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We regularly tout that we aren’t museum people…and, we generally stand by that statement. In London, we’d rather be outside exploring an interesting neighborhood or walking along the Thames. Over the years, however, many incredible and free London museums have attracted our attention.
Truthfully, we first sought out free museums in London for clean public toilets. Then, we found ourselves using them as an escape on rainy days. It was only recently that we actually started having a proper look around. Quite suddenly, we were hooked. Because here’s the thing: the no-cost cultural institutions in London are magnificent.
Now, after countless trips to London, we have waltzed through a dazzling number of cost-free museums. We have pondered famous collections of artwork and peered down at ancient Roman ruins. We’ve also interacted with engaging displays and routed our way to off-beat exhibitions.
Spending months in London has allowed us to tour these museums at our leisure. Those visiting London on vacation, however, need to mind a timeframe. With so many to choose from, we’re here to help you determine which London free museums are worth your time!
Best Free Museums in London
Based on our personal experience, we are sharing our suggestions for the Top Free London Museums. We provide a description of each venue to help you decide if you want to add it to your London Vacation Itinerary.
We also include a map and trip planning advice later in the article. If you are a cost-conscious traveler – like us – you’ll want to read our Tips for London on a Budget, as well!
#1 British Museum
Open Daily from 10am to 5pm (and until 8:30pm on Fridays).
A renowned London institution, the British Museum contains a collection of artifacts that date to ancient times and cover a span of more than 2 million years. Some of the highlights are The Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, a Moai statue from Easter Island and Elgin Marbles from the Acropolis in Greece.
It’s a gigantic museum – one that could easily swallow up the better part of a day. To make it all more digestible for vacationers, they have created self-guided tours curated by interests and available time.
#2 The National Gallery
Open Daily from 10am to 6pm.
An absolute treasure trove of masterpiece paintings, The National Gallery was the first free museum in London that we visited. It is a must for art aficionados – but can be appreciated by anyone and we have returned several times.
At The National Gallery, visitors are able to view paintings by some of the world’s most famous artists. Works by Michaelangelo, Rembrandt and Vicent van Gogh (among many others) are on display for free. For a formal introduction to the artwork, guests can join a 60-minute tour.
Note that The National Portrait Gallery, which is right next door, is also free of charge. The collection features the likenesses of the United Kingdom’s most prominent citizens. For foreigners to make the most sense of who is who, we recommend downloading the free audio guide.
#3 British Library Treasures Gallery
Open Monday to Thursday 9:30am to 8pm; Friday 9:30 am to 6pm; Saturday 9:30am to 5pm; Sunday 11am to 5 pm.
A fascinating collection of literary relics, the Treasures Gallery at the British Library proved to be much more enthralling than we had anticipated. Sheet music by Mozart, Jane Austen’s writing desk and handwritten Beatle’s lyrics are on display. That said, the most prized possession at the British Library is the Magna Carta.
Visitors can use a digital app for audio information regarding items in the Treasures Gallery as well as artwork located throughout the library. Daily 1-hour tours are also offered for a fee.
#4 Natural History Museum
Open Daily from 10am to 5:50pm.
The London Natural History Museum is a place of intriguing education. The institution features phenomenal exhibits and hands-on activities that are ideal for children (as well as curious adults). Some of the most interesting things to see are the dinosaur fossils, sparkling minerals, and an array of taxidermized creatures.
There is also a complete gallery dedicated to geological events, such as volcanos, earthquakes and tsunamis. For us, it was the most captivating gallery at this free London museum. The Hintze Hall audio tour, narrated by none other than Sir David Attenborough, explains the space that is home to a giant whale skeleton and an American Mastodon.
#5 London Science Museum
Open Daily from 10am to 6pm.
The Science Museum is another fabulous free London museum. It is an ideal stop to include on a London Itinerary with kids. That said, it impresses visitors of all ages…including us! In fact, we found the Science Museum to be more intriguing than the Natural History Museum.
From space exploration to the information age, the exhibits detail the history of science in a super fun and engaging way. Note that while the Science Museum is free to visit, it is necessary to reserve a timeslot.
#6 The Victoria and Albert Museum
Open Daily 10am to 5:45pm (and until 10pm on Fridays).
Sensational from the moment we stepped inside, the V&A Art Museum hosts a stunning collection housed in an ornate building. From ancient artifacts to modern marvels, the exceptional exhibits are mind-bending.
