Libraries in London

THE 10 BEST London Libraries

Libraries 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 32

What travellers are saying

  • ECWorld
    Hong Kong, China2,797 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.
  • Tony S
    Croydon, UK2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My wife purchased a ticket (as a birthay treat)for one of their monthly guided tours. It was far more interesting than I expected.
    The tour guide (I think it was Ananda) was amazing and her enthusiasm for her work place and work was incredible. I cannot afford the fees as a pensioner but it is obviously a wonderful resource,and thankfully many writers/autors were members.As well as quite a few historical figures.

    Would wholeheartedly recommend.
    Written 19 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • HINA W
    Islamabad, Pakistan7,328 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    You can find this lovely building in South Kensington, an area which was nicknamed Albertopolis after the beloved husband of Queen Victoria. It is situated near the Albert Hall and faces the Kensington Park. It was treat to visit this unique society’s headquarters. So many expeditions were planned, funded and given royal patronage here. This is the place which led to so many discoveries. The exhibits, stories and ambience here are truly amazing and inspiring. The tales of those adventurous people who led their teams into the arctic, jungles, seas, volcanoes, deserts and mountains would definitely enthral you too. Researchers like David Livingstone, Ernest Shackleton, Humphrey Gilbert, Sir Francis Drake and Captain Cook were all funded by this society’s help. You can also see a private wedding or two taking place here.
    Written 8 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 70ava
    Beijing, China1,008 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An interesting thought-provoking place next to SOAS. They have changing exhibitions - well made and very informative. The staff is very helpful. We visited the exhibition "Expelled" in its last days and learned a lot.
    Written 17 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Roland D
    London, UK1,138 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the former public records office, dating from 1856, and now the library of the esteemed educational institution King's College London. It was open to the public during Open House Weekend, when I found out that King's is one of the top 10 universities in the World. The library is certainly impressive, holding over 750,000 publications, including various special collections which can be accessed by appointment. The building is also quite amazing, occupying an historic site. The round reading room and the Weston Room were the most impressive, the latter being where they have special displays (one currently on American poetry).
    Written 22 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John B
    St Helens, UK117 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had read about the Institute and thought it was a centre for German culture. While it does host German movie showings it is primarily a language school and not ( as I had assumed ) a German tourist information agency..
    Written 19 July 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lynn M
    Houston, TX2,551 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We always seek out independent bookstores wherever we go. This was a solid choice as it was incredibly unique. Lots of books, including children’s books. Despite its small size, there were even a number of places to sit down. A must do if you love books.
    Written 25 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • futtock21
    London, UK17,259 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There’s much more to Burlington House than the Royal Academy of Arts because it is home to a number of other learned societies, including the Royal Astronomical Society, the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Linnaean Society. The Geological Society is the only one accessed from Piccadilly rather than the courtyard of Burlington House itself. Founded by 13 members including Humphrey Davy in 1807 in the Freemasons Tavern in Great Queen Street, it moved to Burlington House in 1874. It has a magnificent library spread over two floors with over 300,000 volumes. During London Open House 2023 various first floor rooms including a Council Chamber and a modern ground floor lecture theatre were also open to the public. Some displays of rocks and fossils were available to interest younger visitors.
    Written 24 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Liz D
    Trefriw36 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Another place I had always wanted to go but never did. Finally remedied that and spent a good few hours there. Learned so much! Passionate volunteers run it and it's full of info on working class rights and socialist movers and shakers. The tour is only a couple times a week so check before you go. The tour is ÂŁ5 each.
    Written 14 April 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • macedonboy
    Glasgow, UK1,86,190 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    As others have mentioned, this library has a vast collection of books and written material specifically about London. It's more of a reference library than a general library, so useful for anyone doing research on London. Not so much for the general public though.
    Written 16 March 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zoe B
    Worthing, UK1,337 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A wonderful opportunity to see inside this stunning building, the staff on hand were very helpful in explaining some of the history of the building.
    The outside of the building has a lot of decorative stonework but nothing can prepare you for the inside! A contrast to the modern Lloyds building that it is paired with, the history here is immense and the opportunity to see some of the old documents was fascinating. Well worth a visit when it is open to the public.
    Written 18 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mike P
    6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great find , excellent coffee and food , at a very reasonable price
    Friendly staff , will visit again , just a couple of minutes from the station, well worth a visit.
    Written 7 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • F C
    London, UK11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great staff members at the reception of Battersea library and the computer room. They were very helpful and really took the time in making sure I knew what they were saying. Membership card also made in minutes which was very helpful as this was a last minute arrangement
    Written 17 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Crazy_Jim_83
    London, UK1,582 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    I went to the library today;
    In search of poems to peruse
    For what proved to be a short stay
    As I had no further time to lose

    (or waste rather, as it all seemed a bit boring. There are a few desks available if you’re looking for somewhere to study….just pretend you’re studying poetry and don’t sign in because errr why would you?)
    Written 25 July 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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