best museums in london

Best Museums in London

By Dom Bewley

Knowledge is power. Every day, many of us look to nourish our withered brains with learning. Whether online, in a book, or in the scary outside world, it's good to learn. After all, a strong brain is a happy brain. So, if you're looking to flex those synapses on a day out in London, where should one go? Why, a museum, of course! London has a boat-load of the info hives just waiting for you. 'But there are so many, which are the best?' we hear you cry. Stop crying, and start reading, because these are the best museums in London.

Featuring:

  • Museum of London
  • Natural History Museum
  • Science Museum
  • V&A Museum
  • British Museum
  • Royal Museums Greenwich
  • London Transport Museum
  • Museum of Brands
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Museum of London

Why not start our trip down museum lane with one about the city itself? It may shock you to discover that the Museum of London is a museum about London. Step inside, and you'll find out about the city's long history, which dates back thousands of years to the Romans. You'll discover the rise and fall of nations, the coronation and usurping of leaders, and how the city's culture has shifted through generations.

See exhibits dedicated to famous events like the Olympics, as well as those dedicated to fictional characters like Sherlock Holmes. London is a city absolutely brimming with history. Visit the Museum of London, and have it condensed into a bite-sized chunk that'll fit perfectly in your brain.

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Natural History Museum

Arguably one of, if not the best museums in London, the Natural History Museum is known worldwide for its stunning collection of fossils. How many, you may wonder? Well, there are around 80 million contained within! You'll gaze up at the life-sized blue whale skeleton, see dinosaurs and other ancient creatures, and explore floor upon floor of exciting history!

During your visit, why not get yourself a free guidebook? Thanks to the guide's map, you can make your way around all the museum's best exhibits, so you don't miss a thing. Plus, it's a great keepsake to take home with you!

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Science Museum

And right next door to the Natural History Museum is the Science Museum, a must-visit for any of you curious minds out there! Within, you'll discover humankind's scientific progress throughout time, from the humble wagon to the spacefaring rocket. Explore the evolution of technology, medicine, and existence through a multitude of interactive exhibits, artefacts, and videos.

There's also a 3D IMAX screen housed within, featuring a number of family-friendly films that'll excite as much as they educate. Swim beside fish in the sea, or travel to the stars, all while sitting comfortably in a dark, warm cinema.

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V&A Museum

London's leading art and design museum, the V&A is easily one of the best museums in London. Featuring collections of art and design from both the past and the present, the museum's collections touch on everything from fashion, performance, and cultural diversity.

With a rich rotation of exhibits taking place throughout the year, make sure to check what's on and book ahead before you travel. If you need to refuel, there's a restaurant that serves warm lunches throughout the day. And, if the weather is good, feel free to grab a cold drink and sit in the vast open garden you'll in the middle of the museum!

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British Museum

Step inside the British Museum and discover 2 million years of history and culture. Discover 8 million artefacts from humanity's history. See ancient relics from all across the world, and enter exhibits dedicated to some of the most exciting periods of the past!

Whether it's a gallery full of Egyptian sarcophagi, medieval tapestries, or Roman war artefacts, you're sure to find something to stun and delight you!

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Royal Museums Greenwich

If you prefer your history more seaborne, take a trip to the Royal Museums Greenwich in the eponymous London suburb. There's so much to see and do, including a visit to the National Maritime Museum. There, you can chart the history of sea exploration and reminisce on amazing human endeavours. With a vast collection of historically-significant maritime artefacts to see, and interactive displays to enjoy, it's easily one of the best museums in London.

Then, take a stroll over to the Queen's House, a delightfully-designed villa that was built in the 17th century by Inigo Jones. Within, you'll see works of art from esteemed painters like Turner and Hogarth, ascend the Tulip Stairs, and marvel at the marble finish throughout the villa.

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London Transport Museum

Get an insight into London's colourful transport history at the London Transport Museum. From black cabs and tube logos to red buses, London is known worldwide for its unique transport offerings. Here, you'll see how these choices came about, and how London transport has evolved through the years. Featuring a huge gathering of vehicles, artwork, artefacts, and footage, it's a great place to discover the origins of some of the world's most recognisable icons.

You even get the chance to explore real buses, tube trains, and other transport types. Perfect for small and big kids alike, it's a great place to take the family.

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Museum of Brands

Take a trip through time, and see how advertising and consumer culture have evolved over 200 years of history! With over half a million artefacts on display, it's one of the best museums in London!

