With layer upon layer of its own history, and a wealth of priceless artefacts brought in from across the globe, London truly is the museum capital of the world. In fact there are so many museums in London – over 250 at last count – that it would take several years to visit them all.
At London Duck Tours, we know your holiday time is a precious thing, so we’ve have compiled a list of our top five favourite museums in London – how many can you get round in your holiday day?!?
- The British Museum – Described as “A museum of the world, for the world” it covers over two million years of human history and culture. See the Rosetta stone, the Parthenon sculptures, Egyptian mummies and some stunning interior spaces. Maybe the biggest and dare we say best classical archaeological museum in the world? Set in the heart of beautiful Bloomsbury, which is also worth a good wander.
- The Natural History Museum – “A centre of scientific excellence in the discovery of taxonomy and biodiversity”, this world-famous dinosaur and animal history museum featured in two of London Duck Tours favourite movies – “Paddington” and “One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing”. Both classics. Can get busy during school holidays but worth queuing for.
- The Churchill War Rooms – “The underground headquarters of the British High Command served as the nerve centre of Britain’s war effort during World War II” – amazing if you’re interested in Sir Winston and WWII. You can also get married here. Yes really – in an underground bunker with gas masks and everything. Quirky eh? Featured in our D-Day Duck Tour.
- The Imperial War Museum – This imposing museum on the site of “Bedlam” tells the stories of people’s experiences of modern war from the First World War to conflicts today. We always think the two massive guns at the front look a little bit threatening as we drive by. Has just opened after an extensive refurbishment to commemorate WW1.
- The Wallace Collection – An oasis of refined elegance yards away from the bustle and throng of Oxford Street. It houses one of the world’s best collections of French 18th-century pictures, porcelain and furniture, plus a fantastic array of 17th-century paintings. Pop in during your shopping trip – it does a delightful afternoon tea in its beautiful airy orangery.
Want more? Well goodness, aren’t you keen! There’s still the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, HMS Belfast near London Bridge, The Geffrye Museum over in East London, The Bank of England museum in the City, and The Charles Dickens Museum in Bloomsbury – and there’s still 200 or so more for your delectation and delight! Just don’t buy a bookmark and a fridge magnet in EVERY one will you now?!