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10 History Museums in England That You Shouldn't Miss
– in Europe (green & dark grey)
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1. Croydon Airport Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 276 reviews
Croydon Airport Visitor Centre micro-museum- located in Airport House, Purley Way, Croydon CR0 0XZ. Open on the 1st Sunday of the month throughout the year. Special Open Days at other times- see website for details. Haley Sharpe designed and winner of a British Tourism Award, featuring interactive displays and storyboards. It tells the story of Britain's first major international airport through World War I, Imperial Airways and BOAC, record-breaking flights by the likes of Amy Johnson and other, the Battle of Britain and much, much more.
Reviewed By Pent68
We were in Croydon for the weekend to attend a family funeral and stayed in a hotel opposite here. On Sunday our last day we were advised there was an open day at this museum and it's a very interesting place to visit, it most certainly was, we had an excellent guided tour with Graeme and all very interesting especially hearing about the first long distance flights.This place is great for learning about aviation and early air travel.Highly recommended.
2. The British Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72,631 reviews
A museum of the world, for the world. Discover over two million years of human history and culture. Some of the world-famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies.
Reviewed By kb147 - Lafayette, United States
Nearly everyone has heard of the British Museum and with good reason. The collections are absolutely amazing. This is the home of the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and one of the best collections of Egyptian artifacts outside Egypt. (Controvery over whether Britain should be the custodian of these things aside.) But that is only the beginning. There are artifacts from all over the world: an amazing collection of Greek and Etruscan terracotta objects, Roman glass, the Sutton Hoo treasure, some of the most famous Maya stellae, beautiful torquoise mosaic objects of the Aztec culture; sections devoted to China, Japan, and the South Pacific. A serindipity of German "notgeld". And much more! One of the most wonderful areas is King George Library, the "Enlightenment Room": one could spend an entire day just there! That being said, one has to be prepared for crowds, particularly at popular exhibits like the Egyptian artifacts and King George Library. During the week there are numerous school groups clogging these areas and multiple tours in a variety of languages. One has to be patient: go see something 'unpopular' at peak times and try the popular things later. We actually saw the Rosetta Stone at one point with not another soul around. It helps to have several hours to devote here.
3. Natural History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36,863 reviews
A center of scientific excellence in the discovery of taxonomy and biodiversity, this world-famous museum promotes the discovery and enjoyment of the natural world through such exciting exhibits as the Life and Earth Galleries, wildlife garden and geological collections.
Reviewed By markn71 - Loughborough, United Kingdom
One of the best museums, in my opinion, in the world!!! Fun, entertaining and most importantly educational!! From the fantastic blue whale skeleton in the main entrance to the special human biology and moon sections difficult to take it all in and even harder to ensure you cover everything. All exhibits were well presented, well explained and at the correct level of complexity. Loads of interactive things for the kids and adults. I’m sure we missed loads so we will be visiting again.
4. The Roman Baths
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22,941 reviews
The Roman Baths is one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK. Hidden beneath the present city of Bath lies the stone remains of one of the finest religious spas of the ancient world.
Reviewed By 2chopper - Banbury, United Kingdom
Excellent and unique must see attractions in Bath, is fascinating to learn the history of the Roman Baths, the free audio guide provides extra information too
5. Churchill War Rooms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22,912 reviews
Discover the secrets of the Second World War in the underground nerve centre where Churchill and his war cabinet lived and worked.
Reviewed By 31cheriel - Melbourne, Australia
We were kept fully interested for 3 and a half hours .. this was so informative and even our teenagers were engaged the whole time.. Loved every part of this history tour.. you see Churchill map room, his sleeping quarters, the tiny kitchen, and the phone room.. and loads more.. can't imagine how hard what they all had to do in such small quarters.. well done Chuchhill and team..
6. National Railway Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,169 reviews
FREE ENTRY Home to iconic locomotives and an unrivalled collection of engineering brilliance, we celebrate the past, present and future of innovation on the railways. Dedicated to igniting our visitors’ curiosity about the people, places and engineering marvels behind the railways, we put our passion for amazing stories into everything we do.
