The Easter holidays are just around the corner, and for families with school-aged children, this is the perfect opportunity to take a well-deserved break from lessons. As schools shut for two weeks over Easter, parents and guardians are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding exciting and educational activities to keep their little ones entertained. One of the best ways to make the most of this break is by exploring the many free museums that London has to offer. These museums not only provide a great way to spend quality time with your children but also offer a unique opportunity to learn about various subjects such as history, art, science, and culture. According to Money Saving Expert, founded by Martin Lewis, there are over 27 museums in the Greater London area alone that offer free admission to visitors.
Table of Contents
Central London Museums
Central London is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, and many of them are free to visit. Some of the top museums in this area include:
• National Gallery – Trafalgar Square – Home to an impressive collection of Western European paintings from the 13th to 19th centuries, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Vincent van Gogh. • National Portrait Gallery – Trafalgar Square – Featuring a vast collection of portraits of famous British figures, from royalty to pop culture icons. • British Museum – Russell Square – With over 8 million objects in its collection, the British Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world, covering global history and artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles. • Tate Modern – South Bank – A former power station turned art museum, featuring an incredible collection of international modern and contemporary art. • Sir John Soane’s Museum – Lincoln’s Inn Fields – A quirky and eclectic museum showcasing the art, antiquities, and curiosities of its founder, Sir John Soane. • Museum of London – Barbican – A comprehensive history of London from prehistoric times to the present, with exhibits on everything from ancient Romans to modern-day culture. • Bank of England Museum – Bank – Exploring the history of the Bank of England and the UK’s currency and finance. • Grant Museum of Zoology – Lincoln’s Inn Fields – A unique collection of rare and fascinating specimens, skeletons, and preserved animals from around the world.
West London Museums
West London is also home to some of London’s best museums, including:
• Natural History Museum – South Kensington – One of the world’s greatest natural history museums, featuring a vast collection of dinosaurs, gems, and natural wonders from around the world. • V&A Museum – South Kensington – With a collection spanning centuries, the V&A Museum is one of the world’s greatest museums of decorative arts, fashion, design, and sculpture. • Science Museum – South Kensington – Hands-on science exhibits, space exploration, and historical inventions make this museum a must-visit for families. • Wallace Collection – Mayfair – A lavish collection of art, armor, and furniture in a historic townhouse. • Tate Britain – Pimlico – Featuring an impressive collection of British art from the 1500s to today, including works by Turner and Blake. • Saatchi Gallery – Chelsea – Showcasing contemporary art with a focus on emerging international artists. • National Army Museum – Chelsea – Exploring the stories of British soldiers and military history.
North London Museums
North London is also home to a range of excellent museums, including:
• Royal Air Force Museum – Colindale – A must-visit for aviation enthusiasts, featuring a vast collection of aircraft and interactive flight exhibits. • Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology – Euston – One of the world’s best collections of Egyptian artifacts, featuring over 80,000 objects. • Wellcome Collection – Euston – A unique mix of science, medicine, and art exhibitions that are sure to fascinate visitors. • Hunterian Museum – Euston – A collection of surgical instruments, human anatomy, and medical oddities that is sure to raise eyebrows. • East London Museums
East London Museums
East London is home to a range of unique museums, including:
• National Maritime Museum – Greenwich – Exploring Britain’s seafaring history, ships, and explorers. • Museum of London Docklands – Canary Wharf – A warehouse setting that brings to life London’s trade, slavery, and port history. • Ragged School Museum – Mile End – A Victorian classroom and history of education for the poor. • V&A Museum of Childhood – Bethnal Green – (Under redevelopment) A museum showcasing toys, games, and childhood objects. • Geffrye Museum (Museum of the Home) – Hoxton – Exploring domestic interiors and the history of home life. By visiting these museums, families can enjoy a fun and educational experience that will create lifelong memories. Whether you’re interested in art, history, science, or culture, there’s something for everyone at these incredible free museums in London. So why not plan a special day out with your family and explore the many wonders of the city’s museums?