See how brands and advertising have evolved through all parts of our lives, whether entertainment, music, or magazine. It's a great way to explore how social and political influence has changed our culture. And, how technology has allowed brands to evolve along with it. With an entire section dedicated to television advertisements throughout the years, you'll laugh and cringe in equal measure, as you're cruelly reminded of how awkward ads were back then. And, by extension, how old you are now.

And that about does it for the best museums in London you simply cannot miss! If you're looking for other things to do when visiting the English capital, why not check out our guides to Shoreditch, Notting Hill, and Mayfair? Or, if you want to see the city but don't know where to sleep, check out our guide for the best places to stay in London!

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historical things to do in london
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Historical Things to do in London

Living in the present is pretty great. But do you ever think about what it was like to live in the past? Frilly sleeves, garish wigs, and opulent palaces do have their charm. While time travel is still not a thing, there's always the opportunity to visit old things that still exist. And look at them. Maybe even learn something about them too. And if you're a London resident, or visiting the city from further shores, you've an abundance of history to dive into. So, history buffs, crack out the monocle and read this handy digital parchment we've put together. You want historical things to do in London? We've got historical things to do in London! These are some of the best. Featuring: The Tower of London Westminster Abbey St Paul's Cathedral Hampton Court Palace The Cutty Sark and more! The London Bridge Experience Let's kick things off with something spooky. London has a rich history dating back thousands of years. And, of course, tragedy and evil have left their mark on the city during that time. From fires to plagues, serial killers, and strung-up monarchs, London's foundations are a little grim. Why not immerse yourself in all of it at the London Bridge Experience? Reprising the roles of London denizens from times past, a cast of colourful and informed actors will take you through some of the most chilling moments in London's history. And, if you dare, you can descend into the depths of the underground tombs. There, you'll meet a ghoulish cast of forgotten evil. They might even chase you, so be careful! There's even the kid-friendly Guardian Angel Experience, which tones down some of the scares. Shakespeare Globe Theatre Tour Speaking of historical things to do in London, why not visit the home of one of the world's most famous scribes? This accurate recreation of the 16th-century theatre is quite the sight. And, thanks to the well-informed guides, your visit will be chock full of Shakespearean information. Hear exciting stories about the building's history, the city in those times, and how the reconstruction came about. You'll learn about how the original's acoustics have been recreated, and get a chance to sit and ask questions once the tour is over. The Tower of London Off with their heads! Dramatics aside, you'll be off your head on wisdom after visiting one of London's historical jewels. The Tower of London is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, and for good reason. From its early days as a fortress, to its teenage years as a prison, there's a lot of history to unpack here. Come for the beheadings; stay for the Crown Jewels, which are kept safe inside. They're sure to dazzle you! Westminster Abbey Welcome to Britain's most famous abbey. Westminster Abbey has been the coronation location for kings and queens for nearly a thousand years. In fact, many royal festivities take place there, including weddings. Step inside the glorious gothic abbey and see what all the fuss is about. There's the Coronation Chair, where royals take their seats once said coronation takes place. It's one of the oldest pieces of furniture in England, dating back before the black death in the mid 14th century! You'll also find the tombs of both Charles Dickens and Darwin, Elizabeth I, and the Grave of the Unknown Warrior - a testament to the countless people who lost their lives during the Great War. Easily one of the most historical things to do in London. St Paul's Cathedral Next on our epic historical list of things to do in London is none other than St Paul's Cathedral. Known for its dome, it's one of London's most recognisable landmarks. And the good news is that it's just as striking on the inside too. The location of Charles and Diana's wedding back in the '80s, St Paul's is a visual feast. Be sure to check out the whispering gallery, where whispers curiously carry from any wall within the dome to the other side. And head down to the crypt to see the tombs of historical luminaries like Sir Christopher Wren. Hampton Court Palace The palace that can. Hampton Court Palace is an ode to Tudor opulence, having been Henry VIII's favourite hangout back in the 1500s. Here, he'd regularly boogie the night away, throwing shapes as his favourite musicians blasted era-appropriate jams. Probably. Regardless, the palace itself has been kept up remarkably well. Tour the halls to see luxurious paintings, tapestries, and enough gold to make Rumplestiltskin blush. Once you're done with the interior, venture outside to the fabulous palace gardens. Get lost in the maze, or spot deer and wild birds in Home Park. Hundreds of years ago, kings and queens walked in your footsteps. It doesn't get much more historic than that! Cutty Sark A cut above the rest. Hop aboard the last surviving tea clipper and be transported to a simpler time. Built during Queen Victoria's era, and tasked with transporting tea from China to the UK, it was known as the quickest ship on the seas. Ol' Vic clearly loved her tea. This globe-spanning vessel is now very much stationary, moored in Greenwich. So go there and see it. Through displays, artefacts, and restored quarters, you'll learn all about life on the ship. You can even touch it, if so inclined. Just, wash your hands first. The ship knows where they've been. Royal Albert Hall Tour And finally, London's most prestigious venue. The Royal Albert Hall is where the annual Proms take place, a globally-celebrated tribute to music and performance. Queen Vic's tribute to her late husband, it's definitely worth a visit! Go see the royal box and private suites used by the Queen when she visits. Check out the massive organ. Take the tour and learn about all the fascinating stories that took place beneath its giant dome. And that's our list of some of the best historical things to do in London! With a wealth of history at your fingertips, the city is the perfect place to get cultured and informed in equal measure.
Dom Bewley
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Getting Around London - How to Get Around London for Tourists

