The Musical Museum in Brentford, Borough of Hounslow, London, offers a substantial and spectacular…read morecollection of (mostly) "mechanical," self-playing musical instruments such as player pianos, a Mighty Wurlitzer cinema organ (which is also used for screenings of silent films with live music accompaniment), orchestrions and even a mechanical violin-playing machine. The exhibit is arranged over three floors of a detached building and includes a fairly large concert hall that's also a cinema (for sound films, too). There is a guided tour several times a day (11.30, 13:30 and 15:30 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays), which I strongly recommend - for not only do the knowledgeable guides have many stories to tell about the relatively brief period in which these instruments were popular at the homes of the middle and upper classes, they can also operate these machines so you can hear the tunes from the piano rolls etc. You can ask these guides anything about the exhibit, too. Almost all of the instruments at the museum are in working order! The tour in included in the entry fee. The Musical Museum is a 15 minute bus ride from South Ealing underground station (Bus No.65) and has its own parking lot. Alternatively, you can arrive by train from London's Waterloo Station to Kew Bridge. You can nicely combine the visit with one to the nearby London Museum of Water and Steam, which is completely different of course but similarly interesting. The Thames river banks of Richmond with their cafés are only a short walk away, they are nice for a Sunday out. On the ground floor there is a also a small but cute collection of toy instruments which you might remember from your own childhood - i.e. if you happen to be a hundred. Audio guides to the collection are available in English, French, German and Polish at all times and are included in the admission fee. You leave the building through the small museum shop where you can buy not only books and leaflets but authentic vintage piano rolls - hey cost just a couple of UKP each and all the money goes into the costly upkeep of the old instruments. Of course you won't be able to play them unless you have a player piano at home, but maybe you will find a nice memento of your favorite classical or salon piece. Please see my photos to get a better impression of the museum.

Wow! What a museum. And FREE! There was not too much for my 3 year old. He did enjoy the play area…read moreat the bottom. But as someone in the medical field- the medical floors were so fascinating. It was very neat. My son also did love the planes on the top floor.

Outstanding world class science museum. Mostly technology oriented or applied science. It consist…read moreof five floors, with different themes: flight, energy, information age, mathematics, medicine, engineering, technicians, space, etc. Great place to bring the family and lots of hands-on exhibits for the kids as well as the adults. plan to spend a full day there.

My favorite part of visiting the UK are the free museums. Much to my surprise and delight...when I…read morewas looking for things to do in Richmond...this museum pops up. I was super excited to try it. I could tell it was not going to be a London museum experience when I was lead to this nondescript biding and had to climb the stairs up a few floor to get to it. This is a tiny museum and basically across just a couple of rooms and has info regarding the local history during the war and BC times as well. The elderly volunteer was super nice.

I am so pleased to have discovered this museum. Living so near London, I am slightly spoilt by the…read moreendless choices of museums that we have on our doorstep. Practically every moment of history is well documented somewhere across London. Having been used to the vast spaces of say, the Tate Modern, I forgot that museums can be small venues, and yet be just as informative. I found the Museum of Richmond on the top floor of the Old Town Hall, which is the large Victorian building that slopes down to the riverside. I had only popped in because there was a sign outside which read 'Charity Christmas cards for sale'. I had no idea that inside this building sat Richmond Library, and on the top floor Richmond Museum. I was the only visitor in the museum, bar the staff, who could not have been more helpful and informative. In fact, they guided me through the various sections, explaining the history as they went. The most fascinating thing that I learnt was that Richmond used to have a Palace, it sat on what is now Richmond Green and was occupied by Henry VIII until he moved down the road to Hampton Court Palace. They have a model of how the Palace was laid out which I spent about half an hour gazing at. Other sections included Wartime Richmond, the slave trade connection, the railway age, information about the Royal Parks, and a section about the Carthusian Monks and their connections with neighbouring Sheen. It was one of the most informative afternoons that I have had in a long while, and it won't be long before I go back. Admission is free, by the way.

Small lovely museum, funded mainly by donations with lovely staff. Educational and mind opening…read moreexperience. I hope the museum gets the opportunity to expand and have more exhibits. When we came they had an exhibit about menopause. I think more people need to learn about the vagina in general and as a whole and understand what it is like to have one and all the burdens that come along with it and without it in the end.

A soon as I saw the name on the sign outside I HAD to go in. They have a wide variety of products…read moredisplayed from information pamphlets, books and jewellery that looks like ummm well I'm not sure what word Yelp will consider PC or risqué so just read the name of the business and you'll know exactly what I'm messing. You can wear them on your ears with a knitted sweet or on a chain around your neck made of an plastic type material, they had bold showing every size, shape and colour. You can also get t-shirts. The staff stayed behind the desk but they were friendly and greeted everyone that entered. I realised like myself most people seemed to be coming in out of curiosity and don't make any purchases but b they staff took that in stride and continued greeting everyone with the same courteous smile. Kudos to this company for celebrating woman so boldly

Huge crowds and it wasn't even a weekend. Reason: free…read more This is equivalent to Natural History ones in US. However, there are historical contexts with british roman empires and other inclusions that makes this place distinct in a variety of ways. There are also kid packet activities- ask front desk. Some areas have uneven heating and cooling so you may be prone to fainting / esp if the ennui alone is not enough to get you there- ha! Place is great for history buffs, though, as it is free- do not expect high end bathrooms and overall exceptional service. Otherwise, 5 stars for being free and for a very elaborate set up.

