Natural History Museum

candyshop

must see 22nd August 2008

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This is one of gems in London's museum crown, along with the V&A and the Science Museum (both conveniently located next door to this one). A lot of people take their small children in the hope of an edifying morning learning about the wonders of nature, and no doubt some manage it as well, but for us wandering around the dinosaur exhibit it just turned out to be a crowded, hot and disappointing experience. The highlight was the life size robot model T Rex which swishes its tail and roars fiercely - very exciting! The remaining exhibits would probably be interesting if you could walk through them peacefully but on a busy Saturday the heaving masses thrust us along at such a pace that my children ended up just frustrated. My advice is to visit if possible during a weekday, or a wet weekend, take your children when they're older, and you can appreciate just how good the collections are here.

Rhydster

Dinosaurs galore 22nd August 2008

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How can you possibly not like the Natural History Museum?

The good: it's full of spectacular, big and small Dinosaurs, pre-historic mammals and it's FREE. All the most interesting characters are on stage and expect to find many more extinct species than you ever imagined existed. It's very informative about the dates, living habits and environments of each beast, many visually modelled in their surroundings. You can easily spend a whole day there.

Photos can be taken (but with restrictions on flash).

It’s located within walking distance of South Kensington tube station, which is well served itself, making it easy to get to.

The bad: cant think of any

traveladdict

something for everyone 22nd August 2008

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A great free day out.

i love the NHM - even if I'm on my own and passing I pop in, after all it's free so why not?

The dinosaur bones with the massive skeleton is my favourite are although everyone is catered for here. There are displays from all ages right form the dinosaurs through the stone and bronze ages. you often see partens bringing their protesting children here but once in the displays amaze even the most reluctant of children!

A great free day out

x_simmy_x

Its all here! 22nd August 2008

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As the summer holidays get into full swing, my house becomes full of crotchety, bored children, who are desperate to go on day trips. Now personally, while venues such as theme parks and the seafront are fun, I prefer to take them places where they'll learn something at the same time as having that fun. I therefore like to take them to such places as the zoo and museums, and one of their favourite museums is the Natural History Museum, which is fairly conveniently situated a short walk from South Kensington tube station and open 10am-5.50pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-5.50pm Sunday (closed 24-26 December).
As I said, getting there is a fairly painless process, although you should consider that if you're pushing a buggy or wheelchair, there are a number of stairs to manoeuvre (thank goodness for those kind souls that help with carrying), and there are actually three lines that serve the station (District, Circle and Piccadilly), although it should be noted that there are still severe restrictions on these services. If you prefer not to travel by tube, there are a number of buses that stop nearby, along with cycle parking facilities. The one method of transport not recommended is by car, as there is very limited parking available, and what there is, is very expensive.

Once you get to the museum, it's worth taking time (if you're only with adults) to appreciate the actual building, which is one impressive piece of architecture. Sadly, with young children in tow, I never actually get this chance, and instead have to immediately make my way to one of the two entrances. Yes there are two entrances, the main one which is very easy to get to, but sadly features yet more steps, and one that's a little further out of the way, but is accessible by wheelchair/buggy users.
Once you finally manage to enter the buildings, you'll notice that you are no longer required to pay. This is always a good thing, and makes that day out even better value for money. Depending on which entrance you've used, you'll find yourself in one of two sets of galleries :

The Earth Galleries : which is rather boring for children and basically features a lot of rocks, along with a very large escalator that I've never been able to manage myself (due to a phobia). My more mobile children have told me that this is quite exciting to go up, but other than the earthquake a bit of a let down.
The Life Galleries : This is the fun part of the museum, where you will find the dinosaur, stuffed animal, and interactive displays, this is also the part that I will go into a little more detail about.

The Life Galleries are situated at the front of the museum (next to the entrance with stairs), and the very first thing your children will see are the massive dinosaur skeletons, which never fail to impress and of course make great photo opportunities. As soon as we get this far I find myself dragged into the actual dinosaur gallery, which is possibly the most impressive part of the museum. It's here you will find displays of various dinosaur skeletons (all with very informative information displays), but even better are the animatronics displays, where the bones have been given flesh and life so to speak, be careful though they can shock and even scare the younger child. On my last visit I was very disappointed that the T-Rex exhibit had vanished, but a quick look on the museum's website tells me that it's returned better than ever. This is one display I can't wait to take a look at on our next visit.
As well as the dinosaurs, a gallery that has to be on your not to miss list (especially if you're taking children) is human biology, this is a fantastic interactive experiences, which includes such things as a huge womb, so you can experience what a baby hears before it's born. My children love this gallery and have spent many hours pushing buttons, pulling levers and generally learning without even realising it.

