Pass the Keys Mayfair · Guest Guide · Updated August 2026
With UK schools off until early September and the summer heat still lingering, museums are one of the easiest ways to keep the whole family entertained. Most of London's biggest museums are free to enter and fully air-conditioned, which makes them a genuinely good choice on a hot afternoon rather
than just a rainy-day fallback.
Top Free Museums for Families
• Natural History Museum - dinosaur skeletons, a life-size blue whale and a hands-on wildlife
garden, in South Kensington.
• Science Museum - interactive galleries, flight simulators and a dedicated under-7s zone, right
next door to the Natural History Museum.
• Young V&A in Bethnal Green - designed specifically for children, with hands-on design, play
and art activities.
• British Museum - free entry, an impressive covered Great Court, and family trails and activity
backpacks available at the desk.
Getting There from Mayfair
South Kensington's museums are a short trip on the District or Piccadilly line, or you can walk through Hyde Park in about 25 minutes. For the British Museum, Tottenham Court Road on the Elizabeth Line is the closest stop and puts you within a few minutes' walk of the entrance.
Tips for Visiting with Children
• Book free timed-entry tickets online in advance for the Natural History Museum and Science Museum, especially during the summer holidays when queues build up quickly.
• Arrive close to opening time, around 10am, to beat both the crowds and the midday heat outside.
• Most museums have cafes, baby-changing facilities and pushchair access throughout.
• Ask at the front desk for free family trails or activity backpacks, which help keep younger children engaged.
Staying close to the action helps on a museum day with children. Our Mayfair apartments are a short trip from both South Kensington and the British Museum, and self check-in means you can head out first thing without waiting on anyone, which makes a real difference on a hot, busy day when arriving early matters.
Need Help Planning Your Visit?
If you would like suggestions on which museums suit your children's ages, or the best way to get there from your apartment, our team is happy to share local tips before you arrive.
Book your stay at book.passthekeys.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Are London's museums really free?
Yes, the major national museums, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A and British Museum, are free to enter. Special exhibitions within them may carry a separate charge.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
General entry does not require a ticket, but the Natural History Museum and Science Museum both recommend booking a free timed slot online during busy periods such as the summer holidays.
Which museum is best for toddlers versus teenagers?
The Science Museum's under-7s zone and Young V&A are best suited to toddlers and young children, while the Natural History Museum and British Museum tend to hold the attention of older children and teenagers for longer.