British Museum, London, April 5…read more Our family of four with kids ages 9 and 10 spent part of the afternoon at the British Museum as an easy cultural stop during our London stay. Entry to the permanent collection is free and straightforward, with no reservation required, which made it simple to drop in. There are paid special exhibitions, but the main museum itself is open access. Arrival and First Impressions Entry to the building was very easy, and once inside the scale is immediate. The Great Court sets the tone right away, and everything feels larger and more layered than expected. Even just orienting yourself takes a moment because of how expansive the space is. Getting in was smooth and flexible, and the museum handles steady crowds well without ever feeling restrictive, which helped a lot with kids in tow. The Highlights The Egyptian galleries are one of the first moments where the scale really lands. The large stone sculptures and statues are far bigger in person than photos suggest, and they create a dramatic backdrop as you move through the space. The Rosetta Stone was another key highlight. Seeing it in person adds a different level of context, especially knowing its role in unlocking ancient Egyptian writing. It is not large or flashy compared to some of the other artifacts in the room, but it carries a quiet importance that draws attention naturally. The Samurai exhibition was a standout and required a paid entry ticket. It was absolutely worth it. The display of full armor sets, helmets, weapons, and artwork created a complete and visually rich picture of samurai life. The craftsmanship in the armor in particular held everyone's attention far longer than expected, and it felt more immersive than a typical museum exhibit. We also spent time in the hands-on style learning stations, which were a strong break in pace. These included real artifacts like a flint knife that was thousands of years old and a Roman cosmetic jar believed to have been used for eye makeup. Seeing objects like that up close made history feel very tangible for the kids in a way that glass cases alone do not. There is also a family area tucked away downstairs that worked well as a short reset point. It felt quieter and more relaxed, and it gave the kids a chance to decompress before continuing, which made the overall visit more sustainable. The museum works best as a series of short, flexible stops rather than a structured route, and we naturally moved based on interest and energy levels. The Challenges The main challenge is scale. It is very easy to underestimate how large the British Museum is, and even with breaks built in, pacing becomes the key factor in how enjoyable the visit feels. Trying to cover too much quickly would likely be overwhelming, especially for kids. Would We Return Yes, but with a more focused plan and specific sections chosen in advance rather than trying to see everything broadly again. Final Thoughts The British Museum is best experienced in segments rather than as a single continuous visit. The Egyptian galleries, the Rosetta Stone, the Samurai exhibition, and the hands-on artifact stations all offered very different but equally strong experiences. It is free, accessible, and incredibly rich, but the real value comes from slowing down and treating it like a collection of smaller discoveries, with breaks built in, rather than a single museum to "finish."

Housed in a grand and impressive building, the NHM is well curated, with impeccable displays, and…read moreit's free. However, a donation of £10 is HIGHLY suggested as you enter. As with all London museums, there is security checking all backpacks, but this museum was checking for alcohol! When you see all the school teens sitting on the stairways (perhaps waiting for parents to pick them up?), then the alcohol check is understandable. Out of all the displays, my favorite was the dimly lit Treasures room. Each piece exhibited tells an important story beyond what you actually see like an Iguanodon tooth from the Mesozoic strata and found by Gideon Mantell (or his wife) and the rivalry that ensued between Mantell and Owen, who later usurped Mantell's contribution in discovering the first known dinosaur species and shaping the early understanding of dinosaurs. While I find the digital text for each display as being the true treasures, only 1-2 people can read at a time so you feel a bit rushed if you're a person (like me) who reads everything, yet people are behind you waiting their turn. In addition to the wonderful displays, there is a photo booth whereby you can have 3 photos taken against a green screen depicting a dinosaur encounter. What they don't tell you upfront is that the photos are NOT free and can be downloaded (depending on the package you choose) from £12 to £22 pounds. When I asked the staff for information on particular exhibits, I found them to be more than helpful and friendly, too. Allow time for this expansive gem.

Lots of bones! Plenty of old stuff! Great turn-of-the-century over-the-top ornate architecture!…read morePlan on an hour unless you're hardcore. Ride the escalator into the middle of the earth to find out what music is playing inside. See extraordinary taxidermy handiwork. Even see a fake dodo bird thought to be an adjacent species that didn't exist. And if you like dinosaurs this is your Mecca. Just don't dare sit anywhere like on some stairs in the corner or some overzealous guard will kick you right out. But otherwise you'll have a great time. Also enjoy the outside grounds for a stroll, and hit up the West entrance for zero lines while the hoards line up on the other side.

