Back in the late 80s and early 90s I live in London for five years, and one of the highlights for me was the difficulty of finding nothing to do! Museums were always a highlight, especially when the weather was too gloomy to enjoy the outdoors, it was a way to spark up the day.
London is home to some of the world’s most wonderful museums, it is often overwhelming to make a choice, and no matter what your interests are, you can always find one or more to suite or you can be adventurous and take a punt on one of the many smaller museums, and find a new interest!
The larger and more famous museums being the Tate Modern and The British Museum, but it is a good idea to not just stop there, by overlooking the overwhelming number of small museums and galleries.
Here is a recommended list of the some of the underrated choices, often being educational galleries and museums,
London’s Best and Biggest Museums, Libraries and Galleries
- British Library.
- British Museum.
- National Gallery. …
- Natural History Museum. …
- National Portrait Gallery. …
- Science Museum. …
- Tate Modern. …
- The Tate Britain
Free Museums with themes!
London Film Museum
This London Film Museum exhibits original props, costumes and sets from feature films. There is also a section on how films are made, including information on all the major studios. Original pieces include costumes and props from British films. The museum has been dedicated to the James Bond films with a collection of vehicles and props from feature movies, and the ‘Bond in Motion’ exhibition from 18 September to 18 December, 2017 is a worthwhile visit for all the Bond fans!
Bank of England Museum
The story of the country’s main financial institution since 1694.
Imperial War Museum
Framing the British wartime experience from World War I to present day.
The Geffrey Museum
Focusing on living rooms highlighting furniture, textiles, and decorative arts.
Museum of London
Walk through the entire timeline of the city at this urban history institution.
National Maritime Museum
The world’s biggest collection dedicated to seafaring objects.
Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
Exhibiting 80,000 ancient artefacts from the Nile Valley.
Royal Airforce Museum London
displaying over 100 military aircraft from historic to modern.
Sir John Soane’s Museum
Quirky personal art collection and effects in a stately townhouse.
V&A Museum of Childhood
Huge collection of toys, games, and clothes in an airy, historic space.
Wallace Collection
18th-century French painting, an Armory, and more in a London townhouse.
Welcome Collection
Fascinating collection exploring the intersection of medical history and art.
Madam Tussauds Wax Museum
Anna Maria “Marie” Tussaud was a French artist known for her wax sculptures in the 1800s, who moved to London after the French Revolution, and proceeded with her work, by opening the Madam Tussauds Wax Museum. The museum features wax model replicas of life size famous celebrities and historic personalities, and with a chain of smaller museums around the world. A fun museum for everyone, the kids will love having all their photos with the stars!
Touring Passes for London
If you are planning on visiting a few Museums, Galleries along with other attractions around London during your visit, it can often be a good idea to purchase a London Pass. At Ciao Travel we will be pleased to discuss the passes with you to ensure it will provide you with value for money.
Buckingham Palace Tours
Every summer in London, England the Queen and Royal Family travel to Scotland for holidays and officially open the doors of Buckingham Palace to the public. This is wonderful opportunity for those interested to explore the lavishly furnished State Rooms, the Nursery, and Royal Collections of their magnificent treasures on display. A guided tour of Buckingham Palace Gardens is also an option with free-time to explore at leisure at the end, whist enjoying an ice cream!
Tickets for Buckingham Palace are recommended to be purchased well in advance, as set times are allocated every day for entry and tours. The dates for next year is 21 July to 30 September, 2018. At Ciao Travel, we assist with ticket purchase for all our clients interested in a tour when travelling to London in this period.