While we're talking about galleries that you should definitely take a look at, the Creepy Crawly one is brilliant fun (if not really suitable for arachnophobes). Here you will displays of live ants, and an infested house (certainly not the thing to look at if you dislike bugs) among others. Again there is plenty for children to do, including flaps to lift.
Along with these not to miss galleries, there are plenty of displays of stuffed animals, that I actually found quite sad. Some of the animals and birds are now extinct, and somehow it seems wrong that the only way I or my children will see a dodo, is to look at one that's dead. The large mammal section, is great for giving your children a sense of just how big an elephant or giraffe is, and of course there's the largest mammal in current existence, the Blue Whale.

Once you've been round these galleries, you'll probably find that you need to take a bit of a break, and what better place than the Earth Lab. You get to sit down, while the children take part in one of a multitude of activities. These include unearthing "fossils" in a sand pit, making rubbing of different animal skins and examining various micro-animals under microscopes. If your children have any questions you can't answer (if they're anything like mine, there'll be lots), there is a very knowledgeable member of staff on hand. This attraction can get very busy, and there are times when the children are only allowed a limited time to explore.
So now you know about my favourite displays, what else do you need to know? Well perhaps you can go hours without using a toilet, but neither myself or my children can. There are plenty of toilets dotted around the museum, all of which are clean and well maintained. A nice touch is that there is a water fountain located near these toilets, so after emptying out, you can fill yourself back up.

Although there are cafes in the museum, they are very expensive, and I've never personally used them. I much prefer to take a packed lunch, which can be eaten in picnic area. There are also a number of shops, that are reasonably priced, there's always something that my children can afford, even if it is only a pencil or badge.
The final important point (in my opinion at least) is how accessible the museum is, and although the displays are several floors, there is no problem with accessing the majority of them. There are plenty of lifts dotted about, along with disabled toilets. The only problems are that you have to enter the museum through the rather boring Earth Galleries, and that the supposedly exciting escalator is out of limits.

So am I recommending you visit this museum? You bet, it's a free, fun, interactive and educational venue for all the family. Even the very young (under 2) will be able to look at the displays, while older children can't help but be impressed at the larger exhibits. So if you find yourself in the London area, with a houseful of bored children, why not make your way to as my youngest daughter so succinctly puts it "The dinosaur place" and maybe we'll see you there, just be prepared to spend all day.

deadleg21

Whats not to like 21st August 2008

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I have visited the natural history museum a number of times and am simply blown away everytime. Firstly like most museums in britain it is free to enter (although i would suggest you make a donation if possible) for the majority of the exhibits however they do occasionaly have seperate exhibits which have a nominal fee. Last year they also had an ice rink during the christmas period which does require payment by the hour. I believe this occurs every year.
I would have to say my favourite area is the dinosaurs, they are stunning and a great source of entertainment for the kids.

mummyno4

Living History 21st August 2008

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The Natural History Museum. London

Situated in the South Kensington area of London, the Great attraction is so packed full of information, artefacts, and attractions, that one day is never enough.

The best thing about the Museum is it's free to enter, although some temporary exhibits do require a fee on entering.

I would advise you to purchase a programme and/or a floor plan when you enter, as it does have some good information inside it, and it's also a nice memento of your day, it will also help you navigate the many rooms and corridors of the museum itself. Donations are welcome and there are several points around the entrance where you can donate.

The architecture of the building is a show in itself with its wonderfully high ceilings and colourful brickwork. Just the entrance hall with its dinosaur bones is enough to keep you standing there in awe. From the main entrance there are many smaller arch ways, which either lead to other rooms or little cubby hole exhibits.

If you are pressed for time, the best unmissable displays include the Dinosaur exhibit, with it huge bones, and reconstructed animatronics dinosaurs.
The mammals and Whale hall where you can measure yourself against the size of a full grown blue whale, suspended from the ceiling, or Hippo's, Lions, Elephants or killer whales.