You may know of The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, one of the very best museums in…read moreLondon, but do you know about its Acton Depot site? If not, then you should, this is a storage/restoration facility for historic buses, underground trains, signal gear, ticket machines, booths, signs and other artifacts. It is absolutely stuffed to the gills and beyond with fascinating objects and staffed by delightful and highly knowledgeable volunteers. If you have even a passing interest in London's public transport history, you absolutely must visit. You need to pre-book unlike the Covent Garden site and it is so worthwhile doing so. Cannot wait to return again soon.

Are you a great big old transport anorak? Then you should be all about the London Transport Museum…read moreDepot. It's easy to get to from Acton Town tube station - just cross the road and follow the green path all the way to the top of the hill. Once you see the Museum roundel, you've arrived. I arranged a tour for a group of 10 people (which costs £100), and the visit is scheduled to last 2 hours. We were warmly greeted and given an introductory talk about the Depot Museum, which was useful and interesting. They do open days and other tours at the weekends, which are probably more likely for Yelpers to do. Then we got led into the depot itself. Our tour was guided by a very nice volunteer, who was very enthusiastic about buses. Unfortunately it was all a bit too mechanical for me - I would rather have heard about the social implications of the buses, or some general factoids. He was also a bit softly spoken, which was difficult for a few of the members of my group, as they were all OAPs. After an hour, we'd managed to look at around 15 buses, a trolleybus and a tram. Bearing in mind the Depot is mahoosive, at this point I took my leave, so I didn't get to see the trains and other ephemera that I'm sure was to follow. If you have a special interest in such things, I'm sure this is a very enjoyable time. If you've only a passing curiosity, try for one of the open days.

Our visit to this remarkable house revealed a treasure trove of history, ambition and humanity. We…read moreappreciated having Will as our guide, whose knowledge enlightened and enriched our experience. The grounds add quiet splendour in which to relax -- the ambience of the whole place makes it a real gem.

I visited Strawberry Hill on a school trip, and it was a really educational experience! The house…read moreitself is so interesting to look at and walk through, and our tour guide was very knowledgeable. The commute there from London was a bit rough, but it was a cool experience to see.

Wonderful collection of European paintings and decorative objects. Whole gallery were well…read moredisplayed and easy to navigate. The best part of the collection was, to my taste, European weapons/armory on the first floor. This section is huge and ranging from Middle Ages to late 18th century. The gun selection is exquisite. If you are studying armory, this is a place to visit. Admission is free and accessible. You can easily spend two to three hours wondering and enjoy the atmosphere. Staff are helpful and willing to help. There is a restaurant/cafe to refresh after long day of sightseeing.

Great hidden gem! Visiting here is free. This guy has such a large collection of art and artifacts…read morethat he could color code his ancient vases. "The Swing" is such a beautiful painting. Most of the artwork is from the Victorian era, so if paintings of rich people from their day with ruffled collars is your thing ... this is the place for you. There are other amazing pieces and there was a modern art exhibit happening on the ground floor. Just when you think you are done, there is an entire room full of medieval armor behind the store. Pro-tip - the bathrooms are amazing and free. And finally, don't accidentally lean on Marie Antoinette's chest of drawers like I did. To be fair, I don't Marie would have lost her head about it!

This is a lovely little museum, privately run (And thus, not free of charge). If you're AT ALL…read moreinterested in large-scale steam engines - and, frankly, which small or large boy isn't - you should visit this place located in Brentford, London - close to the Richmond river banks of the Thames. The location enables you to catch two interesting museums - this one, and the close-by Musical Instruments Museum (see my review) - and later take a stroll by the banks of the river and enjoy the small pubs and restaurants. Kew Bridge rail station is near, but you can also go by bus from South Ealing station. Opening times are: Mon - Fri 11:00 - 16:00 and Sat & Sun 11:00 - 16:00. The Museum of Water and Steam manages to squeeze a lot of intriguing exhibits into a rather smallish building (see my photos). There's also a lot of information tables to read while you're exploring the museum. This place is great, of course, for families. A small shop and café are included, naturally. The building used to be the old Kew Bridge Pumping Station, which dates back to 1838. The present museum was opened in 1975. In 1997 the Museum was awarded an Engineering Heritage Award by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Britain's Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). A second IMechE Engineering Hallmark was awarded in 2008 for the restoration of the Bull engine, making the Museum one of only 12 sites to achieve more than one of these awards. There are demonstrations of the largest steam engines for the small fry, and some entertaining accompanying info "performances". Check the hours. Expect to spend around 1-1.5 hours at this place, and about the same amount of time at the Musical Instruments Museum, if you're visiting both. That, and a visit to some small café on the Thanmes banks, and half a day of your London time will have been spent usefully. Suffice to say that both these places are "hidden gems," so don't expect queues or crowds. You can even hire these premises for weddings or birthdays. Private, non-flash photography is allowed.

The museum is a cathedral of steam powered pumping, and you won't fail to be impressed by the grand…read morescale of the engines, especially if you get the chance to see some of them working in steam. There are exhibitions about water supply and sewerage and the use of water in the home over the years, and many other attractions.