Entry to the museum is free, though it’s wise to book a timed-entry ticket online in advance, especially during weekends and school holidays. Walk-ins are possible but depend on capacity. The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.), closing only on 24–26 December.

Crowds are at their thickest late mornings and on weekends. For the most relaxed experience, aim for weekday mornings right at opening, or late afternoons after 3 p.m. Midweek days like Wednesday or Thursday are usually quieter, and the museum occasionally hosts special Friday evening events that let you explore its halls after hours with fewer people around.

Inside, you’ll want to give yourself at least two hours, though three to four makes for a more satisfying visit. If time is tight, focus on one or two zones and grab a map or download the museum app to help prioritize highlights. The most popular galleries—dinosaurs and marine life—draw the biggest crowds, so if these are priorities, head there first. To skip long queues at the main Cromwell Road entrance, savvy visitors instead use the Exhibition Road entrance, which is step-free and usually faster.

One of the newest and most inspiring additions is the Urban Nature Project, a five-acre outdoor landscape designed to highlight climate science and biodiversity. With geological timelines built into the paths, immersive installations, and a striking bronze diplodocus named “Fern,” it’s both a respite from the busy galleries and an experience in its own right.

The museum is highly accessible, with ramps, lifts, Blue Badge parking, and free cloakroom facilities. Families will find plenty of support too, from baby-care stations to cafés with children’s menus. Food and drink aren’t allowed in the galleries (except bottled water), but there are several cafés inside and plenty of nearby restaurants if you want a break.

While general admission is free, some special exhibitions—such as immersive shows narrated by David Attenborough—require paid tickets, so it’s worth checking the calendar in advance. Many visitors recommend saving the cafés and shops until the end of your visit so you don’t carry souvenirs or snacks through the halls.

The secret to an enjoyable day here is simple: book ahead, arrive early or late, choose the quieter entrance, and balance the dazzling indoor halls with the calm of the outdoor gardens. With those strategies, the Natural History Museum becomes what it was always meant to be—not just a crowded tourist hotspot, but a place of wonder where Earth’s story unfolds in unforgettable detail.