Science Museum

The Science Museum in South Kensington covers everything from early steam engines to the Apollo 10 command module, spread across five floors designed to keep both kids and adults engaged. It sits right next to the Natural History Museum, making the pair an easy combination for a museum-focused day.

Tickets & Hours

General admission to the permanent galleries is free — book a free timed ticket online to guarantee entry, since walk-up access isn't guaranteed on busy days. The museum is open daily 10:00am–6:00pm (last entry 5:15pm), extending across the full week during school holidays. Paid extras — Wonderlab (the hands-on interactive gallery), the IMAX theatre, and Power Up (a retro gaming exhibit) — need separate, bookable tickets and are worth booking ahead for cheaper prices.

How Much Time to Allow

The free galleries alone take two to three hours at a comfortable pace. Add Wonderlab (1–2 hours) and an IMAX screening (40–50 minutes) and you're looking at a full five-to-six-hour day — the museum is genuinely large enough to fill one without feeling rushed.

What to See

The Garden, a free sensory play area for under-5s in the basement, is a good stop for families with young children. The Clock Gallery on the second floor has a small daily ritual worth timing your visit around: several historic timepieces chime together at noon.

Getting There

South Kensington station (Circle, District & Piccadilly lines) is a short walk via the pedestrian tunnel connecting directly to the museum quarter.

Tips for Visiting

• Book a free timed ticket online — walk-up access isn't guaranteed on busy days.
• Large suitcases aren't allowed and there are no lockers for oversized bags, though a small cloakroom takes coats and standard bags.
• Pair with the Natural History Museum next door for a full South Kensington museum day.
• Download the museum's digital map in advance — the five floors take some navigating.

Hours and exhibition details are correct as of publication but change — check the official Science Museum site before visiting.