The "Hidden Freebie" List: UK Museums That Don't Charge Entry
Some of the best days out in Britain cost absolutely nothing. Here's our curated guide to free museums that genuinely deliver—organised by city, with honest notes on what ages they suit.
Here's something that surprises most families: some of the world's best museums are in the UK, and most of them are completely free.
We're not talking about dusty local history collections (though some of those are great too). We're talking about world-class institutions—dinosaur skeletons, space rockets, working steam engines, interactive science exhibits—that charge nothing for entry.
This isn't a compromise. This is a genuine competitive advantage of living in Britain.
But not all free museums are created equal. Some are brilliant for toddlers. Others will bore anyone under twelve. Some have enough to fill a full day; others are better as a two-hour stop.
We've done the research—visited, reviewed, and gathered feedback from hundreds of families—so you can pick the right one for your kids, first time.
London: The Free Museum Capital of the World
No city on earth has more high-quality free museums than London. If you can get there by train (remember: 2-for-1 Days Out works for many attractions too), a half-term day in London costs virtually nothing.
Natural History Museum
Best for: Ages 3-12+ | Time needed: 2-4 hours
The one everyone knows, and it earns its reputation. The dinosaur gallery alone is worth the trip—the animatronic T-Rex still makes small children gasp. The blue whale in Hintze Hall is genuinely awe-inspiring at any age.
What works:
- Dippy the dinosaur (actually a replica, but kids don't care)
- The earthquake simulator in the Earth galleries
- The wildlife garden (seasonal, but lovely in spring/summer)
- Genuinely excellent for all ages
What to know:
- Gets extremely busy in half term—arrive for opening (10am) or after 2pm
- The café is expensive (pack a picnic, eat in the grounds)
- Some special exhibitions charge entry, but you don't need them
Honest verdict: If your kids have any interest in animals, dinosaurs, or nature, this is a must-visit. It's free for a reason—so everyone can access it.
Science Museum
Best for: Ages 5-14 | Time needed: 2-4 hours
More hands-on than the Natural History Museum, and often a better fit for kids who like to touch things, press buttons, and ask "but how does it work?"
What works:
- The flight gallery (actual planes hanging from the ceiling)
- The space exhibition (rockets, lunar modules, astronaut suits)
- The computing and technology sections (older kids)
- The interactive galleries on the lower floors
What to know:
- The Wonderlab is the main hands-on bit, and it costs extra (£10-12 per person)—but you don't need it for a great visit
- The IMAX is also paid, and also not necessary
- Good café, but again, expensive
Honest verdict: Edges out the Natural History Museum for curious, question-asking kids who want to understand mechanisms. Best for ages 5+.
Museum of London Docklands
Best for: Ages 2-8 | Time needed: 2-3 hours
This is the "secret" pick that London parents recommend to each other. Much quieter than the big South Kensington museums, with a dedicated children's gallery (Mudlarks) that's specifically designed for under-8s.
What works:
- Mudlarks gallery: soft play area, role play, water play, building zone
- The Sailortown reconstruction (a full-scale Victorian street)
- Stories of trade and the Thames made accessible for kids
- Genuinely uncrowded, even in half term
What to know:
- Located in Canary Wharf—easy by DLR, good for combining with a riverside walk
- Smaller than the main Museum of London, but better for families
- There's a nice café, or eat at the food court nearby
Honest verdict: The best "young kids" option in London. If yours are under 8, this beats the big museums for engagement.
V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum)
Best for: Ages 7-12+ | Time needed: 2-3 hours
Often dismissed as "not for kids," but that's unfair. The V&A has genuinely brilliant family trails, and the collections—fashion, design, theatre, global cultures—offer something different from the science-heavy alternatives.
What works:
- The cast courts (huge plaster casts of famous sculptures)
- The fashion galleries (great for kids interested in design)
- The theatre and performance collection
- The John Madejski Garden (beautiful for a picnic)
What to know:
- Pick up a family trail at the entrance—makes a huge difference
- Not the best for very young children or those who need constant stimulation
- Some special exhibitions charge
Honest verdict: Underrated for families with older or more creative kids. Skip if yours need things to touch and climb.
