Free museums in London: what is actually free

The short answer

The big national museums in London let you in without paying for their main galleries. What you pay for is the special exhibition, and sometimes a particular attraction inside. The one habit worth learning: read the booking line on each museum’s website before you go, because several now ask you to reserve a free ticket.

This list is only what we could confirm on each museum’s own site on 25 Oct 2026. Rules change, so check before you travel.

Museum by museum

V&A (South Kensington). The V&A says admission is free, and that some exhibitions and events carry a separate charge. [1] Its site listed several paid exhibitions at the time of writing, and at least one was sold out, so book those early. The same page flagged planned industrial action on 29 and 30 Oct 2026, with Young V&A limited to pre-booked half-term events and V&A East Museum and Storehouse closed on those dates. [1]

Natural History Museum (South Kensington). The galleries are free to explore. Some exhibitions are paid. You do not have to book to go in, but the museum suggests it at busy times, and says weekends and school holidays can mean queues. A free entry ticket, a membership or an exhibition ticket guarantees entry. [2]

Science Museum (South Kensington). Entry is free, and the museum asks you to book a free general admission ticket before you visit. Wonderlab, Power Up and the IMAX cost more, with lower prices for booking ahead. Donations are optional. [3]

National Gallery (Trafalgar Square). Admission is free, and donations are welcome. Some exhibitions are paid and some are free. You can book a free ticket for fast-track entry, though walk-up entry is also available. [4]

Tate Modern (South Bank). Entry to the collection is free for everyone. Exhibitions are paid, with concessions listed on the site, and booking is recommended for exhibitions. [5]

London Museum Docklands (West India Quay). The museum describes itself as free, with nine galleries. Events and exhibitions may be charged. The page gives no booking rule for ordinary visits. It is a few minutes’ walk from Canary Wharf and West India Quay stations. The museum’s new Smithfield site is listed as opening on 28 Nov 2026. [6]

What we could not confirm

We could not open the British Museum’s website while preparing this guide, so we are not stating its admission rules. Check its Visit page for whether you need a timed ticket. We also have not checked Tate Britain, so we have not covered it.

Where the traps are

• Free does not mean no ticket. The Science Museum asks for a booking, and the National Gallery and Natural History Museum offer free tickets that speed up entry. [2] [3] [4]
• The exhibition is a separate purchase. At the V&A, Tate Modern and the National Gallery the paid shows sit beside free galleries. Walk past the exhibition desk if you only want the collection. [1] [4] [5]
• Attractions inside a free museum can cost. The Science Museum’s Wonderlab, Power Up and IMAX are separate. [3]
• Donations are asked, not required. The National Gallery and Science Museum say donations are welcome or optional. [3] [4]

How to put it together

South Kensington is the easiest place to do two free museums in one day. The V&A, Natural History Museum and Science Museum are all there. Pick two, not three, and book the free tickets for each the night before. If you want the Thames and a gallery, pair Tate Modern with a walk along the river on the South Bank. The National Gallery has walk-up entry, so it can fit a short visit.

If you are already in east London, London Museum Docklands is beside Canary Wharf and is a different trip from the South Kensington group.

Before you set off, open each museum’s visit page. Opening times, ticketing rules and exhibition dates change often, and we have not quoted prices or hours here for that reason.

Places in this article

Photos from our guides; each links to the page that lists the place.