and school group tours are available with especially curated content for kids. Those wishing to explore at their own pace can take advantage of the audio tours and self-guided phone app tours.

Advance booking is advisable, particularly during peak periods. Tours are excellent for maximizing your time and enjoyment at the museum while adding a subtle layer of education to the mix.

The Natural History Museum is very family-focused with thoughtful facilities to enable visits with children to be simple and pleasant. There are interactive galleries, such as the Investigate Centre, where children can handle real specimens under close adult guidance. There is a family trail and activity sheets to take younger visitors round themed areas of the museum.

Baby-changing facilities are available throughout the building, as well as toilet facilities and spaces to park pushchairs. The cafés at the museum provide children's meals and snacks in addition to rest break seating. Pushchairs can be easily mobilized around the wide corridors, with the added convenience of lifts, and ramps.

Educational and school holiday events are regularly hosted, providing even more value for families with kids. Whether it's their first or return visit, kids can enjoy and interact with science in a straightforward and entertaining manner at the museum.