Other Notable London Freebies
- British Museum – Ancient Egypt, mummies, the Rosetta Stone. Best for ages 7+. Very large; don't try to see everything.
- Imperial War Museum – Surprisingly family-friendly. The Holocaust exhibition is not for young children, but the main halls are fascinating for ages 8+.
- National Gallery – Art appreciation for older kids. Try the family audio guide.
- Horniman Museum – South London gem with stuffed animals, aquarium, and musical instruments. Small but lovely.
- National Maritime Museum – Greenwich. Ships, navigation, exploration. Good for ages 5+.
Manchester: Serious Competition for London
Manchester's free museum offering is genuinely excellent—and often quieter than London equivalents.
Science and Industry Museum
Best for: Ages 4-12 | Time needed: 3-4 hours
If your kids like the idea of the Science Museum but you don't want London crowds, this is your answer. Set in the world's oldest railway station, with hands-on science, textile machinery, and transport exhibits.
What works:
- The Experiment gallery (hands-on science for all ages)
- The Power Hall (massive working engines)
- The Air and Space hall
- Regular live demonstrations
What to know:
- Some special exhibitions charge, but core galleries are free
- The Revolution Manchester gallery covers the city's industrial history—more interesting than it sounds
- Easy to spend a full day here
Honest verdict: One of the best free family days out in the North. Rivals London's Science Museum for quality.
Manchester Museum
Best for: Ages 3-10 | Time needed: 2-3 hours
Recently refurbished and significantly improved. Natural history, ancient Egypt, and live animals (including a vivarium with frogs, snakes, and insects).
What works:
- The dinosaur gallery (smaller than London but still impressive)
- The Egyptian collection (mummies are always a hit)
- The live animal displays
- The new South Asia gallery
What to know:
- Located on the University of Manchester campus—good for combining with a walk through the city
- Smaller than London alternatives, but less overwhelming
- Free parking nearby on weekends
Honest verdict: Perfect size for younger children. Won't exhaust them, and the live animals add something different.
Imperial War Museum North
Best for: Ages 8-14 | Time needed: 2-3 hours
A striking Daniel Libeskind building at Salford Quays, focusing on how war shapes lives. More emotionally intelligent than traditional military museums.
What works:
- The Big Picture Show (immersive audio-visual experience)
- Personal stories that make history accessible
- The architecture itself
- Thoughtful exhibitions on conflict and its aftermath
What to know:
- Better for older children and teenagers
- Can be emotionally heavy—preview content if your kids are sensitive
- Easy to combine with a walk around MediaCity
Honest verdict: Not for little ones, but excellent for tweens and teens starting to engage with bigger questions about history and society.
Birmingham: The Midlands Hub
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Best for: Ages 5-12 | Time needed: 2-3 hours
Often overlooked, but Birmingham's main museum is genuinely excellent—with one of the best collections of Pre-Raphaelite art in the world (yes, kids can appreciate these), plus strong local history and archaeology sections.
What works:
- The Staffordshire Hoard (Anglo-Saxon gold treasure—genuinely spectacular)
- The natural history gallery
- Regular family activities during half terms
- The Birmingham History galleries
What to know:
- City centre location, easy to combine with shopping or eating
- The art galleries can be rushed through or lingered over depending on your family
- Special exhibitions sometimes charge
Honest verdict: A solid half-day option, especially combined with a city centre trip. The Staffordshire Hoard alone is worth seeing.
Thinktank
Best for: Ages 3-12 | Time needed: 3-4 hours
Note: Thinktank isn't always free—but Birmingham residents can access free entry on certain days (check their website). Worth mentioning because it's excellent.
What works:
- Hands-on science for all ages
- The planetarium (small extra charge)
- The ThinkLab (experiments and demonstrations)
- The outdoor science garden
What to know:
- Check before you go for free entry days
- Can get busy during half term
- Good for a full day if you take your time
Honest verdict: If you can get free entry, it's one of the best family science museums outside London.
Bristol: Quirky and Creative
M Shed
Best for: Ages 5-12 | Time needed: 2-3 hours
Bristol's history told through objects, people, and places. More engaging than "local history museum" suggests—with everything from Banksy to Brunel.
