Science Museum London
A world-class museum showcasing scientific innovation and history through interactive exhibits for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer school groups, more space to explore.
Science Museum London
Best Time
Fewer school groups, more space to explore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A world-class museum showcasing scientific innovation and history through interactive exhibits for all ages.
"Free admission and incredibly interactive exhibits make this a must-visit for science lovers of all ages!"
🎯 Book Free Tickets Online
General admission is free, but timed entry tickets are required. Book ahead to avoid disappointment!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to explore the vast exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Making the Modern World
Ground Floor
See iconic inventions like Stephenson's Rocket and the Apollo 10 command module. A must-see for history and engineering buffs.
Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery
Second Floor
An immersive, hands-on experience with live experiments and interactive exhibits that bring science to life.
Flight Gallery
First Floor
Marvel at Alcock and Brown's transatlantic Vickers Vimy plane and explore the history of aviation.
The Garden
Basement
A dedicated interactive space for children under 5, offering sensory play and early learning experiences.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Free Tickets in Advance
Plan for Interactive Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Free Tickets Online
General admission is free, but timed entry tickets are required. Book ahead to avoid disappointment!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to explore the vast exhibits.
📱 Download Museum Map
Save a digital map or grab a physical one to navigate the extensive galleries efficiently.
⏰ Arrive Early for Exhibits
Popular interactive exhibits, especially in Wonderlab, can get busy. Go early for the best experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Free Tickets Online
General admission is free, but timed entry tickets are required. Book ahead to avoid disappointment!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to explore the vast exhibits.
📱 Download Museum Map
Save a digital map or grab a physical one to navigate the extensive galleries efficiently.
⏰ Arrive Early for Exhibits
Popular interactive exhibits, especially in Wonderlab, can get busy. Go early for the best experience.
👶 The Garden for Little Ones
A fantastic, free sensory play area for under-5s in the basement. Get there early!
🕰️ Listen to the Clock Gallery
Head to the Clock Gallery around noon to hear a cacophony of historic clocks chiming together.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Science Museum for its engaging, interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages. The free admission is a major draw, though pre-booking is essential. Some find the sheer volume of exhibits overwhelming, and popular areas can get crowded, especially during peak times.
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ✈️ 💊 🩺🩻🚀
The Science Museum is a fantastic place to spend the day! A true humbling experience of the world of science
The exhibits are interactive, fun, and packed with fascinating information perfect for both kids and adults. I especially loved how hands on so many of the displays are; it makes learning feel exciting and engaging rather than just reading from a plaque.
The museum covers such a wide range of topics, from space and engineering to medicine and technology, so there’s truly something for everyone. The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, and the layout makes it easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed.
It’s inspiring to see science brought to life in such an accessible way. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or even solo, the Science Museum is an absolute must-visit."
Adee “Addy”
"It is nice, especially if you have children, but as an alone adult, I didn't enjoy it. Not so many experiments to see and try. Also, the nice things must be paid, what is included in the free ticket not really worthy. It is not a must of London compared to other attractions. All in all, I managed to see some nice pieces of museums"
Cristian Cucu
"Definitely worth a visit at least once! The museum has so many fascinating exhibits, so plan to spend plenty of time if you want to see everything. It’s a great place to learn about science—whether it’s how the human body works or the history of the steam train. Kids can explore, play, and learn in a very hands-on way, which makes it even more engaging.
Not to mention that all staff was cool and friendly.
There are dining areas and some lovely gift shops to enjoy as well. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, or directly at the entrance on the day of your visit."
Mona Zare
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Science Museum is easily accessible via public transport. The nearest Tube stations are South Kensington (Circle, District, and Piccadilly lines) and Gloucester Road (Circle and District lines). Numerous bus routes also stop nearby.
On-street parking is very limited and expensive in South Kensington. It's highly recommended to use public transport. The museum does not have its own car park.
Absolutely! The Science Museum is located on Exhibition Road, right next to the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). You can easily visit multiple museums in one day.
Yes, the museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with lifts available to all floors and accessible toilets.
The Science Museum is typically open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, with last entry at 5:15 PM. Extended hours may apply during holidays or for special evening events. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the Science Museum is free! However, you must pre-book a timed entry ticket online to guarantee your entry, especially during busy periods. 
Yes, special exhibitions at the Science Museum usually require a separate paid ticket. It's advisable to book these in advance as they can sell out.
