The UK has some of the finest museums and galleries in the entire world — and one of the best things about many of them is that they’re completely free to enter. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient history, natural wonders, great art, ground-breaking science or the story of railways, there’s a museum somewhere in the UK that will absolutely blow you away.
Museums and galleries make brilliant additions to a city break or short holiday — and on a rainy day there’s honestly nowhere better to be. Here’s our guide to some of the very best across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Always check opening times and any entry requirements on the museum’s own website before you travel — some popular museums now require free timed entry tickets to be booked in advance.
London’s World-Class Museums
London is home to an extraordinary concentration of world-class museums — most of them completely free. If you’re visiting the capital, building at least one museum visit into your trip is a brilliant idea.
The British Museum — Bloomsbury, London
One of the greatest museums in the world — and completely free. The British Museum holds over 8 million objects spanning two million years of human history. The Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, the Sutton Hoo helmet, Egyptian mummies — the collection is genuinely breathtaking. You could visit a dozen times and still discover something new. Allow at least half a day and preferably a full one.
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Natural History Museum — South Kensington, London
Even before you step inside, the Natural History Museum takes your breath away — the building itself is a masterpiece. Inside you’ll find dinosaur skeletons, a blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling, earthquake simulators, precious gems and an extraordinary journey through the natural world. Absolutely brilliant for children and adults alike — and completely free. One of London’s unmissable experiences.
Read more – Natural History Museum
Victoria & Albert Museum — South Kensington, London
The V&A is the world’s greatest museum of art, design and performance — and it’s free. Fashion, furniture, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, theatre costumes, photography and much more spread across 145 galleries. If you have any interest in creativity, craftsmanship or design, you’ll find this place genuinely inspiring. The building and its courtyards are beautiful too — well worth a visit even if you only have an hour.
Read more – Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)
Science Museum — South Kensington, London
The Science Museum is one of the most hands-on and engaging museums in the country — and completely free. From the history of space exploration and early computers to medical breakthroughs and climate science, it covers an astonishing range of subjects in a way that’s genuinely accessible for all ages. The interactive galleries for children are particularly brilliant. A fantastic rainy day option that never feels like a compromise.
Read more – Science MuseumGreat Museums Beyond London
National Railway Museum — York
The largest railway museum in the world — and completely free. The National Railway Museum in York is an extraordinary place that railway enthusiasts and curious visitors alike absolutely love. Mallard, the fastest steam locomotive ever built, is here. So is a Japanese Shinkansen bullet train, the Queen’s Royal Train and hundreds of other locomotives and carriages spanning 300 years of railway history. York itself is a magnificent city to spend a day or two in.
Read more – National Railway Museum – York
Royal Armouries — Leeds
The national museum of arms and armour — and completely free. The Royal Armouries in Leeds houses one of the finest collections of weapons, armour and artillery in the world, with over 8,500 objects on display across five galleries covering war, tournament, self defence, hunting and oriental arms. Live demonstrations and interactive displays bring the collection to life brilliantly. Leeds is also a fantastic city break destination in its own right.
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National Museum of Scotland — Edinburgh
One of the finest museums in Europe — and completely free. The National Museum of Scotland tells the story of Scotland and the world through an extraordinary and beautifully displayed collection spanning science, technology, art, fashion, nature and Scottish history. Dolly the sheep — the world’s first cloned mammal — is here. The building itself is stunning and the rooftop terrace offers one of the best views in Edinburgh. An absolute must on any Edinburgh visit.
Read more – National Museum of ScotlandWales
National Museum Cardiff — Wales
Wales’ finest museum — and completely free. The National Museum Cardiff houses one of Europe’s greatest art collections alongside outstanding natural history, archaeology and geology galleries. The Impressionist art collection is particularly remarkable — one of the best outside of Paris. A brilliant and often underrated museum in one of the UK’s most enjoyable and compact capital cities.
Explore South WalesIreland
Titanic Belfast — Belfast, Northern Ireland
The world’s largest Titanic visitor experience and one of the most impressive museums in the UK — built right on the exact spot where the Titanic was constructed. Nine interactive galleries tell the full story of the ship’s design, construction, launch, voyage and tragic sinking in a way that’s genuinely moving and brilliantly done. Titanic Belfast has won countless awards including World’s Leading Tourist Attraction — and it absolutely deserves them. A must-visit on any Belfast trip.
Read more – Titanic – BelfastMore Great UK Museums Worth Visiting
The UK has hundreds of brilliant museums beyond those featured above. Here are some more that are well worth seeking out on your travels:
- Imperial War Museum — London (free)
- Tate Modern — London (free)
- National Portrait Gallery — London (free) — page coming soon
- Museum of Science & Industry — Manchester (free)
- Manchester Art Gallery — Manchester (free)
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum — Glasgow (free) — page coming soon
- National Museum of the Royal Navy — Portsmouth — page coming soon
- Beamish Museum — County Durham
- Ironbridge Gorge Museums — Shropshire
- Blists Hill Victorian Town — Shropshire
- Jorvik Viking Centre — York
- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery — Birmingham (free)
- South Wales Miners Museum — Port Talbot, Wales (free)
- National Slate Museum — Llanberis, Wales (free) — page coming soon
- Ulster Folk & Transport Museum — Belfast (free)
- Ulster American Folk Park — Omagh, Northern Ireland
- National Museum of Flight — East Lothian, Scotland
Tips for Getting the Most From a Museum Visit
Book timed entry in advance — many of the most popular museums now require free timed entry tickets, especially during school holidays and at weekends. Always check the museum’s website before you travel to avoid disappointment.
Don’t try to see everything in one visit — the big national museums are enormous. Trying to rush through everything in a few hours means you won’t really absorb any of it. Pick two or three galleries that interest you most and explore those properly.
Check what’s on — most major museums run temporary exhibitions, special events, late openings and family activity days throughout the year. These can make your visit even more memorable and are often ticketed separately.
Museum cafés and shops are worth a look — the café at the Natural History Museum, the rooftop terrace at the National Museum of Scotland, the shop at the V&A — museum facilities have improved enormously and are often genuinely good.
Free doesn’t mean quiet — the major free London museums can get very busy, particularly at weekends and during school holidays. Arriving when they open — usually 10am — makes a real difference and gives you the galleries almost to yourself for the first hour.
More family days out: Theme Parks • Zoos & Safari Parks • Waterparks • Historic Sites • Go Ape
Make a city break of it: Hotels • Last Minute Breaks • UK City Breaks