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History Museums in London

THE 10 BEST London History Museums

History Museums in London

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What travellers are saying

  • lesley S
    20 contributions
    Egyptians
    Although the museum was unbelievably busy we had a great visit seeing the Egyptian exhibits ready for the new school projects.
    Review of: The British Museum
    Written 22 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sbmaia
    Deerfield Beach, FL87 contributions
    Must-do in London!
    Amazing experience. It's a must-do in London!
    A lot of nice things to see and learn.
    I loved the Red Section. That was definitely my favorite! I also loved the dinosaurs section.
    Review of: Natural History Museum
    Written 18 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Darlene H
    Newnan, GA44 contributions
    Learned a LOT!
    My husband and I were both Churchill "fans" already and had read biographies about him, but we both learned even more through these exhibits. Plus being in the actual bunkers where he worked and directed Britain's war added to the experience. It was also sobering to see the close quarters and realize the sacrifices his staff and all the others working down there made, day after day.
    Review of: Churchill War Rooms
    Written 22 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kamaaina3261
    25 contributions
    Human perspective on war
    Instead of focusing solely on the hardware of war the IWM adds personal perspectives from both Allies and Axis combatants.
    Review of: Imperial War Museum London
    Written 14 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ruby Rowallan
    40 contributions
    A parallel universe
    I have visited the BL a few times in the last month or so as I have a reader ticket for a research project.

    I've used the reading rooms, cafe and visited the Treasures exhibition.

    I have never met so many lovely, polite, helpful, knowledgable staff at any establishement anywhere in the world in the past 50 years. I'm not sure if they are wildly overpaid or hypnotised but it's the sort of professional service that you don't get anywhere else. It's the six-star hotel of libraries; a parallel universe or a trip back in time.

    Even the loo cleaner lady says "good afternoon" with a smile. Everyone knows what they are doing, goes the extra mile to get your reader ticket issued when you arrive with two minutes left before closing, checks your bag without looking at you like you are a terrorist and serves food, drinks, shop gifts etc. in a professional manner.

    Food and drink is very good value. Coffee is very good. There are drinking fountains at various points and lockers if you have a reader ticket.

    The service to order books from the collection to one of the readng rooms is efficient and this can be done online and usually only takes 48 hours to get books brought up from the extensive underground storage. I am looking forward to the opportunity to go on a backstage tour at some point.

    You can sit in one of the very many public seating areas without a reader ticket. There are various kinds including bench eting, small tables, individual lecture-style chairs with fold out desks and power sockets, larger four-seater booths, again wiht power and free internet access for general use and to acess the digital collections.

    Depending on the time of your visit you may not get your first choice of places to sit so go early if you want something specific.

    The building is clean, easy to navigate and has plenty of accessible options such as lifts and excalators as well as stairs.

    The central artium is a stunning display of rare books donated by Geroge III in a multi floor bookcase in glass. Wonderous!

    I only regret living 30 minutes away and not going sooner.
    Review of: British Library
    Written 10 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • stardusty11
    Bushey, UK19 contributions
    A hidden gem of an interesting museum.
    Really excellent visit to this museum. A journey through years gone by showing all the products, toys, radios, magazines, music dating back from the 1920,s until 1980,s. I will definitely return another time because there is so much to see and enjoy. The staff were very welcoming. It’s a must see place for all ages.
    Review of: Museum of Brands
    Written 13 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sylvia T
    5 contributions
    Great visit
    We visited this museum some years ago so thought it was time to return! It was very easy for us to get to now the Elizabeth Line is open. We got out at Canary Wharf on the Elizabeth Line (where the Crossrail Roof Garden is), and its a short walk to the museum. The staff were very welcoming and helpful. So much to see and absorb. Sailortime was a surprise, we felt like we were walking through a film set, old streets, shops etc.
    Review of: Museum of London Docklands
    Written 20 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Craig Bower
    2 contributions
    Good couple of hours
    A really good museum with lots to see and do! Some of the exhibits are fascinating especially the map that shows how the underground developed. Good way to spend a few hours, with an okay cafe at the end.
    Review of: London Transport Museum
    Written 3 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Linka S
    1 contribution
    Great tour
    We first did the tour, it was really good and a nice guide (Sam was his name). He’s an excellent guide ! Then we went to the museum it was nice but most of it we already knew bcs of the tour.
    Review of: Jack the Ripper Museum
    Written 19 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mr H
    1 contribution
    Quirky, interesting and fun
    What is quite an interesting quirky museum, was brought to life by a role playing actor, who made our whole experience unforgettable. She was entertaining, knowledgable, witty and fun. We got to make pills and poultices as well as learn about life as an apothecary's assistant. Was a real highlight of our trip.
    Review of: Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
    Written 14 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • hilary d
    London, UK757 contributions
    Freemasons Hall 18.9.23
    We visited Freemasons hall on a quiet Monday afternoon,a very interesting and fascinating place,cafe a bit dissapointing.
    Review of: Freemasons' Hall
    Written 20 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paul H
    Surrey, UK39 contributions
    Some magnificent art in an historic setting
    The Duke of Wellington's old house is now a fine art gallery. It has a huge art collection with some absolute gems included. My personal favourite was Edward Matthew Ward's painting 'Napoleon in the Prison of Nice'. They have a couple of wonderful Velazquez's (Water Seller of Seville and Two young Men at a Humble Table). Some of the paintings are quite high up, and there are no labels so it's not always easy to know what you're seeing. There is a large binder in the central gallery detailing all the pictures in the collection, but it would be much nicer if they could put smaller information sheets in each room. It is thoroughly worth visiting however, and being right on Hyde Park Corner is ideal for a nice walk before or after your visit.
    Review of: Apsley House
    Written 20 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lucy Lira_SP
    Sao Paulo, SP114 contributions
    An incredible visit
    An imersion into Freud's life. Since I'm a frustrated psychoanalyst and read many books about his life, I loved the experience to see all sculptures, objects and his divan. I got so emotional, almost cried while visiting the rooms of the museum.
    Review of: Freud Museum
    Written 25 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Martin H
    Stockport, UK669 contributions
    Worthwhile visit
    Never been before, though I had heard of it, and very interesting. A monument to the efforts of Thomas Coram and the struggles he had to get his project off the ground. helpful, knowledgeable staff. Don't miss the (tiny) sculpture by Tracy Emin on the railings outside
    Review of: The Foundling Museum
    Written 13 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SLF
    Salisbury, UK154 contributions
    Well worth taking a tour
    Thank you Alan for a fabulous tour of the hospital. The commentary was so interesting and we left with a real feeling of what it would have been like to live there in the nineteenth century but also what the more relaxed 21st century life is like. I would certainly recommend that others book this tour.
    Review of: Royal Hospital Chelsea
    Written 14 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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