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Imperial War Museum

4.8 (37 reviews)

Imperial War Museum Photos

Recommended Reviews - Imperial War Museum

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Ege K.

I reccomend 10/10 Very fun I liked the History of the museum and I like the hanging spitfire and the sea harrier Very cool place.

Doug C.

Stopping here was part of our river cruise before it got started in Paris. We had a panoramic tour of London earlier and this was final stop. Suggest go to top floor first and walk down to view other exhibits. See photo of museum layout and what is on which floor. Each floor is focused on one aspect of UK and Commonwealth wars over many decades. We only had two hours but one can spend much more time there or come back for later visit.

Hannah M.

This was a great museum. We only had an hour or so before they closed for the day as we were tight on time having moved in my sister to her dorm in Waterloo. We asked the information booth how they recommended maximising our time and the woman working was super helpful. The first floor is on WWI, second floor is WWII, and third floor is dedicated to the Holocaust. There was also a fourth floor with a temporary exhibition on Northern Ireland but we skipped that. Being a Jew whose family was directly impacted by WWII (grandmother fled Germany) I was mostly interested in the third floor which is where we spent the majority of our time. The museum is just really well done - it's a great mix of mediums in terms of videos/objects/informational plaques etc. As far as "Holocaust museums" go it was incredibly tasteful and I loved how it told the story over time (the rise of Hitler in post-depression Germany, the beginnings of Jewish ghettos, the Holocaust, post-war Germany & the Nuremberg trials etc). It was very tastefully done and I loved how it highlighted individual stories as well. Collection of antiquities/war memorabilia is thorough and well-documented. In particular I liked how the captions had in bold the key details of each item. Overall wish we had more time to explore. This is a must-see when in London.

Pavel R.

Excellent exhibition. Very nicely laid out and curated. Great for kids as well, even though the content can be morbid.

Quaime L.

What a hidden gem! Although the entrance may be underwhelming, don't be dissuaded. Press on! The curators do a magnificent job telling the international and human stories of both World Wars and the UK after. They have an incredible collection of military hardware, housewares and textiles, all used with pictures and film to bring to life these wars. I went with my teenage godson and he had a delightful time learning--by his own admission! Definitely worth the trip and better than paid museums I have gone to, for sure.

Came here to get my son some souvenirs because he loves history. Very nicely laid out. Entrance is free but you can make a donation.

Imperial War Museum
Martin T.

If you enjoy History this museum has done a wonderful job of explaining, the who, the why, the way, and the waste a war creates This Classic building has large 15" battleship barrels and a slice of the Berlin wall greet you. There are several gift shops and a cafe inside the impressive building. Admission is free and donations shouldn't be a question so drop a few quid to help out. We we're focused on WW1 events with about three hours of time, Just enough. If you want to follow other wars expect to take a day in the five story labyrinth of displays, actual artifacts, video, and message boards with and without photos. The static displays we're very cool and I won't spoil it by telling you what is there or my favorites Learn the history they never told us of in school, see it for yourself Especially good for teaching our kids these days, nobody wins a war. We need to love our neighbor. Thanks for a Great day Foodguy-martin

Casey M.

I had visited the imperial war museum when I was 11 nearly 30 years ago and it had a massive impact on me. I had always wanted to go back and finally that moment came and I was so excited about it. However I was so disappointed. I know a lot of time has passed since I last visited but it was so different, so dull and uninspiring and tame. Perhaps it's due to the times we live in where everything is deemed offensive that they have had to tone down the graphics but now it's just not genuine or impactful and it's such a shame.

More examples of Christmas gifts for those serving during the war.
Rick W.

I'm writing this review a bit late but it must be written. This was one of my must go to sites on my visit to London. I felt as of a kid going to the toy store as I am sure my wife felt the same as any parent dreading it. The museum is incredibly impressive from the outside and even more so inside. The museum is great for all who have interest in both World Wars. The first floor was full of all sorts of World War One items that I've only seen in books and some that I've never seen before. I was "running" around the museum pointing out and explaining different items to my wife's annoyance but I absolutely loved it (not annoying my wife). The second floor was just as impressive and very humbling. The areas around the war and it's effects on the population were very informative. The Holocaust section was incredibly humbling and sad but important to remember as to prevent such an act from ever happening again. I couldn't recommend a better museum. Looking forward to my next visit.

Chloe W.

I found the IWM to be one of the best museums in London, and a must visit for history buffs! Between the artifacts, audio and video footage, and interactive elements of the museum, the exhibits were amazing. The museum consists of a five-level immersive experience. The first two floors' exhibits provide artifacts from the First and Second World Wars, the third-floor exhibits relate to the Holocaust, and the fourth floor holds rotating exhibits. When I visited, there were two special exhibits, one in honor of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, and the other an exhibition on war in video games. My favorite part of the museums were the occasional blue signs that provided insight into the lives of soldiers and citizens of the time. There is a cafe on the ground floor, and a gift shop on the first floor. The gift shop is small and doesn't have many options but is worth a stop. I spent about two hours here and wish I had more time to explore!