The best way to get tickets is through the official Science Museum website. Pre-booking is essential for general admission and recommended for special exhibitions.
While general admission is free, pre-booking is mandatory. Walk-up tickets may be available if capacity allows, but it's not guaranteed. Booking online is the safest option.
No, there are no age restrictions for general entry. The museum is designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, with specific areas like 'The Garden' catering to younger children.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the 'Making the Modern World' gallery with iconic inventions, the interactive 'Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery', and the 'Flight Gallery' featuring historic aircraft. Don't miss 'The Garden' for younger kids.
Yes, the Science Museum is very much for adults too! The interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and in-depth galleries offer plenty for intellectually curious adults. Consider attending an evening event for a more adult-focused experience.
'The Garden' is a dedicated interactive zone in the basement for children under 5, offering sensory play and early learning activities. It's a drop-in session, but arriving early is recommended.
The museum often offers free guided tours focusing on specific themes or galleries. Check the museum's daily schedule upon arrival or on their website for timings.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas, but flash photography and tripods are usually not allowed to protect the exhibits. Always check signage in specific galleries.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has several dining options, including a main restaurant, a cafe, and a deli, offering a range of meals and snacks.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to consume in designated areas. There are also cafes and restaurants within the museum.
The museum's eateries typically offer a variety of options, including vegetarian and vegan choices.
While there isn't a dedicated picnic area, visitors can consume their own food and drinks in the museum's cafes or other seating areas.
Prices are typical for London museum cafes and restaurants, ranging from a few pounds for snacks to £15-£20 for a main meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal, non-commercial use is generally allowed in most galleries. However, flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited to protect the artifacts.
While not common, some temporary exhibitions might have specific photography restrictions. Always look for signage in each gallery.
Iconic exhibits like Stephenson's Rocket, the Apollo 10 command module, and the large aircraft in the Flight Gallery make for great photo opportunities. The architecture of the main hall is also impressive.
Absolutely! Your phone is perfect for capturing memories. Just remember to disable your flash and be mindful of other visitors.
The museum doesn't typically offer dedicated photography tours, but you can join general guided tours which might highlight visually interesting exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss iconic exhibits like Stephenson's Rocket in the 'Making the Modern World' gallery. During school holidays, check the museum's website for special family-friendly activities and workshops. Remember to book your free timed entry tickets in advance, and consider bringing snacks and drinks for little ones.
🤓 Solo Travelers & Science Enthusiasts
Consider attending one of the museum's adult-focused evening events for a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds. These events often feature talks, workshops, and the chance to explore the galleries with a more mature audience in mind.
🧑🎓 Students & Academics
For those studying physics or engineering, the Wonderlab gallery offers practical demonstrations of scientific principles. The museum's extensive collections and historical context can provide valuable insights for research or academic projects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Interactive Galleries
Beyond Wonderlab, many other galleries offer interactive elements. The 'Making the Modern World' gallery, while showcasing historical artifacts, often has accompanying displays that explain the science behind them. Even the 'Flight Gallery' allows visitors to understand aerodynamic principles through interactive models. The museum's commitment to hands-on learning ensures that visitors don't just see science, but actively participate in it.
For younger visitors, 'The Garden' in the basement is a specially designed interactive zone for children under 5. It provides a safe and stimulating environment for sensory play and early scientific exploration, making it a perfect introduction to the wonders of science for toddlers and preschoolers.
A Journey Through Scientific History
The 'Flight Gallery' offers a fascinating look at aviation history, prominently displaying Alcock and Brown's Vickers Vimy aircraft, which made the first non-stop transatlantic flight. Visitors can explore the development of flight from early gliders to modern jets, understanding the scientific principles that made it possible.
For those with a more niche interest, the museum also houses collections related to medicine, computing, and communication. The Clock Gallery is a unique highlight, where visitors can experience a cacophony of historic clocks chiming together at noon, a testament to the precision and artistry of timekeeping.
Navigating the Museum with Children
For older children, the Wonderlab gallery is a must-visit. Its hands-on experiments and live demonstrations make complex scientific concepts fun and accessible. The 'Making the Modern World' gallery, with its impressive display of iconic inventions like Stephenson's Rocket, also captures the imagination of young minds.
During school holidays and half-terms, the museum often hosts extra activities and workshops. It's advisable to check the museum's website for a schedule of events. Bringing snacks and water is also a good idea, especially for younger children, as exploring the vast museum can be tiring.
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