No matter if you're spending time with your loved ones, pursuing an enduring passion, or expanding your understanding of history, museums has turned into a beloved leisure activity for many people.
In addition to serving as hubs of learning and history for scholars and curious individuals, museums have in recent years transformed into much more accessible and interactive spaces. family-friendly , ensuring they become a essential part of every collection city break or day trip.
While London features some of the world-renowned museums and art galleries, with the remainder of the area UK boasts an abundance of other historical centers, including niche local exhibits, specialized museums dedicated to automobiles, nautical themes, or contemporary art, along with internationally acclaimed collections – and the finest aspect is that numerous venues offer free admission.
Museums vary greatly in size and scope, ranging from tiny single-room displays, National Trust and English Heritage locations, shipwreck remnants, extensive national galleries, outdoor exhibits, to institutions dedicated to showcasing the life and achievements of a notable individual.
With over 1,800 accredited museums In the UK, there is a museum suitable for every individual to explore, enhancing their knowledge and learning from history or appreciating global cultures in today’s time.
Below are some of our favourite selections to kick things off.
1. The museum located in Victoria and Albert
London
The Victoria and Albert Museum, commonly referred to as the V&A, located in South Kensington boasts a staggering collection of 1.25 million items, encompassing everything from ancient European artworks to neoclassical furnishings, alongside being home to the biggest and most extensive array of clothing designs globally. This institution showcases exhibits related to art, design, and performing arts across more than 5 millennia of human ingenuity. Amongst their highlights are garments crafted by renowned designer Alexander McQueen and the iconic 'Tippoo’s Tiger,' an artifact seized from Tipu Sultan, who ruled Mysore in Southern India following assaults carried out by forces of the British East India Company. Additionally, the museum features an opulent café meticulously created by architects James Gamble, William Morris, and Edward Poynter.
Price: Free
Kid-friendly? Explore digital family trails and treasure hunts throughout the museum; additionally, consider visiting the Young V&A in Hackney for an engaging children-oriented adventure.
Read more: This could very well be the most awesome museum in Europe – in all aspects.
2. British Museum
London
This museum has often been criticised for its collections, drawing much flak multiple times. which had been plundered at the peak of the British Empire. The British Museum maintains a roster of "disputed artifacts" that various nations have requested to reclaim. It also acknowledges that much of its holdings were acquired through conflict and colonial endeavors. Despite this, numerous people consider visiting the museum essential for gaining an understanding of global histories. The exhibits cover approximately two million years of history across all six continents, featuring items such as the Rosetta Stone, ancient Egyptian relics, materials related to African history, and Anglo-Saxon treasures.
Price: Free
Kid-friendly? Children can undertake the 'Museum Mission' challenge or follow the 'Museum Explorer Trail'.
3. Churchill War Rooms
London
At this museum, visitors can step back in time to experience the peak of the Second World War within the hidden underground command centre where key British military strategies were formulated. To fully explore these Cabinet War Rooms, which served as the workplace for Winston Churchill and his staff, the museum suggests allocating around two hours. Within these premises, you'll discover various spaces such as a covert transatlantic communications hub cleverly concealed behind what appears to be a bathroom, Churchill's own subterranean quarters, an area designated for BBC broadcasts and telephone exchanges, and critically, the nerve center known as the Map Room—where pivotal choices shaping the course of the conflict were meticulously crafted. Additionally, an adjacent exhibit provides deeper insights into historical events from this era. For those needing refreshment, a café located in a former workspace for switchboard technicians offers a convenient resting spot during your tour.
Price: $33; children under 5 years old get in for free
Kid-friendly? Visits led independently are appropriate for those aged seven and older.
Read more: The top gratis museums in Paris – ranging from an old apothecary to stunning Monet collections
4. Hauser & Wirth
London and Somerset
The Swiss contemporary and modern art collective Hauser & Wirth originated in Zurich during the 1990s but has since grown into an international presence, showcasing artworks and managing artist estates around the world. Their venue in London features two galleries with changing exhibits, including pieces from artists like Mike Kelley and Verena Loewensberg, along with regular events such as artist discussions, movie showings, and educational programs. In Somerset, Hauser & WIRTH operates a gallery and cultural hub that engages with both the local populace and the nearby natural environment through its curated shows and installations. This location also boasts outdoor sculptures and offers visitors a distinctive bar and dining area crafted collaboratively by designers and architects.
Price: Free
Kid-friendly? Both galleries welcome families, though we kindly request that nobody touches or climbs the artwork. In addition, families are invited to enjoy the gallery garden in Somerset, where supervision of children is mandatory because of the presence of two ponds on the site; please note that food and drinks are not allowed at our London venue.
