The Science Museum in South Kensington is one of London's great free museums, and one of the best days out in the city for families. Its galleries cover everything from steam engines and early computers to space travel and modern medicine, with real objects that changed the world displayed alongside hands-on exhibits. Entry to the main museum is free, so you can come for an hour or stay all day.
Why visit the Science Museum
The museum grew out of the collections of the 1851 Great Exhibition and sits on Exhibition Road, between the Natural History Museum and Imperial College. Its strength is real things: engines, aircraft, capsules and machines you can stand next to. Highlights include the Apollo 10 command module that orbited the Moon in 1969, Puffing Billy, one of the oldest surviving steam locomotives, and a huge collection covering computing, communications and medicine.
It works well for adults too. Galleries such as Making the Modern World and the medicine galleries are thoughtful and detailed, and there is far more here than a single visit can cover.
Getting to the Science Museum by Tube
The nearest station is South Kensington, served by the Piccadilly, District and Circle lines. From the station, follow the signs for the museums into the long pedestrian subway, which runs under Exhibition Road and brings you out near the museum entrances. It is the easiest route in the rain. Above ground, the walk up Exhibition Road takes around five to ten minutes.
Gloucester Road (Piccadilly, District and Circle) is another option, slightly further west. Several bus routes also stop nearby on Cromwell Road.
Science Museum tickets and opening hours
General entry to the Science Museum is free. The museum recommends booking a free timed ticket online, particularly at weekends and during school holidays, when it can get very busy. Some attractions inside are paid, including Wonderlab, the interactive gallery with live demonstrations, the IMAX cinema, simulators and some temporary exhibitions. Donations are welcome. Check the official website, sciencemuseum.org.uk, for current opening hours, booking and prices.
Galleries not to miss
Exploring Space
Rockets, satellites and the Apollo 10 command module make this one of the most popular areas. It is usually busy, so try to see it early.
Energy Hall
Near the entrance, this hall is filled with large steam engines from the age of the Industrial Revolution, some of which are occasionally run.
Making the Modern World
A long gallery of landmark objects from the past few centuries, from early locomotives and cars to household technology.
Information Age and Medicine
Information Age tells the story of communication from the telegraph to the internet. The Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries cover health and the body across centuries and cultures.
Wonderlab
The paid interactive gallery is a favourite with children, with experiments, shows and hands-on exhibits.
Tips for families
The museum is large and can be tiring for small children, so pick two or three galleries rather than trying to see everything. The lower ground floor has spaces designed for younger children, and Wonderlab suits school-age children best. There are cafes and picnic areas inside, which helps on wet days. Lifts connect all floors, and buggies are welcome.
Bags are checked at the entrance, and there can be a short queue for security at busy times, so arriving close to opening time saves waiting.
Best time to visit and how long
Weekday afternoons in term time are usually calmest, as school groups tend to visit in the mornings. Weekends and school holidays are the busiest times, so book a free slot and arrive at opening. Allow at least two to three hours; families with Wonderlab tickets often spend most of a day.
Nearby on the same stop
South Kensington is London's museum district, so there is plenty more to see:
- Natural History Museum: dinosaurs and a famous blue whale skeleton, right next door.
- Victoria and Albert Museum: art and design, across Exhibition Road.
- Royal Albert Hall: the concert hall at the top of Exhibition Road.
- Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens: a short walk north for a break outdoors.
Discover more around South Kensington on the Science Museum page, or browse our London guide by Tube station.