Free Museums in London
Last updated: 24 January 2026
London has something most cities can only dream of: world-class museums that won't cost you a penny.
From Egyptian mummies to Van Gogh's sunflowers, you can spend weeks exploring masterpieces without opening your wallet. Here's everything you need to know about visiting London's free museums.
British Museum
Two million years of human history under one roof. From the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon sculptures, this is the world's first national public museum.
- Free Entry for everyone, every day.
- Open Daily 10:00–17:00 (Fridays until 20:30).
- Pro Tip: Visit on Friday evenings for a magical, quieter atmosphere.
"You could visit twenty times and still discover something new. It's a journey through the history of the world."
Free Audio Tour
Why London's Museums Are Free
Since 2001, the UK government has ensured that major national museums remain free to everyone. The idea is simple: culture shouldn't be limited by money.
Know Before You Go
- Not everything is free. Permanent collections are free, but special exhibitions often require tickets.
- Book ahead. Popular museums often require free timed-entry slots. Book online to skip queues.
- Donations welcome. If you can afford it, a small donation (£5-10) helps keep these institutions open.
Best Free Museums in London
Van Gogh. Da Vinci. Turner. Monet. Every painting you studied in school, right there on the walls. The collection spans 700 years of European art.
Free Audio Tour
Contemporary art in a converted power station on the Thames. Love it or hate it, you won't forget it. Free entry to the permanent collection.
Free Audio Tour
Hidden Gems
An aristocratic mansion filled with Old Master paintings. Feels like a very wealthy friend's house.
Everything naval. Perfect if you're heading to Greenwich anyway for the observatory.
Hold a real gold bar. The history of money in the financial heart of London.
A historic house so crammed with art and artifacts you'll think you're hallucinating.
Perfect Free Days Used
South Kensington District
Natural History Museum
Start early to beat crowds
V&A Museum
Lunch in the stunning cafe
Science Museum
Interactive afternoon fun
Trafalgar to Bankside
National Gallery
Morning with the masters
Walk Waterloo Bridge
Best views of the city
Tate Modern
Modern art & Turbine Hall
Greenwich Day Trip
River Bus
Take the Uber Boat from Central
National Maritime Museum
Greenwich Park
Picnic with a view
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to book tickets if they're free?
For the major museums (British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum), yes. It's quick and guarantees entry. Smaller museums are usually walk-in.
Which museum is best for kids?
Natural History Museum wins for wow factor. The Science Museum is more interactive. Both will keep kids entertained for hours.
Can I visit multiple museums in one day?
You can, but you probably shouldn't. Museum fatigue is real. Pick one or two and actually enjoy them.
Are the museums really completely free?
The permanent collections are genuinely free. Special exhibitions usually cost £12-20. Audio guides (if offered) typically cost £5-7.
When are museums least crowded?
Weekday mornings and Friday evenings. Avoid weekends and school holidays if you value personal space.
Make Your Visit Even Better
Want audio tours that actually make sense? We focus on the masterpieces that matter and tell you the stories behind them - no art history degree required.
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Written by Museums Made Easy, creators of museum audio tours for visitors. We link to official museum websites when possible.
This guide is part of our free museum guides covering major cities worldwide, including London, Paris, and New York. Browse all free museum guides →