THE 10 BEST London Science Museums (Updated 2024) - Tripadvisor
Science Museums in London

THE 10 BEST London Science Museums

Science Museums in London

Types of Attractions
Museums
Museums
Traveler rating
Neighborhoods
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13 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

What travelers are saying

  • EilSat
    Methuen, MA339 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We brought my nearly two year old grandson to this museum. It is a well laid out museum with old planes and exhibits depicting the history of the RAF. It is educational for children with many interactive exhibits. There is a large plane that visitors can walk through. Recommend at least 2 hours
    Written April 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bonzo321
    Guernsey, UK40 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We 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, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andrew
    St. Albans, UK6,603 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 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, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paul B
    Brussels, Belgium5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous 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 insight
    Written April 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Master Jonjon
    London, UK344 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    ONE-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, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paula Griffin
    London, UK885 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Part 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, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • greenwichgir1
    London87 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved 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, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TFAtravel
    Chicago, IL418 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So 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, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark
    Farnborough, UK4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • millypoppymo
    Barnet, UK40 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 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, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • futtock21
    London, UK11,627 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    What 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, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • EJAmum
    Greater London, UK1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A 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 you
    Written October 30, 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sophtommo
    Luton, UK8 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 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, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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