History Museums in London

THE 10 BEST London History Museums

History Museums in London

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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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Showing results 1-30 of 70

What travellers are saying

  • George M
    Windsor, UK409 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a great exhibition and really brings to life the wonders of the Silk Road and the various influences each religion and ethnic group brought not only in the east but a lasting historical legacy today
    It was chilly outside and in today - wouldn’t recommend checking in your coat if you are visits the exhibition
    Written 11 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Twinsliders
    Folkingham, UK521 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unfortunately on the day of our visit it was very busy (a rainy Saturday) and therefore we didn’t feel we were able to look at the exhibits in any detail or enjoy some of the areas at all.

    The museum itself is amazing with some wonderful things to see. Our 7 year old loved looking and learning but was put off by the crowds.

    The walkway from the tube to the museum is lovely and I’m sure would be even better on a sunny day!

    Book if you can as queues can get long as they stagger entry.

    The changing place facility was excellent.
    Written 10 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ruma_mies
    31 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting destination for 2-3 hours visit. Close to Parlament house, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. They have very good audio guide, it is worth taking.
    Written 10 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anthony L
    Redhill, UK9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Superb nostalgia trip as well as being educational. Well laid out and exceptional exhibits - would go again with the younger generation
    Written 14 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 1SAM2006
    Devon, UK47 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were very impressed with the museum, especially the Holocaust exhibition, which was incredibly moving. The displays provided so much valuable information, and we found ourselves wishing we had allowed more time to fully take it all in. If you're planning a visit, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore everything this museum has to offer.

    There’s also a lovely café serving good-quality lunches, which was a great addition to our visit.

    Highly recommended!
    Written 11 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ECWorld
    Hong Kong, China2,792 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really enjoyed this library! The Treasures Gallery -- it was pretty amazing seeing a historical copy of the Magna Carta, Bible manuscripts, Da Vinci and all sorts of rare books. There is a Philatelic Exhibition outside Treasure Gallery (Tapling Collection). Well worth a visit!
    Written 4 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stephen P
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really good, nothing new to an avid “fan” of this story but still interesting to see some of the actual items from around the time
    Written 10 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bluebellplasnewydd
    Cardiff, UK2,056 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The museum and docks are part of British and Empire heritage. We had a very informative guided tour explaining the history back to the 1600's with cargo ship routes and derivation of local place names. There is original machinery and lots of photographs. The museum and area are worth a day out.
    Written 8 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Eden263
    Lincoln, UK69 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I have visited LTM several times over the past 20 years and I love it! I live 120 miles away but still make a special trip just to visit. There is plenty for everyone; a comprehensive history of all forms of public transport in the city, from river boats and horse-drawn coaches right up to the Elizabeth line, and how it not only impacted residents but drove the growth and expansion of the suburbs; models and films showing tunnelling techniques and how the tube is arranged under the city; vintage vehicles of all kinds, some with films inside for a simulated experience; many, many artefacts; a play area and plenty of hands-on stuff for kids; poignant exhibits such as comparing how people have used underground stations as shelters during wartime in the past and present, and stories of the Windrush immigrants who were employed by London Transport. They also have a temporary exhibition gallery which, at this time, has a display of LT posters dating from the past 125 or so years, including examples of the original artwork and drafts. I immensely enjoyed a 30-minute tour of this gallery, delivered by a wonderful guide called Rowan, who explained about the different artists and styles, and opened my eyes to how much thought and effort goes into the promotional materials for the network.

    I spoke to a couple of staff positioned around the gallery and both were friendly and chatty, filling me in on the changes since my last visit. Entrance to the museum is managed well, with minimal queueing time, something I was glad of since it was raining and there’s no under cover queueing area!

    A word of warning; it is very very noisy! And can be very busy and full of children, as you might expect! The museum building is quite small as museums go, and although the space is used well, there are a limited number of vehicles, so if you are more interested in looking at vintage vehicles and rolling stock than the history of the network as a whole, you might enjoy the depot at Acton more. But me? I love it!
    Written 9 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Norman Bland
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I didn't do an official tour just took a look round but would definitely recommend going there.

    A real pleasure to visit so much to see at Greenwich
    Written 29 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Review-er-er_er
    Houston, TX243 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a fun little museum, kind of hidden at the edge of the Borough Market area. It was a very easy walk from the Tower of London and decently priced.

    I had an issue that kept me from visiting at the date and time scheduled via my prepaid ticket and they were very reasonable about working with me to change my ticket.

    The Clink adds an extra layer of understanding of what things were like for those imprisoned in the London area once upon a time and had an interactive and mannequin theatricality that I feel the Tower of London definitely could have used.

    It's pretty small and only took about an hour to read and play around with everything. There is even a fun free photo op at the end. One of those you pose, the timer counts down and the machine snaps the photo. Afterwards, you get a photo you can go online and download for free.

    As there was no one behind me, I did take more than one.

    While I wouldn't go to the area just for this exhibit; if in the area, I would definitely drop by.

    In the area and within easy walking distance you also have:

    - The Tower of London. (There are fantastic and reasonably priced Fish and Chips stands right outside, next to the on site box office.)
    - The London Wall is right near the entry/exit of the Tower subway station
    - Tower Bridge - quick and easy walk to and across from the Tower
    - Jack the Ripper Museum
    - The Borough
    - All Hallows by the Tower
    - St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
    - Church of Saint Magnus the Martyr
    Written 30 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SuzyC252
    Dover, UK29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A really interesting look back at medicine and how it evolved. Priced well for the time spent and was really interesting.
    Written 26 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Amy Ransom
    Hillingdon, UK57 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This building has some of the best architecture in London, with a very long history that has been beautifully conserved.

    My friend and I visited here last weekend without any planning, and we were welcomed in by the staff. Everyone was very friendly and the exhibits were easy to walk through while learning all about freemasonry.

    If you are into history and architecture, I would absolutely recommend visiting here.
    Written 3 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Catherine Y Tang
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Information-rich, absolutely beautiful curations, and shout out to the audio guide. They have a great team running the house - I'm very grateful to Tony for the knowledge and insights he shared! Also had great chats with Alana and Hania, who have been extremely helpful. As a Wellingtonian fan I'm giving this 50 stars but I do think even for people who don't know much about him, who simply want to learn a piece of important history that changed the map of Europe, or appreciate some lovely works of art, Apsley House is a gem not to be missed out. I spent 4 hours here and would definitely want to come again. Btw if you also love Nelson and, like me, felt a strong sentiment about them not having the opportunity to get to know each other better on a personal note, you'll be healed by Apsley House hahaha no more spoilers!!!
    Written 21 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joc
    110 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dennis Severs' House is strange and mysterious - so if you're expecting a typical museum with explanatory plaques and brightly lit artwork, you'll be surprised! You are led into a dark residential house, elaborately decorated with historical pieces. It feels more like a theatre or film set than something historically accurate but you can imagine Miss Haversham living here. For that, it is fascinating and eerily wonderful. Visiting at Christmas felt special, as the Victorian-era rooms were reminiscent of Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. Please note: because the building is listed, the museum is not accessible for wheelchair users or people with mobility issues, which is unfortunate. There also is not a bathroom on site.
    Written 15 June 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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