London is a wonderfully diverse and cosmopolitan city – and it’s also quite large, with various distinct neighborhoods that each possesses its own delightful character. Fortunately for travelers, many of the most popular attractions are all located in central London, making getting around London a little bit easier on tourists who may be new to the area. London is, however, a notoriously difficult city to drive in – parking and traffic are challenging, not to mention adjusting to the whole “driving on the other side of the road” for American tourists. That said, there are plenty of other simpler ways to get around London that don’t require getting behind the wheel of a rental. Opt for public transit as your first choice, with multiple options such as the subway and modern double-decker buses. For general and specific resources on how to get around London, a great starting point is the Transport for London webpage. If you plan to visit a lot of attractions while you’re jaunting around London, consider picking up a flexible London Explorer Pass®, which includes admission to your choice of 3, 4, or 5 of the top attractions. The Explorer Pass allows you to save up to 35% off vs paying for these attractions separately at the gate. Public Transit in London Far and away the best way to get around London – besides walking, of course! – is via public transit. You have two basic options, the Tube (also called "the Underground") and buses. The London Underground By tompagenet (Tom Page) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tompagenet/303824827/) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsKnown as the Tube to locals, the London Underground is the city’s subway system. It’s a fairly extensive transit system, going from downtown London out to several suburbs. Downloadable maps of the system are available via Transport for London, as is useful overlay of the tube system on a city map. Paper maps of the system are available for free at any Tube station or you can use their helpful online Journey Planner tool. Using the Oyster Card to Get Around Our biggest piece of advice for how to easily get around is to snag a Visitor Oyster Card (or Oyster Travelcard if you'd prefer to pay a flat fee for the length of your stay) upon arrival. Flat rate fares on the Oyster Travelcard are quite pricey, so it’s much more cost-effective to buy the Visitor Oyster Card. You can easily purchase, store, and refill fare on a Visitor Oyster Card and you can even receive a refund for unused fare above £10 after 48-hours of using the card for the first time (learn how to receive a refund here). Tourist Travel Tip: you will need to swipe your Oyster Card as you exit the Underground to determine your fare based on the length of your trip, so keep your ticket handy or you will be charged the maximum amount by default. These cards are usable on all London public transit – trains and buses, so it’s a great investment. Signage: there are a series of helpful public transportation signs around the city with maps, information about the nearest Underground stop, and arrows that direct pedestrians to the nearest points of interest. Double-Decker Buses Big Bus London Although the historic double-decker buses are no longer in operation (with the exception of the heritage Routemaster lines, of which there are only two) modern double-decker buses provide just as much sightseeing potential and equally convenient transit. Buses are a good option for those who are interested in seeing the city as they travel. Be fair warned, buses are probably not the best option if you’re in a hurry. All buses are tracked via the iBus system, so it couldn’t be easier to find out when the next bus is arriving at a given stop by using a smartphone or going online. There’s also an app you can download for iPhones that will give you real time transit info. Big Bus London A great option for getting around London is the Big Bus Hop On Hop Off London bus tour, which is available on the London Explorer Pass. With the Big Bus London tour you will have the flexibility to hop-on or off at any of the 50+ included stops to explore and visit popular attractions. The buses run on 5 to 15 minute intervals, so you likely won’t have to wait too long at any stops. To pickup your Big Bus London tickets, simply present your London Explorer Pass at any of the three bus stop locations below: Piccadilly – between Green Park underground