Best Free Museums in London (2026 Local Guide)

Want to add one or two paid highlights?

Combine free museums with a skip‑the‑line ticket for a blockbuster attraction.

How London’s free museums work

Many of London’s biggest museums are completely free to enter, including the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Tate Modern and the National Gallery.

Some museums offer paid special exhibitions or timed experiences. In those cases, a pre‑booked ticket can save time and guarantee entry — we’ll flag those below.

1. British Museum

The British Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world, with highlights including the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and treasures from across human history.

Optional upgrade: guided tour with priority entrance

Join an expert-led tour with priority entrance to see the museum’s most famous highlights without the queues.

Book British Museum Guided Tour with Priority Entrance

2. Natural History Museum

Famous for its dinosaurs, blue whale and dramatic Hintze Hall. Free entry, with optional paid experiences.

Optional upgrade: guided tour with priority entry

Explore the museum’s most iconic galleries with an expert guide and priority entry for a smoother visit.

Book Natural History Museum Guided Tour with Priority Entry

3. Science Museum

Packed with interactive galleries covering space, engineering, medicine and technology. Free entry, with optional paid exhibitions.

Optional upgrade: reserved-entry guided tour

This guided tour includes reserved entry to selected galleries and exhibitions. IMAX tickets are not included and must be purchased separately on-site.

Book Science Museum Guided Tour with Reserved Entry

4. Tate Modern

Modern and contemporary art in a former power station. Free main collection, with paid major exhibitions.

Optional upgrade: Frida exhibition tour

Explore the Frida Kahlo exhibition with an expert guide. This is a dedicated tour for the current blockbuster exhibition.

Book Frida Exhibition Tour at Tate Modern

Want to add one or two paid attractions?

Combine free museums with a London Eye, Tower of London or Thames cruise ticket.

Check London Eye ticket options

5. National Gallery

Overlooking Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery houses masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Turner, Da Vinci and many more. Entry to the main collection is free.

6. Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance, with everything from fashion and jewellery to sculpture and photography. General entry is free, with some special exhibitions ticketed.

7. Museum of London Docklands

Located in a historic warehouse in Canary Wharf, this museum explores London’s maritime history, trade routes and the story of the Thames. Entry is free and it’s usually less crowded than the big central museums.

Plan your perfect museum day in London

Mix free museums with one or two paid highlights to build a day that fits your style and budget.