The Natural History Museum in South Kensington holds more than 80 million specimens and is one of the world's great natural history collections, housed in Alfred Waterhouse's Romanesque terracotta building that is a landmark in its own right. It is best known for 'Hope', the 25-metre blue whale skeleton suspended in the central Hintze Hall, and for its Dinosaurs gallery with a life-sized animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex. Since the gardens were transformed in 2024, a bronze Diplodocus named 'Fern' now anchors the outdoor Evolution Garden and Nature Discovery Garden, so in 2026 a visit pairs the indoor galleries with an outdoor walk through geological time. General admission to the permanent galleries is free, making it an easy, family-friendly stop even on a rainy London day.
'Hope', the 25-metre blue whale skeleton hanging in Hintze Hall — the iconic view as you enter
The Dinosaurs gallery with its life-sized, moving animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex
Earth Hall and the escalator rising through a giant globe, plus the volcano and earthquake zone with the Kobe earthquake simulator
The transformed gardens: the Evolution Garden walk through geological eras and the bronze Diplodocus 'Fern'
The Minerals gallery and The Vault, home to meteorites, giant crystals and rare gemstones
Good to know
RulesEntry to the permanent galleries is free, but on weekends, school holidays and peak periods it is safer to reserve a free timed-entry ticket in advance on the official website (confirm current pricing and booking policy).
SafetyThere are security bag checks at the entrance and large suitcases or heavy luggage are not permitted. Store big bags at your accommodation rather than arriving straight from the airport.
SeasonThe outdoor gardens are best in spring to autumn and access may be limited in winter or wet weather. London weather is changeable, so bring an umbrella and a layer.
CautionPickpocketing is common around South Kensington station, on the Underground and in crowds outside the museum, so keep your bag in front and watch your phone and wallet.
MannersTemporary exhibitions such as 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year' require a separate paid ticket. Tipping is not expected at UK museums, though on-site cafes and restaurants may add a service charge to the bill.
SafetyThe Dinosaurs gallery and Hintze Hall get very busy on weekend afternoons. If you have a stroller or young children, arrive right at opening in the morning.
Practical info
The museum connects directly to South Kensington Underground station (District, Circle and Piccadilly lines) via a pedestrian tunnel, and you can also enter from the Cromwell Road main entrance. It opens daily (broadly 10:00–17:50, last entry 17:30, closed 24–26 December), but check the official website for the latest opening hours, exhibition prices and whether a free ticket needs to be booked.
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