Museums London United Kingdom - Attractions

Home of the Rosetta stone this museum never fails to disappoint. This place is saturated with history, from the ancient Egyptians to WWII. One can see the carcoghagus of tuttakanmun and the next moment overwhelmed by a spitfire. Like most great museums, entry is free

"Featuring everything from full-size tanks to the personal letters of prisoners, this museum presents an informative journey through the wars of the 20th Century. Galleries take visitors through a tour of the First and Second World Wars, as well as conflicts including Vietnam and the Falklands. A highlight of the museum is the permanent Holocaust Exhibition. It's a rare glimpse into the reality of life during a very traumatic period. Other exhibitions regularly visit the museum for extended periods of time. The museum also enthralls the public with full-size reconstructions of an air-raid shelter and a front line trench. In short, a museum that doesn't fail to both impress and inform. General admission is free, but the museum may charge a fee for special exhibitions.

The Cuming Museum houses a collection of over 4,000 objects from Roman and Medieval England and Ancient Egypt. Richard Cuming and his descendants gathered their horde of treasures between 1782 and 1902. The museum was opened in 1906 and nicknamed the miniature British Museum, with a collection featuring everything from a pair of Queen Victoria's shoes to a mummified Egyptian leg. There are numerous handling sessions available for primary schools on a variety of subjects including Ancient Egypt, Roman Britain and the Victorian era. All sessions are free and run by museum staff. Tours are available for adult groups on Richard and Henry Syer Cuming and their collections. Admission: Free

The Cartoon Museum is a great place to soak in Britain's quintessential sense of humour. With over 750 cartoons and caricatures, a library of 2500 comics, and 4000 books on the genre, the London Cartoon Museum is a must see for young and old. Spanning from 18th Century to present day comics; this museum illustrates a comprehensive look at history, through the comic's perspective. Remember, don't hold back the chuckles; laughing aloud is encouraged! Be sure to check out the hilarious greeting cards and books in the museum's gift shop, where London Pass holders will receive a 10% discount. Check website for rolling exhibitions.

Take a glimpse into the life of Winston Churchill (1874-1965), the greatest British statesman of the 20th century, and World War II Prime Minister, through this unique and historical collection: the Churchill Museum. Within the Cabinet War Rooms, the museum captures the public and private life, and achievements of the British leader and icon. Divided into five chapters, take a glimpse at the young Winston Churchill and his life as a politician, statesman, war leader and cold war statesman. The museum has over 150 original objects including Churchill's baby rattle and his trench periscope used on the Western Front. There are also numerous documents, photographs, and audiovisual and interactive displays. Winston Churchill was both historian and a significant part of history himself. For anyone interested in the history of the 20th century, this exhibit is a must. Call or check website for admission prices and group rates.

The Museum of Garden History is the ideal place for garden enthusiasts to explore the history of plants and shrubs, famous gardeners and plant hunters, major British and world gardens, and all other things horticultural. The museum's churchyard contains a re-creation of a historic knot garden and the graves of many famous people, including six Archbishops and John Smith (of Pocahontas fame). The museum has a coffee shop, and a gift shop selling a range of souvenirs and books. There is a public car park within walking distance, with unrestricted parking at weekends and in the evenings.

The museum itself stands on the site of a Roman fort. It is the largest and probably the most comprehensive urban museum on the planet, exploring all aspects of London city life from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum also periodically hosts various exhibitions on top of its permanent displays, which include the Great Fire Experience depicting the 1666 tragedy. Other galleries focus on transport, children and even the macabre.

World-famous nurse and health campaigner Florence Nightingale has finally received her due in the form of her own museum ie Florence Nightingale Museum. Inside the rather small museum, you'll find a sculpted set piece of a hospital ward, historical nursing artifacts and an audio-visual show. You'll also catch glimpses of Nightingale's personal life through exhibitions such as the reconstruction of her room at South Street. Admission: Adults £5.80, Students/OAP/Children £4.80.

The British Museum is one of London's top tourist attractions as well as a major scholarly resource. Its collection was bequeathed to the nation in 1753 and the Museum's distinctive Greek revivalist structure was built during the 19th Century. The collection expanded massively during the heyday of the British Empire, leading to the Museum's notoriety for plundering sources all over the globe and leaving it with over 6.5 million objects to look after. The displays cover about 14 acres and it is simply too tiring to tackle them all in one visit. The best way is to pick a collection or exhibition that interests you, explore that, and make return visits. And if you haven't got time for a proper visit, drop in for a coffee at the lovely Court Restaurant. Admission is free but charges may be made for temporary exhibitions.

The Geffrye Museum explores the history of interior design, architecture and decoration. Each room is set in a different period so, as you stroll through the museum, you can experience the development of interior design through the ages, from the 17th century, through the Georgian period, past the Victorian era, to art deco and the post-war era. And when that's done, you can visit the coffee bar and the shop.

The Museum of Fashion and Textiles founded by designer Zandra Rhodes, focuses on rotating exhibitions of work by British designers from the 1950s to the present day. A special Zandra Rhodes collection is on display at the museum. Fellowship are awarded to students of fashion, and samples of their work is showcased throughout the museum, which makes the collection a comprehensive (and eclectic) coverage of British fashion. Exhibition timings vary, kindly check website for further details.

This original museum houses artefacts and photographs of London's inland waterways, and is housed in a former ice warehouse. It was built around 1862 for Carlo Gatti, the famous Swiss-Italian ice-cream manufacturer, and features the history of the ice trade and ice-cream as well as the canals. It's the only museum of inland waterways in the capital, and has permanent exhibitions on the River Thames and Measham pottery. Special prices for groups are available if booked in advance.

Design Museum is the world's first museum dedicated to the study of 20th century design. Its two main galleries, housed in a spartan 1930s building, hold a historical collection which survey design developments from the origins of mass production to the present day. The Collection gallery houses designs of historical significance, whereas the Review gallery is more contemporary in theme. Both galleries hold regularly-changing displays. Blue Print Cafe is on the first floor.

Fire Brigade Museum is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of fire-fighting equipment and memorabilia in existence. The Fire Brigade Museum aims to chart the history of the fire brigade from the Great Fire of London in 1666 to the present, and to display objects from its history, ranging from a helmet dated circa 1720, to modern-day firefighting equipment. All visitors are required to reserve a place on one of the pre-arranged tours. Check website for further details.

Placed in the midst of Piccadilly Circus, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum is one place that a tourist must not miss. With a collection of 500 one-of-a-kind articles, the museum takes you on a journey that may seem extremely uncanny and unreal. The museum gives you a chance to see odd, unexplainable, weird, unbelievable and unimaginable things that have over the years managed to baffle the most practical minds. Call for additional information.