Natural History Museum

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

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The Ampersand Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

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Things to do near Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum offers a wealth of activities for visitors, including exciting guided tours and special exhibitions that delve into the wonders of our planet. Nearby, you can enjoy a vibrant arts scene, catch a performance in one of the theatres, or indulge in some shopping. Don't miss the chance to experience thrilling rides and interactive displays that make learning about the natural world both fun and engaging.

Shopping

The nearest shopping options include Harrods, just 373m away, offering luxury goods, and Portobello Road Market, 621m away, known for its eclectic finds. For a larger experience, Westfield London Shopping Centre is 1.2km away, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Experience the electrifying atmosphere at Wembley Stadium, a mere 3.7km from the museum, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Alternatively, indulge in luxury at Wimbledon Tennis Club, 3.1km away, or enjoy vibrant entertainment at Shepherd's Bush Empire, located just 1.2km from the museum.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views at the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 5.0km from the Natural History Museum, perfect for families seeking adventure. For thrill-seekers, Vertical Chill climbing and the Oasis Go-Kart Track, both 1.9km away, offer exhilarating outdoor sports and karting fun.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Natural History Museum! Enjoy a show at the London Palladium Theatre, catch a film at the Electric Cinema, or immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Eventim Apollo, all within a couple of miles, offering entertainment and cultural delights for all.

Find the best attractions near Natural History Museum

Exploring the Natural History Museum and its surrounding areas offers a delightful mix of culture and family experiences. You can visit nearby attractions such as the British Museum, alongside other fascinating museums and major London points of interest. The charming streets, urban parks, and piazzas provide a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls, making it an ideal spot for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

  • Hyde Park: A sprawling urban park located 559m from the Natural History Museum, Hyde Park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, or boating on the Serpentine while soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere.
  • Big Ben: Situated 1.2km away, Big Ben is an iconic clock tower symbolising London’s rich cultural heritage. Experience the grandeur of this historic landmark and the bustling city vibes surrounding it, especially at dusk when the tower is beautifully illuminated.
  • Buckingham Palace: Also 1.2km from the museum, Buckingham Palace is a magnificent historic palace and the official residence of the monarch. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and admire the stunning architecture and regal atmosphere that embody British culture.

Best time to go to Natural History Museum

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 LowAverage
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 HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Natural History Museum

To save money on your visit to the Natural History Museum, consider travelling during the off-peak months from January to March for lower hotel rates. Booking your accommodation around a month in advance can secure the best deals, and Sundays tend to be the least expensive days to stay. Use Expedia’s tools to filter for budget-friendly options and check for last-minute deals. Don’t forget to explore free activities at the museum itself, and consider walking or using public transport like buses for affordable travel around London.

  • 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, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near the Natural History Museum with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.