station and The Ritz Hotel Victoria Station – on the forecourt in front of the railway station Baker Street – at the Big Bus kiosk between the exit of Baker Street underground and Madame Tussauds A few of the popular stops along the route include Hyde Park Corner, Haymarket, Trafalgar Square, and more. Walking around London For those of you with more time or perhaps a bit more energy, London is an extraordinarily walkable city and it's one of the best ways to get to know the city. Many of the major attractions are close to one another, like the Coca-Cola London Eye and Big Ben, so it’s easy to rely on public transportation to get you to popular areas and then get around to a significant amount of sights from there by foot. Popular neighborhoods like Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Leicester Square are all within easy distance of one another, too. Just be certain to obey traffic laws and follow crosswalks when crossing streets! Biking around London Another great option for how to get around is to travel via bike. Whether you’re renting a bike to pedal around on your own or traveling as part of a guided tour group, like those available with Fat Tire Bike Tours, it’s easy and convenient to explore on two wheels. There are bike lanes all over the city, and drivers are very accustomed to bikes on the roads. Check out the maps of their Cycle Superhighways for super bike-friendly ways into and around the city. Taxis & Rideshares London’s famous black taxis are ubiquitous, but can be very hard to flag down. Use one of the many cab-booking apps to easily reserve one or use a popular rideshare service, like Uber. Fares are priced via distance/time and tariff (which is a system that essentially just means different times of the day and week). The biggest difference you’ll notice is that fares are more expensive (although not by much) late at night. For up-to-date taxi fares, visit the fare website on Transport for London. Tipping: tipping in London is accepted and you can tip as much as you'd like, but standard etiquette is to round up to the nearest pound. Getting to London By Plane By far, most international visitors arrive to London via plane. There are six different airports that service the London area: Heathrow, London City, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Southend. Technically speaking, only Heathrow and London City are within the bounds of London itself, although Gatwick is actually the second busiest after Heathrow in terms of international traffic. In all likelihood, if you are traveling from the United States, you will come into Heathrow or Gatwick. Travelers may find Heathrow the more convenient of the two, as it is connected to central London via the Tube, as well as overground rail, buses, and of course, taxis or shuttles. Be aware that taxis will be quite pricey from Heathrow, with fares potentially reaching 80£ or more. We recommend taking the Tube (the Piccadilly Line goes downtown from Heathrow), although you should know that many Tube stations are accessed via stairs or escalators only, which may be a challenge with luggage. Gatwick is only accessible via bus, rail, or taxi-style services. Again, rail is the most budget-friendly option, and should definitely be favored over taxis. You’re coming from near Brighton, so you’re not actually that close to the city center and taxi fares will be pricey (we’re talking 100£ or more). To access the overground rail system, just hop on the South Terminal via the free airport shuttle and you have several options. By Train Travelers from other parts of England or the United Kingdom often come into the city via train. So, if you are exploring London as part of a larger UK vacation, you may be in a situation where a train ride to London is your most convenient and budget-friendly option. There are several different train lines that run from other major cities to London, including Cardiff, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, York, and more. Then, there are several major destination stations within London itself, including Waterloo, King’s Cross, Victoria, London Bridge, and more (many of which are also Tube stops). For complete information about visiting and how to get around London via commuter rail, explore the Visit London train guide.
Katie Sagal
adventurous things to do in london
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Adventurous Things to do in London

