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The Best Free Museums In London

Let’s face it, London is a pricey city. This is why I like to look for some free things to do in London to help balance my itinerary. Luckily, London also offers a bevy of great museums all for the low, low admission price of FREE! From art to natural history to maritime history, you can take in some amazing sites without having to shell out a pound. And you may even learn a thing or two.

In this post, I’ll take you through some of the best free museums in London England, give you a heads up about their accessibility, and tell you what interesting things you might see there. So get ready to enjoy the free side of London’s arts, history, and culture.

The British Museum

Established in 1753, The British Museum houses an impressive collection of art and antiquities that span over two million years of history. That’s a lot of history!

Among its most famous artifacts is the Rosetta Stone, crucial for the deciphering of Egyptian hieroglyphs, which offers insight into ancient Egyptian civilization. Another prominent exhibit is the Elgin Marbles, a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures that have been a subject of controversial debate regarding their provenance and repatriation.

The museum is organized into various departments, each representing different regions and periods, including Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Access to the British Museum is free, although some special exhibitions may require a ticket.

Accessibility: Wheelchair reservations and Blue Badge Parking are booked through the British Museum Ticketing team. For information on how to borrow a wheelchair or obtain on-site parking, please click on 'Borrow a wheelchair' and 'Accessible parking’.

The Main entrance on Great Russell Street has 12 steps with a handrail. The North entrance on Montague Place has 12 steps and lift access. There are self-operable lifts on both sides of these steps.

Email: tickets@britishmuseum.org

Phone: +44 (0)20 7323 8181

Location: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in London was established in 1881. This science museum houses a massive collection of specimens that cover a wide range of disciplines, including botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology, and zoology. The building itself is an architectural marvel, designed in a Romanesque style with intricate decorations.

One of the museum's iconic attractions is the dinosaur gallery, where visitors can marvel at the impressive skeletons of dinosaurs, including a nearly complete T. rex skeleton. Additionally, the museum features significant exhibits such as the Wildlife Garden, which showcases native British flora and fauna, and the Darwin Centre, a hub of research and learning named after the famous naturalist Charles Darwin.

Interactive displays and hands-on exhibits make the museum accessible to people of all ages, enhancing the educational experience. It’s without a doubt one of the best free museums in London for kids. There are also temporary exhibitions that rotate regularly, offering fresh insights and discoveries related to natural history.

Accessibility: Visitors with access requirements and their accompanying family members and personal carers can skip the queues to enter the Museum. When you arrive please approach a member of staff at an entrance for assistance.

You can borrow wheelchairs for free from the cloakrooms just inside the main entrance on Cromwell Road and the Exhibition Road entrance.

Location: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, UK

Sir John Soane's Museum

Sir John Soane's Museum is a remarkable institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of the architect Sir John Soane. This London museum was established in his former residence, it showcases an extensive collection of art, antiquities, and architectural models, reflecting Soane's eclectic taste.

The house museum is particularly notable for its unique architecture, which Soane designed to display his collection. Visitors will encounter a variety of spaces, each filled with fascinating artifacts, from classical sculptures to paintings by renowned artists like Turner and Canaletto. The layout encourages exploration, with rooms that change in light and atmosphere, creating surprising visual experiences.

One of the highlights is the Museum's drawing room, known as the 'Picture Room,' which features a skylight designed to enhance the viewing of artworks. Additionally, the museum houses the famous sarcophagus of the Egyptian Pharaoh Seti I, a testament to Soane's interest in Egyptology.

Accessibility: This one is a little tricky. Visitors requiring the lift for entrance need to call at least 24 hours ahead. To organize your visit, please call 020 7405 2107.

The museum now has an internal and an external platform lift for step-free access. Please call ahead so that a member of staff can be on hand to operate the lift as, due to their Grade 1 listing, the lift cannot be in a public space.

Inside, standard wheelchairs are usually too big for the narrow corridors and doorways; so visitors with wheelchairs larger than 41cm wide, 84cm deep and a height of 82cm, will be asked to transfer to their own specially manufactured narrow wheelchairs.

Location: 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP, United Kingdom

National Gallery

The National Gallery in London houses one of the finest collections of Western European paintings in the world, featuring works that span from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Located in Trafalgar Square, the gallery is home to over 2,300 paintings, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Botticelli, Turner, and Rembrandt.

Visitors can explore various European art movements, with galleries dedicated to Renaissance, Baroque, and Romantic periods.

Admission to the main collection is free. Special exhibitions may have an entry fee, but these usually showcase valuable collections or offer insights into specific artists or historical contexts.

Accessibility: Level access entry is available at the Getty Entrance.

Transport and standard manual wheelchairs as well as a rollator are available to book in advance. Please call 020 7747 2885.

A limited number are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Getty Entrance on Level 0. Please ask at the desk upon arrival.

There are disabled and ambulant toilets near the entrance.

