THE 10 BEST London Science Museums
Science Museums in London
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Museums
Museums
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14 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Bloomsbury
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Paddington / Maida Vale
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Southwark
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Westminster
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Whitechapel
What travelers are saying
- Peter SCamberley, UK5 contributionsThe museum exceeded my expectations. Must be getting on for 100 planes on display, from early 20th century (a fighting plane made largely of bamboo!) to moden fighter planes and unmanned drones. Lots of interactive stuff for kids, as well as playground etc and lots of space outside for running around. When our grandson is a big bigger ... I did the Battle of Britain tour / talk with our guide, Guy. He was excellent, friendly, knowledgeable, interesting. I learnt a lot - well worth a tenner. Admission is free with a suggested donation but the car park will cost you £7.50 or £10. All in all, an excellent day out for anyone with any interest in planes, amazing machinery, or warfare. (My only negative was the sandwiches - only ones avaivable were cheap ham or cheese in plasticy white bread! Hot food looked better, decent choice for kids).Written May 6, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bonzo321Guernsey, UK40 contributionsWe had been several times to London but never been to any of its several museums. We made a point of visiting the Science Museum this time and the only thing I was disappointed about was the fact that we didn’t really give ourselves enough time to explore. We were there for a few hours but I really think it could be a full day thing. Very educational and very enjoyable too. Recommended.Written April 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AndrewSt. Albans, UK6,603 contributionsThe Wellcome Collection is a small free museum not far from Euston railway station – entrance tickets do not need to be booked in advance. It was not a long visit: the special exhibition on milk was OK; some interesting items in the permanent “Being Human” collection, but the highlight was visiting the library on the 2nd floor – a lovely relaxing space where I could have stayed for ages. We finished our visit with some nice refreshments in their café.Written February 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- _annatkinsonBristol, UK28 contributionsThis is a very small museum based in the corner of St. Mary’s Hospital, near to Paddington Station. Admission is free and the museum is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who provide a guided tour.
The museum consists of just three rooms: Alexander Fleming’s laboratory, a video room and an information room.
It is well worth a visit if you are in the vicinity but the entrance can be difficult to find as it is tucked down the side of the building and is, at the time of writing, surrounded by scaffolding.Written March 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Paul BBrussels, Belgium5 contributionsFabulous tour of this Victorian innovator in product safety. Providing steel, concrete and chain testing services, David Kirkaldy was a pioneer of materials science but more importantly, made the new generation of London bridges, railways and ships safer for us all to use. Thanks to the enthusiastic and knowledgeable team of volunteers for sharing their insightWritten April 8, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Master JonjonLondon, UK344 contributionsONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY.
A review of engineering works on tap water, flood prevention and sewer systems.
Attraction within 5-min walk:
Guards Museum
Jewel Tower
Pyx Chamber (Westminster Abbey)
Chapter House (Westminster Abbey)
WHERE TO START.
Exhibits not in any particular order—although, you can start with a "hut" at the end of the corridor, which loops on with an intro video. The clip will run through engineering inventions throughout history, from lighthouses to combustion engines and from post war urban design to recent discoveries.
HIDDEN GEMS.
Behind the hut is a hidden corner dedicated to Joseph Bazalgette, designer of London's sewer system (opened 1866).
Fun fact—The system contributed to the end of London's pandemic cholera outbreaks.
(Interested in this part of history? Travel west for a detailed discussion from the London Museum of Water and Steam.)
OUT OF SERVICES.
A VR headset experience is suspended during our WARS outbreak.Written June 26, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Paula GriffinLondon, UK885 contributionsPart of Guys Hospital this compact gallery houses regular exhibitions focused on issues effecting healthcare and science in our modern age interpreted through via various artistic media, visual, verbal and written among them. When I visited the theme was that of mental health with resources on hand to help those who may be experiencing problems in their own lives. After all this is more than just art this is therapy.Written January 10, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- greenwichgir1London87 contributionsLoved it!
