London is a great city if you’re a history lover. They have everything from ancient civilizations and mighty empires to world wars and the evolution of modern life. If you're curious about mummies, dinosaurs, or wartime secrets, there’s something here for you.
In this guide, we’ll take you through 7 of the best history museums in London. These spots are perfect if you’re traveling with families, solo travelers, or anyone who enjoys learning through stories. Get ready to explore cool exhibits, fun facts, and moments that make history come alive!
1. The British Museum
Ancient Egyptian artifacts in the British Museum, London
You can’t talk about the best history museums in London without starting here. The British Museum is a world-famous treasure trove of human history. Inside, you’ll find Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, and the Parthenon sculptures. Plus, ancient artifacts from Asia, Africa, and the Americas!
It’s a huge museum, so we recommend choosinga few galleries to explore,or you can join a British Museum guided tour to get a great overview of museum highlights. If you're into ancient Egypt or Roman relics, there's something amazing around every corner.
🕑 Best time to go: Early morning on weekdays to avoid the crowds
🚇 How to get there: Tottenham Court Road or Holborn stations (Central/Elizabeth & Piccadilly lines)
2. Natural History Museum
The giant blue whale model at National History Museum in London
The Natural History Museum is a stunning place to explore. As soon as you walk into the grand hall, you’ll be greeted by a giant blue whale model hanging from the ceiling. The museum is famous for its dinosaur skeletons, so if you’re looking for a dinosaur museum in London, this is the place to be.
If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll surely love the hands-on exhibits, and grown-ups will find the collections just as fascinating. You’ll also learn about volcanoes, gemstones, and how the Earth has changed over time. To get more out of your visit, you should go on a Natural History Museum tour to help you explore the highlights and learn fun facts you might otherwise miss.
🕑 Best time to visit: Right at opening time to avoid the crowds
🚇 How to get there: South Kensington station
3. Churchill War Rooms
Artifacts from the Churchill War Rooms, London
Want to know what it felt like to be in London during World War II? Head to the Churchill War Rooms, a real underground bunker used by Winston Churchill and his team. The rooms are preserved just as they were, with maps on the walls and even phones still on the desk.
You can walk through the Cabinet Room, Churchill’s bedroomand explore the interactive exhibits that explain how Britain survived the war. For a deeper look into the stories behind the bunker, consider going on a Churchill War Rooms tour, which helps bring this important part of London’s history to life.
It’s one of the most unique historical attractions in London. If you’re a history buff, you will love every detail!
🕑 Best time to visit: Late morning on weekdays
🚇 How to get there: Charing Cross or Westminster station
4. London Transport Museum
Double-decker buses at London Transport Museum
London’s buses and trains are more than just a way to get around; they're part of the city's history! At the London Transport Museum, you’ll learn how public transport helped shape the city over the years. Hop aboard vintage double-decker buses, explore old Tube carriages, and play with interactive exhibits perfect for kids and curious adults.
This is a great museum is one of the must-visits if you want something fun, informative, and a bit more hands-on than your typical museum. Plus, it’s right in Covent Garden!
🕑 Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon
🚇 How to get there: Covent Garden station
5. Museum of Brands
The Museum of Brands’ historic collections in London
The Museum of Brands focuses on everyday life rather than kings or wars. Inside, you’ll find shelves of vintage packaging, retro toys, classic advertisements, and pop culture items that show how shopping and daily habits have changed over the past 150 years.
It’s fun to see how familiar things like cereal boxes, shampoo bottles, and fashion trends looked decades ago. As you walk through the exhibits, you’ll probably spot brands you recognize from childhood or stories your parents told you. This museum is perfect if you want something light, nostalgic, and easy to enjoy.
🕑 Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons
🚇 How to get there: Ladbroke Grove or Notting Hill Gate stations
6. Sir John Soane's Museum
Historic collections at Sir John Soane’s Museum, London | Photo Credits: Simon Burchell on Wikimedia
Sir John Soane’s Museum is unlike any other museum in London. Once the home of architect Sir John Soane, and the museum has been preserved just the way he left it. Inside, you’ll find rooms packed with paintings, sculptures, strange objects, and even a real Egyptian sarcophagus.
Because it’s a smaller museum, visiting feels more like walking into a private collection than a public gallery. Every corner is filled with surprises, making it fun to explore. If you enjoy architecture, design, or quirky spaces, this historic museum is well worth a visit.
🕑 Best time to visit: Late morning on weekdays
🚇 How to get there: Holborn station
7. Museum of London Docklands
the Museum of London Docklands | Photo Credits: Ewan Munro on Flickr
For a different side of the city, visit the Museum of London Docklands. Here, you’ll learn about the River Thames, London’s port, and its connections to trade, migration, and even the darker parts of history like the transatlantic slave trade.
With engaging exhibits inside an old warehouse, it’s one of the most underrated historical places in London. Its perfect if you're looking for something a bit off the beaten path!
🕑 Best time to visit: Morning or early afternoon
🚇 How to get there: West India Quay DLR station
FAQs about historic museums in London
What are the top 5 museums in London?
The British Museum, Natural History Museum, Churchill War Rooms, London Transport Museum, and the Victoria & Albert Museum are among the most visited and highly rated. Each offers something different, from ancient artifacts to design and fashion. If you want to explore all while saving money, book a Go City: London Pass.
Which is better, the British Museum or the Natural History Museum?
It depends on what you’re into! If you love ancient cultures and historic treasures, go to the British Museum. If you're more into dinosaurs, nature, and science, the Natural History Museum is the better pick. You can’t go wrong with either.
Where can you go if you are interested in history in London?
Besides the big museums, check out historical landmarks like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the Churchill War Rooms. London’s streets and buildings themselves are filled with centuries of stories.
What's the most visited museum in London?
The British Museum consistently ranks as the most visited museum in London. It draws millions of visitors every year thanks to its world-class exhibits and free entry.
Go back in time at London’s historic museums
From famous museums to lesser-known gems, London’s history museums are packed with stories, surprises, and cool discoveries.
So bring your curiosity, plan your stops, and enjoy exploring one of the most historic cities in the world. And when you’re ready to plan, check out Klook for guided tours, skip-the-line options, and easy ways to experience London without the stress!
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Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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