Calling all daredevils among you! Are you tired of boring, normal activities? Are you sitting at home right now, staring at walls? Are you on your slog of a commute hoping a ninja will jump out and start doing ninja stuff? You sound like the sort that yearns for that sweet adrenaline. Well, never fear, because London has plenty of white knuckle adventures to sate your hunger. But where are they? Well, here. In this handy list, we made just for you. The stars have aligned, and adventure is nigh! These are the best adventurous things to do in London! Featuring: ArcelorMittal Orbit Sherlock Holmes: The Game The Crystal Maze Live Experience Helicopter Tours Thames Rockets and more! ArcelorMittal Orbit Instead of sliding into some unsuspecting person's DMs, put down the phone and try a real slide. Built during the 2012 Olympic Games, ArcelorMittal Orbit is a towering structure. Looming over the Olympic Park, it stands at a whopping 114.5m tall, it's quite the sight. If you have the stomach to climb the hundreds of stairs it takes to reach one of the viewing platforms, you'll be able to see the whole city. But why not take it one step further - step inside the world's tallest slide, and ride it all the way down to the bottom? Its twists and turns are sure to delight all the daredevils out there. Just, maybe leave lunch until after you're done. No one wants to clean up that. Sherlock: The Official Live Game Dare you tangle with the maniacal mastermind Moriarty himself? Well, you can now, at Sherlock: The Official Live Game! Part escape room, part immersive Sherlock experience, and part bar, this thrill ride will pit your team's wits against Sherlock's nemesis. Featuring real props and recreated environments from the BBC TV show, as well as exclusive clips from the cast, use key detective work and problem-solving to crack the case. Sherlock's busy, doing Sherlock things like being unnecessarily arrogant, so you're on your own this time! But don't dally; you only have 100 minutes to complete the tasks. If you don't, you die! Okay, probably not. But you will bring great shame to your house. Crystal Maze Experience Take a trip back to the bizarre but unique Nineties, replete with leopard print jackets, at the Crystal Maze Experience! Bring some friends and take on challenges in four unique zones. Use every ounce of mental and physical strength to complete challenges and get the crystals! Take too long, and you'll be locked inside forever! Or until your team gets you out. Whichever happens first. Then, you'll enter the crystal dome and flail about pathetically as you attempt to grab as many notes as possible. The winner, well, you'll have to find out what the victors win when you try it for yourself! Go Ape Do you ever wonder what life was like before, when our ancestors lived in the trees? Yes, evolution is real. Probably. And yes, you can relive your ancestral heritage at Go Ape! Suspended in safety, thanks to a key harness, you'll be free to tight-rope walk across a daring assault course in the sky. Then, when you've assaulted the course completely, ride down to terra firma in style on an exhilarating zip line! Feel the primal roar inside you grow. Know what it was like to live in trees. Maybe move into a treehouse with central heating. All this and more is waiting for you at the three Go Ape centres across London. Definitely one of the best things to do in London for the adventurous of you! Helicopter Tour Yes, there are even more adventurous things to do in London! If trees aren't high enough, how about you try a few hundred metres higher? Hop on a helicopter and take a tour of the city! See all the city's sights from a new angle. Get a bird's eye view of legendary London landmarks like Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye, and many more! Just like a bird! It might just be the best way to see the city you love. Or, at least, the city you tolerate. Bungee Jump at the O2 Have you ever jumped off a building and lived? Probably not. But what if I told you you could jump off an entire arena and survive. Well, that's exactly what you can do at the O2 Arena! Climb to the top, suit up, and plunge nearly 50m down! Feel the wind rush past your face. See the city rush towards you. But don't worry, you'll be safe. And you will love it. London Bridge Experience Feeling spooky? Do you thrive on horror movies? Are you the sort to look for the monster under your bed instead of cowering beneath the quilt? Well, have we got an experience for you. A London Bridge Experience! Dwelling beneath the eponymous bridge, you'll find spooky spectacle and daring delights alike. Revisit the city's ghoulish past, all 2000 years of it. The experience itself is an interactive theatre of pain and misery. Hear tales from London's residents throughout time. No, they're not paid actors; they're real historical people! Listen as they transport you back to some of London's most haunted historical moments. Revisit the horrors of the Great Fire, relive Jack the Ripper's reign of terror, and also the Romans were bad! Or, if you dare, delve into the tombs beneath the bridge. Supposedly, real ghosts and demons prowl the lower levels. Not paid actors. Will you live to tell the tale? Or will you be scared to death! Alternatively, if you have little ones with you, there's the kid-friendly Guardian Angel Tour. Expect the same stories with less spook and makeup. Thames Rockets And finally, if you prefer your adrenaline sun and sea-soaked, where better to get your fix than on a speedboat? Head to the Thames, put on your best life jacket, and prepare for a wave-crashing thrill ride of thrillingness! All thrills, no spills. Take a day trip around the city's shoreline, or try an evening ride with a complimentary drink at the end. Kick your weekend of thrills off with a boat ride you won't soon forget. And that's our list of the most adventurous things to do in London!
Dom Bewley

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