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The 10 Best Natural History Museums in England, United Kingdom
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1. Southburn Archaeological Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
2. Dinosaur Expeditions CIC
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 142 reviews
Dinosaur Expeditions C.I.C. is a Community Interest Company created by local fossil enthusiasts. We promote responsible fossil discovery and conservation in addition to helping the public understanding of fossils and the palaeo-environment through Palaeoart. To do this we have established the 'Dinosaur Expeditions, Conservation and Palaeoart Centre' at the site of the Dinosaur Farm Museum. It houses displays of fossils, locally produced palaeoart, childrens' activities and a fossil & mineral giftshop.We also organise popular fossil hunting trips throughout the year at a variety of locations on the Isle of Wight, led by our experienced professional guides. Dinosaur Expeditions CIC pools the local knowledge, talents and experience of our Fossil Hunt leaders. This helps to ensure that we can provide a professional quality experience for all our customers. Are you mad about Dinosaurs and other fossils? We are, so why not join us on an amazing Fossil Hunting Adventure! Discover your own fossils and keep all your finds.
3. West Bay Discovery Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
A treasure trove of information about West Bay in a beautifully restored Methodist Chapel on the beach. There is something to interest all ages and the interactive activities are particularly popular with families. A fun way to learn about the Jurassic coast, forces of nature, shipbuilding, tourism, local industry, trails and walks and information about the filming of Broadchurch. We have a range of visitor information and a small gift shop that includes quality local products. We are operated by a local charity and mainly run by volunteers, admission is free but donations are invited to help with our running costs. PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE/FACEBOOK FOR WINTER OPENING HOURS
Reviewed By Noo473
Visited here this morning for the first time and was very impressed by everything in there. Although only a small building, it is well set out and full of interesting artefacts, pieces of local history and wonderful old photographs all creating a snapshot of West Bay and it’s past. It brought back memories of monthly visits made, as children, to visit a Great-Aunt who lived in The Old Shipyard. Very friendly and approachable staff which all added to the ambience. Thank you very much; have already recommended it to friends!
4. 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.
5. Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,362 reviews
The Museum of Natural History houses the University's scientific collections of geological and zoological specimens. The Museum itself is a Grade 1 listed building, renowned for its spectacular neo-Gothic architecture. Among its most famous features are the Oxfordshire dinosaurs, the dodo, and the swifts in the tower.
Reviewed By TeamWard - Nottingham, United Kingdom
The exterior is stunning the interior is fabulous like a movie designed museum, the T-Rex is there to greet you when you enter and the interior design is just spectacular, a sheer joy to visit and look at the exhibits, make sure you make a donation.
6. Horniman Museum and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 690 reviews
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is an inspiring, surprising, family-friendly, free attraction in South London’s Forest Hill.The Museum has been open since Victorian times, when Frederick John Horniman first opened his house and extraordinary collection of objects to visitors. Since then, the collection has grown tenfold and includes internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as an acclaimed aquarium and natural history collection.Unusually for such an important museum, you can see the collection up-close and face-to-face. You can even pick up, try on and play with some objects.Visitors come time and again to explore this free museum, take part in our activities and enjoy the 16-acre gardens.
Reviewed By ShaunH753 - Kampala, Uganda
Had problems getting a slot via web. Decided to turn up on 1st opening slot, Staff very helpfull and organised me a slot within the next hour, luckily a few slot left. The museum is an individuals collection from their travels. Many interesting exhibits and plenty to see. 1 to 1.5hrs is enough to explore. Unfortunately butterfly house not open but video of that area is projected. The gardens are lovely and well laid out, lots of well spaced seating and shady area, this alone is worth a visit. Ideal picnic A cafe is available on site as well as the obligatory gift shop on exit of the museum
7. Booth Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
The Booth Museum is all about birds, butterflies, fossils, and bones. Founded as a Victorian collector’s private museum, the Booth Museum now brings natural history to life with interactive displays and ‘hands on’ activities.
Reviewed By D3987VKkatiew
Stuffed birds of all species large and small, butterfly area from all over the world , skeletons ranging from a whale , horse to a lizard truly amazing for All ages .Small gift shop which needs supporting free entrance would appreciate a donation.
8. World Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,335 reviews
World Museum Liverpool is a fantastic family day out! Over five free floors explore: the aquarium and the Treasure House Theatre; the natural world in the Clore Natural History Centre and Bug House; the human world in the World Cultures gallery and Weston Discovery Centre; the earth with dinosaurs and animals from around the world; and space and time through scientific instruments and the Planetarium. There are also two cafés and two shops.
Reviewed By anoomk
World Museum is a fantastic family day out! Over five free floors, explore: the aquarium and the Treasure House Theatre; the natural world in the Clore Natural History Centre and Bug House; the human world in the World Cultures gallery and Weston Discovery Centre; the earth with dinosaurs and animals from around the world; and space and time through scientific instruments and the Planetarium.
9. Dinosaurland Fossil Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 417 reviews
A traditional museum with more than 10000 specimens on permanent display.
Reviewed By IainSpirit - Southampton, United Kingdom
We went here the day before heading to the beach fossil hunting. The collection is huge and you could spend days looking at the displays, we had a very excited 7 year old determined to see what was next so we didn't spend as much time as we would have liked. Do remember its a private collection and not the natural history museum so you could walk round it in a 5 - 10 minutes. Having said that there are literally thousands or tens of thousands of individual exhibits and being a private collection the owners are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable with every single piece each having a back story. I would have loved to have gone without covid and spent a lot more time learning. Even with COVID the owner made us feel really welcome, spent time chatting and even spent a lot of time giving us advice on where to head to the following day. The building is Mary Anning's old church converted into a Dino Museum so you really get a great atmosphere and there are wow's everywhere you look well worth the money.
10. Ilfracombe Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
A local independently-run museum with an eclectic flavour, Ilfracombe museum has eight rooms filled with treasures. We have natural history specimens from around the world and plenty to see about Ilfracombe's past. Come and experience a museum that is unique and family-friendly. Children can explore our insect, bat and spider specimens, have a go at a dinosaur quiz, or send Morse code messages. Try your hand at brass rubbing, or browse our great value gift shop. We also have extensive photographic and family history resources for Ilfracombe. Our museum is a perfect all-weather attraction and can be easily accessed by wheelchair. Pay parking in car park outside the museum. Children under 16 FREE, £5 for adults, £4.00 concessions. Annual season ticket £7.50
Reviewed By Golfbabes - Trowbridge, United Kingdom
I Was very sceptical about visiting as it’s tucked away and looks small. But once inside it’s like a tardis. Excellent museum lots of local exhibits and very interesting. Staff friendly and helpful. Well worth the small fee. Perfect on a wet day.
