There are various museums and art galleries in all the major cities of the UK. London alone has over fifty different museums and galleries showcasing art, design, culture from Europe and all over the world. From the biggest collection of decorative art and design, Victoria and Albert Museum, to the eclectic yet modern, Tate Group, the city of London redefines and refines art and history at every step.
The culture of museums in United Kingdom is also quite strong. It is evident with the fact that most museums as well as art galleries are free to access for all. A few select exhibitions are to be paid for, however, most of the artefacts on display can be seen without paying a fee.
10 Best Museums In United Kingdom For Every Art Lover!
If witnessing the artistic heritage is your thing then read on to know more about these 10 best museums in United Kingdom everyone must visit.
1. National Railway Museum
One of the most famous museums in United Kingdom, this is the go-to place to witness the journey of train and railway lines in Britain. The beautiful halls of this wonderful place are full of trains, something which anyone of any age will enjoy. You will spot a Japanese Bullet train as well as a Mallard, the fastest steam engine, over here. Apart from this the workshop balcony offers an insight into the daily lives and work of the engineers who repair and restore these trains.
Location: Leeman Road, York, UK
Timing: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
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2. National Museum of Scotland
One of the best museums in United Kingdom, this place is perfect to learn a lot about the natural history and evolution of Scotland, our species, and most importantly, this planet. There are a number of exhibitions here which children will enjoy. Among many of the artefacts at display here, some are quite known world around – a twelve metres long T rex skeleton cast being one of them! The giant whale skull (Moby) in the Grand Gallery here is a must-visit.
Location: Chambers Street, Edinburgh, UK
Timing: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
3. Tate Modern
One of the best art museums in England United Kingdom, Tate Modern has established its name as a patron in the field of modern art. A part of the Tate Group, this beautiful space is home to artworks by Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris and Paul Klee among many others. Some of the biggest names in business have showcased here, while most aspiring artists dream of finding their space in its decorated galleries.
Location: Bankside, London, UK
Timing: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (All week except Friday & Saturday), 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Friday & Saturday)
Entry Fee: Free
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4. Roman Baths
A souvenir of a different era – this bathing complex is visited by millions of people every year. The museum itself is housed in the premises itself. You will be able to interact with costumed characters (Romans, you see!). Take a walk through as well as explore the Baths and Pump Room model among other things. People are not allowed to enter the water today, however visiting this place takes you back in the history of Northern Europe like nothing else!
Location: Stall Street, Bath, UK
Timing: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 1600
5. SS Great Britain
This renowned ship was in fact world’s first luxury ship, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Today, the ship has been restored, which means you can visit this beautiful piece of engineering. To create the illusion of the ship floating in water, a glass plate has been used. You can even come aboard to engage and explore this stunning mix of art and science. Not only that, the ship has been suspended such that you can walk under it and gaze in the depths of this historic beauty.
Location: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, UK
Timing: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 1600
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6. Natural History Museum
Everyone knows this gem – open for more than a century, this beautiful red building houses a number of exotic and rare exhibits ranging from fossils unearthed in different parts of the planet to skeletons of animals like dinosaurs and blue whales. The Darwin Centre here is a preferred place to attend talks and seminars on the subject as well as see different specimens of prehistoric era.
Location: Cromwell Road, Kensington, London, UK
Timing: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Entry Fee: Free
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7. Science Museum
One of the best museums in England United Kingdom, this is the place you should take your children to on your London trip to get them excited about all things science. Think interactive galleries which allow you to witness the basic science principles in real or simulators to travel to space. This place is definitely a must-cover for every explorer – young or old. You can also check out the Apollo 10 capsule among other displays here.
Location: Exhibition Road, Kensington, London, UK
Timing: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
8. International Slavery Museum
Another entry on the list of museums in United Kingdom, this is an effort to tell the story of slave trade. One of its only kind of place in the world, this beautiful museum offers a deep insight into human rights issues by exploring the pieces here. Many temporary exhibitions are used to tell the experiences of today. The museum also sheds light on different aspects related to history of slavery, making it a must-visit for the politically aware.
Location: Liverpool, United Kingdom
Timing: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
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9. Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
One of the best museums in United Kingdom outside London, this lovely place receives huge number of visitors around the year. Housing more than eight thousand pieces, this is the place to go to when you want to discover Glasgow deeply. Apart from the usual pieces of arts and culture, the museum is home to the popular exhibit Beehive, which lets bees in and out of the building itself!
Location: Argyle Street, Glasgow, UK
Timing: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (All week except Friday & Sunday), 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Friday & Sunday)
Entry Fee: Free
10. National Maritime Museum
The biggest museums of its kind in the UK, this wonderful museum is housed in a historic building which also is the part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. Focussed on the sea, this museum has over two million artefacts showcasing maritime art, manuscripts, public records, maps, ship models among various other things. A must-visit for history enthusiasts!
Location: Park Row, London, UK
Timing: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Further Read: The Cairngorms National Park: A Scintillating Scottish Experience Amid Nature
The museums in United Kingdom are well maintained partly due to donations as well as the cultural awareness of the general public. Booked your tickets yet? If not then fret not and browse through the customized United Kingdom holiday packages with TravelTriangle and go on a journey to explore the historic artefacts of the country.