A fascinating couple of hours spent in the company of a wonderfully engaging volunteer? staff member who was so enthusiastic about his subject.
In a variety of sheds hidden in a suburban garden there is a wonderland of equipment showing the history and development of radio and televisions.
Can't wait to make a return visit.Written September 27, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TFAtravelChicago, IL418 contributionsSo tucked between some modern apartments on the west side of the river sits a one story nature center. What makes it so special is it’s location. Rather than situated in pristine forest or other natural place, Creekside is on the banks of a crusted rusty industrial river that fills and empties with the tide. It offers visitors a chance to experience the resilience of nature and the beauty of the small and hidden. Go. Especially children.Written November 26, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MarkFarnborough, UK4 contributionsA fascinating, enlightening, well presented gem of a museum that focuses on the history of surgery. There are loads of exhibits to look at, that range from the truly bizarre to the disturbing, but all of it is presented within a sensitive context.
A big shout out too, for the lovely, friendly, professional visitor-focused staff who ( .. along with the kind person who handed it in ) reunited me with my lost wallet during my visit on 17th June. It was genuinely appreciated.Written June 18, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - millypoppymoBarnet, UK40 contributionsThe pod is an amazing space. Very space age with great interactive educational games. My kids are 8 and 6 and they enjoyed this immensely. Afterwards we went to one of the lecture theatres for a talk one the subject we went for - gut feeling. It was a great talk, lots of audience participation and interaction. But at 1hr I felt perhaps trimming it to 45mins or so would have made it even better. Staff there very enthusiastic and friendly. Great experience.Written May 31, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sophtommoLuton, UK8 contributionsThe new exhibit SCOOP is a wonderful premise, what with the recent heatwave in the UK too. It teaches you about the history of ice cream in the UK and with plenty of historical artefacts like penny licks and scents of ice creams from the 18th century, it does fill the "history foodie" section. After this, you can go and make some ice cream (about 1ml worth, but still fun nonetheless). Then you go into a room where you can take your cool Instagram shots and explore the darker side of vanilla. With glow in the dark ice cream and brain-wave experiences with ice cream, it does make you think about your relationship with the food. But then it's done.
If it were an exhibition for a longer amount of time, then it should definitely be cheaper. It's fun but it's not meant to be an exhibition that you spend longer than an hour in.Written August 14, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - futtock21London, UK11,627 contributionsWhat is the Dana Centre? I wondered, speculating as to whether it might be a musical venue commemorating the life and times of Ireland’s first Eurovision winner in 1970. Or a Bulgarian cultural centre? In fact it’s a library and research centre that is part of the Science Museum. Designed by Richard MacCormac of MJP Architects it opened in 2003 as a venue for contemporary scientific debate. It re-opened in late 2015 as a library and research centre with the aim of providing a ‘world-class environment for academic research, bringing together the museum’s thriving research and public history department with access to its library and research collections.’Written October 20, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- EJAmumGreater London, UK1 contributionA lovely place to visit in the he heart of the historic buildings of University College London. My son and his two friends, aged 10, really enjoyed the freedom to open up the drawers and touch and hold different rocks and minerals. The curator is very patient and friendly and answered all their questions. There are other temporary, interactive exhibitions there too and you could combine your visit with the Grant zoology museum also at UCL. It was also great to be mingling with all the students in the relaxed courtyard areas. Thank youWritten October 30, 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about London
- These places are best for science museums in London:
- Royal Air Force Museum London
- Science Museum
- Wellcome Collection
- Science Gallery London
- The Institution of Civil Engineers Visitor Centre
- These are the best places for kid-friendly science museums in London:See more science museums for kids in London on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for couples seeking science museums in London:See more science museums for couples in London on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for budget-friendly science museums in London:
- Royal Air Force Museum London
- Wellcome Collection
- Science Museum
- Kirkaldy’s Testing Works
- Science Gallery London