Top things to see in the V&A are the enormous statues in the Cast Courts, the fantastic Fashion Gallery and the Silver Collection. It is truly amazing that the permanent collection at this spectacular London museum is free to visit.
There are said to be more than 7 miles of galleries here – so grab a map at the entrance (or look ahead online) to efficiently spend your time.
#7 Museum of London
Currently Closed for renovation and relocation.
An outstanding way to learn about London’s long and illustrious past, the Museum of London beckons visitors with gripping displays. Outlining the timeline of the city – from its earliest days to modern times – the museum is a must for history buffs.
We were mesmerized by the stories presented and let time slip away as we explored the exhibits. Discovering the new space when it re-opens near Smithfield Market in 2026 is a priority for us! Until then, visitors can see what exhibits to expect on their website.
#8 Sir John Soane’s Museum
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
The Sir John Soane Museum is intriguing and beguiling – if not a bit off-beat. The extensive personal collection of statues, paintings and curiosities are crammed inside the architect’s former home. Covering nearly every inch of wall space, the items are said to be ‘left as it was’ at the time of Soane’s death in 1837.
Do note that only a limited number of people are allowed to enter at one time (due to the tight quarters and narrow hallways). Luckily, we didn’t have to wait, but we have heard that long lines are the norm. Although the museum is free to visit, there are guided tours of the private apartments.
#9 Guildhall London and Roman Amphitheater
Open Daily from 10am to 5pm.
Serving as the Town Hall for the City of London, the Guildhall features two exhibition spaces that are totally free to see. The Art Gallery, which features a nice collection, and the ruins of a Roman Amphitheater, which is utterly enthralling.
In our opinion, visiting Roman remains is always impressive, but to see a 2000-year-old amphitheater in the center of London is simply amazing. While only an outline of the 6,000-capacity amphitheater is visible, visitors can walk around the space and imagine it in its glory.
To learn more about the ancient ruins before your visit, check out the official website. If the Roman ruins have piqued your interest, the nearby Mithraeum Temple – which is also free – might be worth checking out, as well.
#10 Tate Britain and Tate Modern
Both Open Daily 10am to 6pm.
Featuring 500 years of British art – including a dedicated gallery to JMW Turner – the Tate Britain is one of our favorite art spaces in London. Smaller than the sprawling National Gallery, we have found that it is much more manageable to navigate (find the floorplan online).
From historic paintings to modern photographs, the Tate Britain showcases an abundance of works that can be seen in a snap (or longer for those who like to linger).
The Tate Modern is another free London museum to visit (check the current exhibitions). The venue features contemporary pieces and is housed in the former Bankside Power Station. Plus, the views across London from Level 10 are superb!
#11 Saatchi Gallery
Open Daily 10am to 6pm.
Saatchi Gallery is a modern art institution that displays an array of contemporary works, with a focus on up-and-coming artists. The constantly rotating exhibits mean there is nearly always something new to see. In our experience, these free London exhibitions can be hit or miss.
Before making a stop at the Saatchi Gallery, we suggest checking what’s currently on show. Nonetheless, if you happen to be in Chelsea exploring one of the Best London Neighborhoods, at least pop by to see the building. The Duke of York Headquarters is Grade II listed and dates to 1801.
#12 The Design Museum London
Open Monday to Thursday 10am to 5pm and Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.
Admittedly, we were a bit hesitant to visit The Design Museum. However, we found the free exhibit – Designer, Maker, User – to be absolutely entertaining! Appealing to both adults and children, the displays cover a range of topics from transportation to architecture to fashion.
The modern space is clean and bright – and everything about it stokes creativity. We were most captivated by (and felt a bit nostalgic for) the displays that trace the evolution of digital technology. Equally entrancing – and not to be missed, in our opinion – is the exhibit detailing the London Tube.
#13 National Maritime Museum
Open Daily from 10am to 5pm.
On our first visit to the Maritime Museum in Greenwich, we envisioned breezing right through and moving on to more Greenwich Things To Do. Were we ever wrong! We spent hours viewing the historic vessels, peering at the old maps and soaking in the maritime history.
As interesting as this free London museum is to ship-loving adults, it is also a stellar spot for kids. In addition to the mature learning exhibitions, they offer complete galleries that are designed just for children.
#14 Queen’s House
Open Daily from 10am to 5pm.