The Earthquake exhibit, where you can experience indoors, what a real earthquake would feel like, and the Earth Gallery, with its hundreds of Rocks, Crystal formations and Minerals from around the globe.

But if you do have more time there are many more places in the museum to explore.
The Darwin Centre, has hundreds of animals in jars and bottles, all perfectly preserved in alcohol, you can even schedule your visit to this room to co-inside with the Live sessions where the Curators and Scientists will happily answer any questions you have about the progress of science or what exactly is in those thousands of jars.

The Marine Invertebrates Room, with its different coral specimens and sea life specimens, find out interesting information about what humans have done to cause devastation in their environment. Continue through the corridors and view the glass cabinets full of Fish, Amphibians and Reptile's, see the wondrous things that were discovered and removed from a Nile crocodile's Stomach. See just what chemical reactions cause fish to illuminate the great depths of the sea.

Carry on to the mammal's exhibit, with its perfectly preserved and reconstructed animals in glass cabinets, Monkey's Polar Bears and even a Sabre Tooth Tiger. Read all about how they survive or how they became extinct.

If Insects are more your thing, then visit the creepy crawlies section, with its hundreds of perfectly conserved moths, butterflies, ants and termites. Find out how insects collect pollen from plants, or how the leaf cutter ants live in their fully contained live habitat.

See the Bird exhibit, where you can view the world's largest bird the Ostrich or the world's smallest bird the Hummingbird. Get a look at the now extinct dodo of Mauritius. Find out why some birds remain flightless while others beat their wings so fast you cannot even see it with the naked eye.

Visit the Plants display where you will find out just how much plants are used in everyday life, see how they are used in items like fuel, food, and cosmetics. Trust me when I say after seeing this exhibit you will never underestimate Flowers and plants again.

The Earth Galleries are a well constructed series of rooms which run through Life, Evolution, Earth, the Planets that surround us and the effect humans have to these things. The entrance is a stunning piece of art, which include sculptures and pieces of Moon rock, after moving through these wonderful pieces, travel up the escalators to the exhibits behind.

There are rooms in the museum where Children and Adults alike can touch, feel, and see certain items up close like shells and rocks.

A small warning it can get extremley busy!!!

cherylmc

Fun at the museum 31st July 2008

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Agree with the last post. This is great place to go with kids.

It keeps them so entertained and it doesn't cost you anything. My little two year old loves running round pointing at all the animals.

As it is so big you can come back and see other parts ad not get bored.

If you can help it try not to go during the holidays as it gets very busy; and I would suggest combining it with popping into the science museum just behind it; for those who like lots of interactive items.

london

15th May 2007

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An excellent free day out!

This was an excellent experience for myself and my 2 young children. The museum is free (as are all public museums now) it is as a result of the combining of the Natural History and Geology museums so there is masses of content - in fact too much for one day!

The kids really enjoyed this place but it can be hard on your feet.

A good tip would be that if you have kids over 6 there is a discovery centre in the basement, you need to book a slot when you are there but its very much hands on with microscopes, real fossils, laminated bugs and all those rare and endangered animal parts that are taken off smugglers at airports - good to see there is some educational value from it. The staff in the discovery center are really friendly and happy to explain everything to the kids.

It's free, educational and interesting for dads too - 5 stars from me.

Hugo

Wildlife Photography Exhibition - yearly at the Natural History Museum 23rd April 2007

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For the last 5 years I have without fail gone to see the Wildlife Photography Exhibition at the Natural History Museum. It is a rare yearly cultural event for me and I heartily recommend it to all my friends.

It is only on for part of the year so it is best to check out the website:
www.nhm.ac.uk/wildphoto/

Great place to escape to the animal kingdom and feel inspired to get your camera out and hit the road...

Of course there is plenty more great stuff to see in the Natural History museum, especially for kids. Indeed as a nipper one of my favourite outings was to go and see the giant blue whale (it really is giant) and all the huge reconstructed dinosaurs.

Pacman

25th February 2007

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They have a giant squid preserved down in the basement. Arrange yourself a tour to go and see it. The stuff of nightmares!