Location: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, UK

The V&A

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London is one of the world's leading museums of art and design. Established in 1852, it houses a vast collection that spans over 5,000 years of human creativity. The museum's galleries feature a diverse range of decorative arts and design, including fashion, textiles, furniture, ceramics, and sculpture.

Visitors can explore numerous exhibitions that showcase both historical and contemporary works. The museum is also known for its special exhibitions, which often highlight specific themes or artists.

The V&A's architecture is impressive as well, featuring a blend of Victorian grandeur and modern design. The central courtyard is a popular space, offering a serene environment to relax amid artworks and installations. Additionally, the museum hosts workshops, talks, and family activities, making it an engaging destination for all ages.

Access to the museum is generally free, although some temporary exhibitions may require a ticket.

Accessibility: The V and A is a very accessible venue with step-free access from Cromwell Road. There are 12 blue badge parking spaces on Exhibition Road which is only approx 40 metres from the step-free entrance. There are plenty of ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets throughout the museum and the staff are always helpful.

Wheelchairs and walking sticks are available at the information desk in the Grand Entrance. It is recommended to book at least 24 hours in advance.

Location: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom

National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum in London is a prominent institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing Britain's maritime history. Located in Greenwich, the museum is an integral part of the Royal Museums Greenwich, which also includes the Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, and the Queen's House.

The museum features an extensive collection of maritime artifacts, including ship models, navigational instruments, paintings, and manuscripts. Visitors can explore exhibitions that cover various themes, such as exploration, trade, naval warfare, and the cultural impact of the sea. The displays often highlight famous voyages, significant maritime events, and the lives of notable maritime figures throughout history.

Accessibility: All cafés and gift shops across the National Maritime Museum are wheelchair-accessible and accessible toilets are available. All floors of the National Maritime Museum have lift access.

A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge from the Park Entrance Information Desk on Level 0. It is recommended to book these in advance, due to limited availability, by emailing bookings@rmg.co.uk.

Location: Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF, United Kingdom

Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is one of the world's most renowned contemporary art museums. Housed in a former power station on the banks of the River Thames, the museum opened its doors in 2000.

The museum features an expansive collection of modern and contemporary art from the mid-20th century to the present day. Works by acclaimed artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Hirst are part of its permanent collection, showcasing various movements and styles. Turbine Hall, a large space that hosts temporary installations, often features works that engage with current social, political, and environmental themes.

Visitors can explore multiple floors filled with paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. The museum also emphasizes educational programs, offering workshops, talks, and tours designed to enhance the visitor experience and provide deeper insights into the works displayed.

With free admission to the main collection, the Tate Modern makes contemporary art accessible to a broad audience. Dining options, a vast gift shop, and stunning views of the London skyline from its viewing terrace further enhance the experience.

Accessibility: Entrance is via the Turbine Hall or via the Blavatnik Building from Park Street.

The Tate Modern offers wheelchair-accessible restrooms and lifts throughout its facilities.

To borrow a wheelchair or walker you can either book in advance or ask a member of staff on arrival (subject to availability). Reservation is free.

To borrow a mobility scooter please book at least 24 hours in advance of visiting. Reservation is free but you must have driven a mobility scooter before.

To book:

Email ticketing@tate.org.uk
Call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 – option 1 (daily 10.00–17.00)

Location: Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom

The National Portrait Gallery

One of the best free London museums, The National Portrait Gallery in London is a prominent institution dedicated to showcasing portraits of historically significant British figures. Established in 1856, it was the first portrait gallery in the world and has since become a vital part of the UK's cultural landscape.

The gallery houses an impressive collection that includes paintings, photographs, and sculptures, spanning from the Tudor period to contemporary times. Notable works feature iconic figures such as William Shakespeare, Winston Churchill, and Queen Elizabeth II, providing visitors with insight into Britain's rich history through portraiture.

Visitors can explore various themed exhibitions, which often rotate, highlighting different aspects of British life and achievements.

In addition to the artwork, the National Portrait Gallery offers various educational programs, guided tours, and events. The building itself is an architectural landmark, located near Trafalgar Square, making it easily accessible for those exploring central London.

Accessibility: All entrances have step-free access, as well as the café, restaurant, and shops.

Accessible toilets are available on Floor 4 and Floor -3.

A limited number of manual and self-propelled wheelchairs and walkers are available to borrow free of charge from the Ticket and Membership Desk on Floor 0. It is recommended to book these in advance by emailing info@npg.org.uk. Alternatively, contact them at 020 7306 0055.

Location: St. Martin's Pl, London WC2H 0HE, UK

Final Thoughts On The Best Free Museums In London

As you can see, you can spend a lot of time with all the free museums London has to offer. And if you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-path selections you can always hit up quirky picks like The London Sewing Machine Museum, The London Transport Museum, or The National Army Museum or Air Force Museum.

Know of a museum I missed that qualifies as a must-see? Drop it in the comments below. Cheerio!

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