Reviewed By andrewmR3427OB
Excellent museum free entry or you can put a voluntary donation toward the upkeep of the locos and museum lots to do and very informative.There are different talks on various subjects of railwayana.The museum has 3 large halls film of locos and railwayana there are also viewing platforms where you can see staff working on different locos.You can easily spend all day here there is a resteraunt and shops well worth a visit
7. Bronte Parsonage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,927 reviews
* 17th March - we have closed the museum due to the C-19 outbreak. Check website for the latest information.* The Bronte Parsonage is the former home of the world's most famous literary family and the place where Charlotte, Emily and Anne wrote some of the greatest novels in the English Language. The house evokes the atmosphere of the Brontes' time and offers visitors an unique insight into their day - to - day lives and varied interests. The rooms the Brontes' used are largely unchanged and are filled with a world-class collection of furniture, clothes and personal possessions. Whether you are a fan of the Brontes' writing or simply intrigued by remarkable people and their stories, you will find visiting the Parsonage an absorbing and unforgettable experience. The museum offers an ever-changing programme of exhibitions, events, and activities for the whole family. Listed opening hours reflect first and last entry to the Museum (Last entry 4.30, shop remains open until 5.00pm).
Reviewed By lynnemW5564BU
This is an excellent museum to visit - and not just for Bronte fans - there is plenty to see and occupy the visitor for hours. Bronte fans will find it exceptional - there are many personal items belonging to the Bronte's to look at - its so inspiring and the staff are really passionate about the place - and really helpful too. The surrounding area is good to explore too - including a walk on the moors.
8. Kelham Island Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 663 reviews
Reviewed By BevC107 - Sheffield, United Kingdom
Kelham Island is one of Sheffield's most interesting museums. You can watch the Little Mesters (skilled craftspeople in silverware and steelware) fettling in their tiny workshops and be amazed by the River Don engine. If you have very little children with you, it might be wise to warn them beforehand that it is very noisy and the floor actually shakes when it's going full pelt. I really like the little stationary steam engines that go chunkety-chunk, wheels spinning and pulleys flapping. There is a section with very old cars like the Sheffield Simplex. Wall mounted posters tell of the Great Sheffield Flood when the newly built Dale Dyke Dam capsized in the middle of the night of 11th March 1864 and over 240 people drowned in the deluge. You can track the history of Sheffield's steelmaking from the tiny 14th century forges along its 5 rivers to the huge Atlas Works of the early 20th century. And Kelham Island has a great cafe of its own and there are 2 good pubs very nearby. But be warned, it's closed Fridays and Saturdays.
9. Lord Leycester Hospital
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 577 reviews
The Hospital is a historic group of medieval timber-framed buildings dating mainly from the late 14th Century. Of historic significance, they represent one of the finest examples in Britain of medieval courtyard architecture. Clustered around the Norman gateway into the town, the 12th century chapel sits above it. For nearly 200 years this site was home to Warwick’s medieval Guilds. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, under the patronage of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, the buildings became a place of retirement for old warriors. These soldiers are known to this day as the Brethren and with the Master, still live within the walls of the building. They are a living legacy of 450 years. Each morning they meet and pray together the words their founder Robert Dudley set down. You can often see the Brethren in ceremonial uniform as they give tours through the buildings and gardens. These extraordinary medieval buildings are open to visitors and can also be hired for private events.
Reviewed By PatG338 - Warwick, United Kingdom
Well worth a visit, ancient and interesting, lots to learn about the people who live there and keep it running, unusual wedding venue too
10. Vindolanda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,181 reviews
Visit Roman Vindolanda today and you will find one of the North East’s most famous and not to be missed tourist attractions lying in the beautiful landscape of Hadrian's Wall Country. Formerly a key military post on the northern frontier of Britain, Vindolanda is the home of Britain's 'Top Treasure' - the Vindolanda Writing Tablets - and is one Europe's most important Roman archeological sites, with live excavations taking place every year. The recently fully refurbished on site museum provides a breathtaking exploration of the Trust's ongoing discoveries and accounts of Roman life. There are no other places on earth where it is possible to experience Roman Britain, Hadrian's Wall and history coming to life before your very eyes all in one space! Come and explore it for yourself and find out why Vindolanda is treasured worldwide.
Reviewed By BenB4965 - Oudenaarde, Belgium
Very interesting spot with great history and part of the enormous Hadrian wall . Presently they are excavating and you can find in the museum a collection of roman shoes (it is extremely rare to have things like these) and also writings and letters from roman soldiers on wooden tablets (perishable , as are the shoes)