A sumptuous 17th century mansion, The Queen’s House in Greenwich can make even the most tired tourist feel luxurious. Completed in the 1630s, the lavish estate has been used as a royal residence, an artist studio, an orphanage and a school. Now, it’s a bit of an underrated free London museum.
While the rooms are decorated with lavish maritime artwork – we found the house itself (and the elaborate, spiral Tulip Stairs) to be the most inspiring. Guests are free to tour the space at their own pace. Oh, we almost forgot, it’s said to be haunted!
#15 Museum of London Docklands
Open Daily from 10am to 5pm.
London’s importance as a trading port can be traced all the way back to its origins. There is no better place to learn about the shipping past than at the Museum of London Docklands. Situated over 3 floors in a former warehouse at Canary Wharf, the exhibits cover an array of information – from life on the docks to the slave trade.
While part of the space is dedicated to young children, we enjoyed strolling the recreated streets of the docks, learning about the lives of sailors and understanding the port’s importance during WWII. Best of all, this museum helps visitors to better understand the history of London as a whole.
More Free London Museums
Above, we outlined our top picks for the best free museums to include on a vacation to London. However, there are a few more that might pique your interest!
Young V&A
Open Daily from 10am to 5:45pm.
A beautiful museum bedecked with displays of throw-back toys and intricate dollhouses, Young V&A appeals to visitors of all ages. That said, it really is a children’s museum. Families looking for things to do in London for free shouldn’t miss it! Find more info on their website.
Vagina Museum
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
Educational and impactful, the Vagina Museum aims to overcome the taboo associated with the natural workings and health of the female body. Currently, it’s just a one-room, rotating exhibition with a gift shop (where there are some humorous offerings!).
Fulham Palace
Open Daily from 10:30am to 5pm.
Serving as the residence of the Bishops of London for more than a thousand years, the Fulham Palace is a place of history and reverence, power and wealth. Visitors are invited to learn about the Bishops who lived inside the palace – as well as explore the surrounding gardens. Additionally, the palace hosts inexpensive events – from guided tours to hands-on experiences.
Map of Free Museums in London
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our London tourist map below.
Tips for Visiting Free London Museums
Before adding these institutions to your London travel itinerary, we have a bit of important advice.
London Museum Opening Hours
We have listed the current opening hours for each venue. However, it is always best to check again before setting off. Museums may close for special events, unexpected renovations or to rotate exhibits.
Large Bags, Umbrellas and Lockers
Some museums do not allow visitors to carry large bags or backpacks through the galleries. There are typically storage lockers on site – either for free or a small fee. In most cases, luggage (especially wheeled baggage) is not permitted inside at all. Again, it’s best to check online for current information.
Also note that visitors may be asked to leave wet umbrellas in the cloakroom or in a locker. Some museums may offer a plastic covering to keep your ‘brolly’ from dripping on the floors.
Special Exhibits at London Museums
In addition to offering cost-free general admission, many museums also feature special exhibits that require a paid ticket. To avoid disappointment, ensure that the exhibitions you expect to see are included in the free admission.
Donations, Gift Shops and Cafes
While the London museums featured on our list offer gratis entry, they all ask for donations. It is not required to contribute, but there are typically money boxes as well as contactless pay options at the entrance. Another way to support free museums in London is to purchase items from the gift shop or café.
Planning a Trip to London
Need more help planning your itinerary for England? Use our detailed travel guides for London!
- A Fabulous Way to Spend One Day in London
- The Best 3 Days in London – on a Budget
- How To Plan a One-Week London Itinerary
- What and Where to Eat in London
Organize Your London Vacation
As you begin to make reservations, staying on top of the details is essential. Use our Printable Travel Planner to organize your trip!
More London Travel Guides
- How To Visit the Sky Garden for Free
- Self-Guided Westminster Walking Tour
- A Fun River Thames Pub Crawl
- Craft Breweries on the Bermondsey Beer Mile
- Visiting London at Christmas
- Day Trip to Windsor Castle
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Top UK Destinations
- What To See in Bath
- Things To Do in Bristol (and How To Plan a Day Trip)
- One Day in Manchester
- What To Do in Birmingham (Hint: Amazing Christmas Market)
- 10 Days in Scotland
- Best of Edinburgh (and Where To Eat)
- Things To See in Belfast, Northern Ireland (and What To Eat)
- 1 Day in Cardiff, Wales
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