Front of museum
Jessica B.

This is a fascinating museum. We came across it by chance, but I feel very fortunate that we did. Admission is free, as with many of London's museums, so it's defintiely a great bonus if you have the time to stop by When you enter the museum, you'll be blown away by all of the wartime artifacts and exhibits. There are exhibits on WWI and WWII, as well as a moving memorial/exhibit to those lost in the Holocaust. I didn't get to spend a lot of time here, as we had somewhere else we needed to be, but I could have easily spent a few hours exploring each floor. Its incredibly informational and well organized, and I highly recommend if you're into history.

Very knowledgeable, beautiful setting. We went at a slow time so it wasn't crowded. Learned a lot.

Hans W.

Great museum if you want to get some culture on WW1 especially. They have exhibits for other wars as well but the WW1 stuff was obviously the main event. Free admission too and the area around it is very nice to sit and eat a sandwich etc. Cafe inside was very reasonable

The museum from above.

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Review Highlights - Imperial War Museum

Lots of information about WWI and WWII, as well as a special exhibit on the Holocaust among other displays.

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The British Museum - At British Museum

The British Museum

4.6(1.3k reviews)
1.7 miBloomsbury

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."

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The British Museum - At British Museum

At British Museum

The British Museum - British Museum_Yelp_Sanju-1

British Museum_Yelp_Sanju-1

The British Museum - Easter Island head

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Easter Island head

The Natural History Museum - Monkey carvings

The Natural History Museum

4.4(543 reviews)
2.8 miKnightsbridge

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.

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The Natural History Museum - Darwin

Darwin

The Natural History Museum - Fun dinosaur garden

Fun dinosaur garden

The Natural History Museum - One of my favorite scientists - Charles Darwin.

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One of my favorite scientists - Charles Darwin.

Garden Museum

Garden Museum

4.1(13 reviews)
0.5 miVauxhall, Southwark

Small museum dedicated to gardening in London. The museum is housed inside an old church, so it is…read moreworth visiting just for the architecture alone. The actual exhibit about gardening, while interesting, is quite small. In the price of admission, you get access to climb their medieval tower to see views of London from above. The staircase is very, very narrow with low ceilings. I was too claustrophobic to make it up, although they do have a video of someone climbing the stairs and showing the view, so you can see what it's like. I got a student ticket which cost me £5 and that's really as much as I'd be willing to pay to come in. It's a nice place to kill about an hour, but unless you are really into gardening, this might not be the place for you.

I'm a Landscape Designer from the United States. Finding this museum was much like finding the…read moreHoly Grail to me. When I first came here, it was the dead of Winter, so I didn't get to explore the garden. However, given that the garden is in an old Church Yard, and there are crypts scattered about; it was an awesome, albeit gloomy, sight. There were some delightfully daft exhibits up the next time I came. For instance, an exhibit of garden gnomes; one of which looked disturbingly like Tony Blair. I'm not joking, look at my posted pictures! The gift shop is also amazing.

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Garden Museum
Garden Museum - Altes Kirchenfenster "St Mary-at-Lambeth", by plainpixel.com

Altes Kirchenfenster "St Mary-at-Lambeth", by plainpixel.com

Garden Museum

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The National Gallery - A full room of Rembrandts

The National Gallery

4.7(545 reviews)
1.2 miTrafalgar Square

Stopped by the National Gallery yesterday, and honestly, this place is amazing. It's way bigger…read morethan I expected -- room after room packed with artwork from all the famous painters you learn about in school. And the vibe is super chill. Every room has benches so you can sit down, relax, and actually enjoy the art instead of rushing through. The best part? It's completely FREE to get in. You just walk in and suddenly you're face‑to‑face with pieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and a ton of others. You could easily spend hours here and still not see everything. There's just so much to take in -- colors, details, history, all of it. It's the kind of place where you keep saying "okay, just one more room" and then an hour goes by. If you're in London, this is a must‑visit. Beautiful art, relaxed atmosphere, and again... it's FREE. Absolutely worth your time.

