Category · Museums & Galleries
Museums & Galleries
22 places · 10 areasLondon's museums offer a captivating journey through time, culture, and the human experience. From the masterpieces of the National Gallery to the ancient treasures of the British Museum and the scientific wonders of the Science Museum, embark on a voyage of discovery and delve into the fascinating stories that have shaped our world. Every visit to London's museums promises a new adventure that will enchant, educate, and leave you yearning for more. Most popular museums attract over 5 million visitors annually.
Greenwich
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Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark is a historic 19th-century clipper ship museum located in Greenwich, London, on the River Thames. Built in 1869, it is one of the world’s last surviving tea clippers and a key attraction for visitors interested in maritime history. Today, Cutty Sark is part of Royal Museums Greenwich and can be explored both above and below deck, with exhibitions, river views and a unique walk beneath its copper-clad hull.
National Maritime Museum
Located in the Greenwich area on the banks of the River Thames, the National Maritime Museum Greenwich is part of the Royal Museums Greenwich group. The museum opened in 1937 and houses an extensive collection that explores Britain’s maritime history.
Old Royal Naval College
The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich is an impressive historic site known for its classical architecture, featuring the magnificent Painted Hall and beautiful chapel. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking views of the Thames, with stunning gardens perfect for a peaceful stroll. The spectacular ceiling frescoes in the Painted Hall and the historic Nelson Room make for an unforgettable visit.
Royal Observatory, Greenwich
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is where East meets West at Longitude 0°, the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian.
Bankside
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HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast is a historic Royal Navy light cruiser that is now a museum ship moored on the River Thames in London. It is part of the Imperial War Museum, including the Churchill War Rooms and IWM Duxford.
Shakespeare's Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe is located on the south bank of the River Thames in the South Bank area, close to the site where the original Globe Theatre operated in the 16th century. The first Globe was built in 1599 for William Shakespeare’s acting company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men.
Tate Modern
Tate Modern is London's premier museum of modern and contemporary art. It is Britain's second most popular museum, with over five million visitors annually.
Chelsea
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ConSept
Lifestyle design shop with a brilliant collection of homeware such as plates and cups with unique designs. They even offer a bespoke service for plates with either your favourite personality or yourself.
Limelight Movie Art
Original film poster and lobby card retailer, and a selection of limited edition photography about Marilyn Monroe, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Saatchi Gallery
Gallery which is home to works created by many emerging artists from around the world, mainly showcasing contemporary art. The gallery recently became a registered charity.
South Kensington
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Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of London's most popular museums. It houses a collection of over 80 million items related to natural history.
Science Museum
The Science Museum in South Kensington is one of many museums in the surrounding area. It displays items and machines from many areas of science, such as space exploration, medicine, mathematics, computer science, and chemistry.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Victoria and Albert Museum is a leading museum of arts and design in South Kensington. Its collection includes over two million items from five millennia of art and design, including sculpture, fashion, textiles, and jewellery.
Westminster
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Churchill War Rooms
Churchill War Rooms is the preserved underground bunker beneath Westminster where Winston Churchill and his ministers ran Britain's war effort from 1939 to 1945. Sealed up at the end of the Second World War and reopened to the public in 1984, the site is now part of the [Imperial War Museums](/places/imperial-war-museum) and pairs the original Cabinet War Rooms with the dedicated Churchill Museum.
The National Gallery
The National Gallery is London's third most popular museum. Its collection includes over 2300 European artworks since the 1300s. The museum is right next to Trafalgar Square, in the borough of Westminster.
Covent Garden
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Fitzrovia
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Kensington Gardens
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Marylebone
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Strand
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Other places
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British Museum
Centrally located in London's Bloomsbury district, the British Museum is a testament to human history, art, and culture. Established in 1753, it is the world's first national public museum.
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery, located beside Trafalgar Square, offers a unique opportunity to see the faces and stories of people who have shaped British history over the centuries. The gallery focuses on portraits and photographs of influential British and global figures.
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177London is a shopper's dream, offering an unrivalled variety of retail experiences to suit every taste and budget, from high-end luxury brands to the latest in cutting-edge fashion.
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54London has iconic landmarks, hidden gems, awe-inspiring architecture, and royal palaces. There's something for everyone and more than can be visited on a single trip.