What works:
- The Bristol People section (personal stories that kids connect with)
- The working cranes on the harbourside (industrial heritage made fun)
- Regular family workshops during holidays
- The location (combine with a harbourside walk)
What to know:
- Free entry, though some temporary exhibitions charge
- The rooftop terrace has great views
- Good café, or grab something from the nearby food stalls
Honest verdict: A museum with genuine personality. Best for kids interested in how people lived and worked.
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Best for: Ages 4-10 | Time needed: 2 hours
Classic Victorian museum with dinosaurs, mummies, wildlife, and world cultures. Smaller than London alternatives but well-presented and child-friendly.
What works:
- The dinosaur gallery (always a hit)
- The Egyptian mummies
- The nature galleries
- The Banksy pieces hidden throughout
What to know:
- Central location, easy to combine with other Bristol activities
- Doesn't take a full day, but pairs well with Brandon Hill park next door
- Family trails available
Honest verdict: A good "morning museum, afternoon park" combination. Not a full-day destination on its own.
Edinburgh and Glasgow: Scottish Highlights
National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh)
Best for: Ages 3-14 | Time needed: 3-4 hours
Possibly the best all-ages museum in the UK outside London. Natural history, science, technology, world cultures, and Scottish history—all under one roof, all free.
What works:
- The animal galleries (dramatic presentation)
- The science and technology floors (highly interactive)
- The roof terrace (views over Edinburgh)
- The Scottish history sections
What to know:
- Gets busy, but less overwhelming than London equivalents
- The building itself is beautiful—Victorian with modern extension
- Family activities during holidays
Honest verdict: Worth a trip to Edinburgh just for this. Genuinely one of Europe's great museums.
Glasgow Science Centre
Best for: Ages 4-14 | Time needed: 3-4 hours
Note: Not free—but mentioning because it's often compared to free alternatives. Budget around £12-15 per person.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (Glasgow)
Best for: Ages 5-12 | Time needed: 2-3 hours
Free and excellent. Art, natural history, and culture in a stunning building. The floating Spitfire is worth the visit alone.
What works:
- The Spitfire suspended in the main hall
- The wildlife galleries
- The organ recitals (free, daily at 1pm)
- The temporary exhibitions
What to know:
- In the West End—nice area for a walk before or after
- Free, but donations welcomed
- Good café
Honest verdict: If you're in Glasgow, this is the one to visit. Rivals Edinburgh's National Museum.
Cardiff and Wales
National Museum Cardiff
Best for: Ages 4-12 | Time needed: 2-3 hours
Natural history, art, and archaeology. The dinosaur gallery is excellent, and the "Evolution of Wales" exhibition is surprisingly engaging.
What works:
- The dinosaurs (including a woolly mammoth)
- The art galleries (Impressionists that adults will enjoy)
- The "Evolution of Wales" story
- Regular family activities
What to know:
- City centre location
- Free entry (donations welcomed)
- Welsh language resources available
Honest verdict: Wales's best free family museum. Strong alternative to crossing the border.
How to Get the Most from Free Museums
Arrive early or late. The 10am-12pm window is chaos during half term. Arrive at opening or after 2pm.
Pick up a family trail. Most major museums offer free printed trails or app-based guides. They transform aimless wandering into a mission.
Don't try to see everything. Pick two or three galleries and do them properly. Kids remember depth, not breadth.
Pack food. Museum cafés are expensive and often crowded. Bring a picnic, find a bench, save £30.
Combine with outdoor time. Museum + park = perfect half-term day. Most big museums have green space nearby.
Check for workshops. Many museums run free or low-cost family workshops during school holidays. Book ahead when you can.
Find Free Days Out Near You
These are just the big national museums. There are hundreds of smaller free options—local museums, heritage sites, nature centres, and galleries—scattered across the UK.
The School Holiday Planner knows about thousands of them. Tell us your location, and we'll find the hidden gems within reach of your postcode.
Have we missed your favourite free museum? Let us know—we're always updating our database with family recommendations.