The National Gallery is a must see on your visit to London. We went on a Friday night because they…read morewere opened until 9:00 pm. We thought that evening might be a quiet time to go, but the Gallery was packed with art lovers. The Gallery is huge and free to visit, although donations are emcouraged. The building is Greek Revival with a modern addition that serves as the visitor entrance. Ornate domes, marble and granite staircases and beautiful woodwork add to the grandeur. The complex is made up of galleries of art organized by time period, several cafes and gift shops. Maps throughout the complex are very helpful. The Museum houses the most extensive collection of Masters that I've ever seen. There is an entire gallery of spectacular Rembrandt paintings. I enjoyed comparing his style between the different works. Four galleries are filled with Impressionistic greats including a room devoted to Monet's water lily pieces. I saw so many Van Gogh's that I had never seen before. Beautiful benches in each room were inviting to sit and take in the art. There is so much to see that you can't see it all in one day. I ordered free tickets on-line but they were not checking tickets during my visit. I did go through security and they check bags. Rest rooms are sparse, expect to wait in a line to use the facilities. There are lots of stairs with a few elevators available.

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The National Gallery - Portrait of G.B. Cataneo Della Volta by Van Dyck at National Gallery

Portrait of G.B. Cataneo Della Volta by Van Dyck at National Gallery

The National Gallery - Portrait of Greta Moll by Matisse in National Gallery

Portrait of Greta Moll by Matisse in National Gallery

The National Gallery - Display Gallery at National Gallery

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Display Gallery at National Gallery

Tate Britain - Inside

Tate Britain

4.5(146 reviews)
0.9 miWestminster
£

Tate Britain is a museum with the collection of some great Art work. I most enjoyed the display of…read moreart works of JMW Turner. The collection being called as "JMW Turner: Rise to Fame" is a beautiful collection of different art works created over several years by the artist. The works are displayed in a certain order. Admired closely along with the notes on display, almost feels like a story being told. Post the viewing of the entire collection, we stopped by to watch the 30 mins documentary being played on the artist and his works, it feels so good and achieved coz the documentary is such a great depiction and familiarisation of those paintings, the rationale of the order of their display and the history associated. The viewing felt like I was revising my already learnt syllabus :-). After finishing the documentary, then went back to see a couple of works again as some of those had been magnified and shown to such detail in the documentary that I got even more curious to have a second look! We took so much time to watch this collection, rather admire it, that rest of the collections din seem to impress us comparatively as much and hence we spent just a couple of hours to view the rest of the series. ** we love viewing art at all the museums that we come across, be it in other locations in the UK such as the beautiful assimilation in the museums in Scotland, in Italy particularly Florence and in Rome, in Austria, in Chicago and in London!! Art is never admired enough even if one as me is not much of a painter or a sculptor themselves :-b

If you want to see a specific exhibition be sure to book in advance. Sadly we missed out on the…read moreexhibition we went to see, it was sold out all day. Luckily, the permanent collection is amazing.

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Tate Britain
Tate Britain - Paintings

Paintings

Tate Britain - One of the gallery rooms.

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One of the gallery rooms.

The London Film Museum - One of many beautiful Bond cars on display

The London Film Museum

4.0(28 reviews)
1.3 miStrand, Covent Garden

The London Film Museum is essentially the James Bond Museum, with the "Bond in Motion" exhibits…read moreoccupying the vast majority of the space. It is a rather small museum though, and even if you take the time to look at every detail, one to two hours will be more than enough. The main exhibits are the hot cars that 007 gets to drive, as well as a few other cool surprises - remember the car that turned into a submarine when it hit the water (The Spy Who Loved Me)? Or the plane with folded wings that emerged from a trailer (Octopussy)? Many of those exhibits include detailed specifications as well as videos of the scenes that highlight the vehicles. Some exhibits also play the theme songs in the background. Other memorabilia that Bond fans would love include original costumes, props, photo of backstage scenes, theatrical posters, etc. Admission is GBP14.50 (about USD18), which is rather expensive for such a small place (hence only 4 stars). But Bond fans, don't you dare say it's too expensive so you'll never go. Never Say Never Again! You Only Live Twice! You can go tomorrow since Tomorrow Never Dies. Go see it with your own Golden Eye. After all, this museum is For Your Eyes Only...

007 fans, you do NOT want to miss this!! This was only ever meant to be a temporary museum, but was…read moreso successful, they've opened it indefinitely. What you'll find in here is gold if you're a Bond fan; from the first ever original car insurance deal for filming, props used in the films like passports, keys, money to a range of vehicles used throughout all the films - it's well worth the money. Here's a tip - buying tickets online is actually more expensive than in person, only by a couple of pounds, but when there's six of you going, that's 6 coffees I could buy at Pret a Manger around the corner!!!! Keep your change, and buy when you get there.

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The London Film Museum - Tacky, maybe, but I just had to...

Tacky, maybe, but I just had to...

The London Film Museum - Each car/vehicle had clips from relevant James Bond movies running in the background

Each car/vehicle had clips from relevant James Bond movies running in the background

The London Film Museum - Sketch in the upstairs exhibit

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Sketch in the upstairs exhibit

Imperial War Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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