The top 12 museums in London

What is it? Based in South Ken, The V&A is a vibrant hub of decorative art, design, fashion and textiles. The permanent collection contains 2.3 million (yes, 2.3 million!) objects, and because it's so big, you could easily spend a day walking around. Many of the exhibits are free to visit too, so you don't even have to spend any cash if you don't want to.
Why go? To check out some amazing art and eat cake in the sunny Italianate courtyard. Bliss.

What is it? Full of more nature-based information than David Attenborough, this is the magnificent South Kensington home of around 80 million plant, animal, fossil, rock and mineral specimens. 
Why go? To come face-to-face with animatronic dinosaurs, a man-sized model of a foetus, a dodo, a giant sequoia tree, an earthquake simulator, glow-in-the-dark crystals and much more. Plus, it’s also a world-class research institution.

What is it? The history of London, from prehistoric times to the present is told in the Museum of London through reconstructed interiors and street scenes, alongside displays of original artefacts found during the museum's archaeological digs across the city.
Why go? It's a strange throwback to when museum-going in the capital was a less spangly activity. You can sense the principles on which the collection had been put together and the underlying desire to represent the capital’s history in every walk of life. Plus, it’s next to the Barbican, which is always a fun place to roam around. The Museum of London Docklands offshoot is also fascinating, with an insightful permanent gallery about London and the slave trade.

What is it? A first-class and entirely free-to-enter artistic institution in the heart of Trafalgar Square. Founded in 1824, The National Gallery is home to more than 2,000 works from artists such as da Vinci, van Gogh, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Turner, Picasso, Matisse and Cézanne.
Why go? To learn more about the world’s acclaimed artworks and even try your hand at sketching in the galleries.

What is it? A fascinating museum that completely devotes itself to contemporary design in every form. From temporary exhibitions, pop-ups and bookable displays, they've got it all.
Why go? The museum has a newish home in Kensington, right next to Holland Park Kyoto Garden where you can take a short walk for some rest and recuperation, and then over to Pappa Roma for some inexpensive authentic Italian food.

What is it? A riverside icon dedicated to all things modern and contemporary art. Based on what was the Bankside Power Station, it houses works by the likes of Warhol, Dalí and Hockney, as well as unusual, attention-grabbing installations, which are all part of the free permanent collection.

Why go? To be totally inspired and properly challenged. Plus, if you can get in, the members’ bar has an incredible view of the London skyline.

What is it? Only the first-ever national museum to open to the public. No biggie. Given its epic heritage, it's no surprise that the British Museum's displays have been unparalleled since it opened in 1759. Start exploring and find artefacts ranging from the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon sculptures.
Why go?  Value for money. The main galleries are free, so if you like a bargain, start early and take in as many of the 50,000 objects they have on display – just a fraction of their entire eight-million-strong collection. Woah.

What is it? You don’t have to be a physics or chemistry nerd to have an incredible time at the Science Museum. Founded in 1857, all seven floors of the building house have hands-on exhibits, mad-looking inventions from throughout history and shiny machines. Highlights include a sixteenth-century artificial arm and a cross-section of a real-life Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet.
Why go? To discover the incredible ‘Information Age’ exhibition – which is where the Queen sent her first tweet, signed ‘Elizabeth R’.

What is it? Hello, sailor! An ode to all things nautical and a treasure trove of watery artefacts, maps, art and memorabilia. The museum is part of the Royal Museums, Greenwich, which also features the Queen’s House gallery, the Cutty Sark clipper ship and the Royal Observatory.
Why go? To be wowed by almost 2.5 million historical items, such as Admiral Nelson’s uniform from the battle of Trafalgar. 

What is it? An eccentric south-London anthropological museum, with an aquarium, a Victorian conservatory and extensive grounds offering great views of London. The Natural History Gallery is dominated by an ancient walrus (overstuffed by Victorian taxidermists, who thought they ought to get the wrinkles out of the animal’s skin). There's also a permanent gallery dedicated to African, Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian art and a collection of around 1,600 musical instruments. There are loads of activities for families on offer, including a nature trail, weekend workshops and a hands-on base where children can touch museum objects.

Why go? The Horniman is a rite of passage for south-London families. It’s a lovely, manageable size, has a wildly diverse collection and its setting is beautiful.   

What is it? Step one foot inside Covent Garden's hub of transport history and you'll leave a bonafide trainspotter. Alright, maybe you won't be lingering trackside, notepad in hand, in a hurry, but you'll be amazed by the wonders that are the vintage red Routemasters, early tube trains, maps, transport signs and uniforms. Plus there's a beautiful array of posters, artwork and photographs capturing London from 1860 to the present day.
Why go? Besides the top-class exhibits, one ticket grants you entry on multiple visits for an entire year. What's not to like?

What is it? The London home of architect Sir John Soane, who designed the Bank of England, Dulwich Picture Gallery and numerous other significant buildings. Soane (1753-1837) obsessively collected art, furniture and architectural ornamentation. In the nineteenth century, he turned his house into a museum, to which he said ‘amateurs and students should have access. The result is this perfectly amazing place.
Why go? See above. There’s nowhere like it in London. In the world, probably. Quite apart from the collection, the decoration of Soane’s home is extraordinary. Mirrors and light wells channel and direct daylight, and walls open out like cabinets to display paintings (Canaletto, Turner, Hogarth). The Monument Court contains an alabaster sarcophagus so fine it’s almost translucent, carved for the pharaoh Seti I (1291-78 BC).