Natural History Museum London

Founded in 1881, the Natural History Museum features exhibits of natural sciences ranging from fossils, Darwin’s works to modern lab operations, including generous donations from Sir Hans Sloane back in 1753. Visitors can observe scientists working in open-plan laboratories where they study a diverse range of topics, such as cocoa from Jamaica brought back by Sir Hans in the 17th Century to Mosquitos carrying Malaria collected in 2008.

Thanks to the foresight of Sir Richard Owen (an advocate of the Natural History Museum who was renowned for coining the term “dinosaur”), the Museum’s space allows huge specimens to be displayed, such as the skeleton of a whale. Join the Behind-the-Scenes Spirit Collection Tour to take a 17-mile trail exploring various specimens and book collections (including the personal collections of Charles Darwin of evolution fame). The tour is suitable for anyone over eight years old. Among the major attractions in the museum is a giant squid on display that nears 9 metres in length. There is a wide range of free and paid tours for everyone, check out all their tours here.

The Museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:50, with last entry at 17:30. It is closed on 13 July and 24-26 December. Admission is free with varying charges for temporary exhibitions. To get there, travel to South Kensington Station by Tube via Circle, District or Piccadilly Line. Nearby attractions include: Hyde Park, V&A Museum, Science Museum, Imperial College, Royal Albert Hall.