5. Design Museum
London
Located in Kensington, this museum focuses on contemporary design and draws numerous visitors to its carefully selected temporary exhibits ranging from 'The World of Tim Burton' to displays featuring Barbie dolls. However, its permanent collections are equally captivating. One standout exhibit is 'Designer, Maker, User,' a free gallery that guides guests through the evolution of modern designs by exploring these three key perspectives. Showcasing nearly 1,000 objects dating from the last century up until now—including everything from highway signage and London’s iconic Tube maps to vehicles like Vespas, gaming consoles such as Xbox controllers, everyday items like plastic lawn furniture, and even IKEA shopping bags—this exhibition highlights how design influences today's world.
Price: Free
Kid-friendly? A sound feature accessible via an application showcases items as seen through the eyes of a class of Year 1 students who are 5 and 6 years old; design workshops and camps are also scheduled for various times throughout the year.
Read more: Embark on a cultural voyage—from art galleries and museums to culinary delights—exploring enriching Norwegian experiences.
6. National Gallery
London
Hosting the United Kingdom’s assortment of Western European artworks from over seven hundred years, the National Gallery stands in one of London’s iconic public squares, Trafalgar Square. This museum houses many renowned paintings worldwide, including Vincent van Gogh’s works. Sunflowers , The Ambassadors by Hans Holbein and The Wilton Diptych Don’t overlook the chance to stop by its neighboring gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, which showcases portraits ranging from historical monarchs and queens to modern-day figures such as Harry Styles and Marcus Rashford.
Price: Free
Kid-friendly? There are two areas available for self-directed activities and enjoying a 'Canvas Quest.' This experience is appropriate for kids who are seven years old and up, guiding them through a scavenger hunt across the gallery.
7. The William Morris Gallery
London
On April 5th, the William Morris Gallery will reopen to celebrate its 75th anniversary. In honor of this milestone, they have planned two significant exhibitions: 'Morris Mania,' which delves into his enduring influence from contemporary shower curtains to smartphone covers; and 'Women in Print,' highlighting the contributions of women in printmaking and design. The gallery houses an extensive collection featuring all known works by Morris along with exhibits about his political activities, poetry, and a recreated workshop area reminiscent of those run by Morris & Co. Visitors interested in exploring further might want to check out the nearby William Morris Society Museum located at Kelmscott House in Hammersmith, home to one of Morris' original Albion presses. Admission to the society museum costs £3.50.
Price: Free
Kid-friendly? Engaging and hands-on displays, 'Mini Morris' crafting activities, along with 'Morris Explorer' kits featuring a sensory guide and a storybook for use throughout your visit.
Read more: A cultural journey through Croatia — explore art galleries, bustling markets, and vibrant live events with this essential guide.
8. Tate Modern
London
Perched along the banks of the Thames at the Tate Modern, which repurposes the old Bankside Power Station into a hub for contemporary and modern art, people young and old enjoy an exhibit showcasing artists' reactions to mass media and technology through large-scale installations like the monumental Babel By Cildo Meireles, an imposing cylindrical structure composed of radios set to various stations. Additional pieces explore societal interaction, surrealistic artwork, and the incorporation of the human form within art. The gallery showcases renowned creations by global figures like Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama, Roy Lichtenstein, and Henri Matisse among others. Downstairs, ample room is dedicated to hosting live shows and events. Tate operates multiple sites throughout the UK including Tate Britain located in another part of London, along with galleries in Liverpool and St Ives. Cornwall .
Price: Free
Kid-friendly? Tate Draw, family-friendly events
9. National Railway Museum
York
If you're into railways or simply fascinated by locomotives, visiting the National Railway Museum should definitely be on your list. The museum showcases everything from vintage Art Deco engines to some of the world’s speediest steam locomotives, along with a Japanese Shinkansen. In addition to these iconic trains, visitors can explore exhibits recounting tales from railroad lore, and view displays featuring decommissioned railway artefacts like signboards and platform indicators. For those seeking interactive experiences, attractions include the Virtual Reality tour of the Flying Scotsman, demonstrations of signal operations, and family-friendly hands-on engineering challenges.
Price: Free
Kid-friendly? Play zone, journey on a road train, use the Treasure Hunters app to navigate the museum and earn points through photo submissions.
Read more: Top Easter Egg Hunts in the United Kingdom
10. Coal Mining Museum
Wakefield
Explore 180 years of mining heritage at the National Coal Mining Museum located at Caphouse Colliery in West Yorkshire. This museum highlights the experiences of individuals and communities involved in the mining sector, illustrating how this industry influenced their daily lives. Exhibits concentrate on topics such as labour disputes, workplace incidents, recoveries, community living, and representations of mining in various forms of media. A captivating 'Time Tunnel' tour guided by an ex-miner equips you with a helmet for your journey back through two centuries of mining history. Starting from April 2025, the museum plans to reintroduce underground visits where guests can venture down 140 meters beneath the surface to gain insight into the challenging environment miners faced throughout time.
Price: Adults pay $6.50, children pay $5.50; those under 3 years old enter for free.
Kid-friendly? A variety of activities designed for kids
11. The Big Pit National Coal Museum
Torfaen
Located within a genuine coal mine, guests have the opportunity to delve into and understand what it was like to work in Wales' coal sector. Exhibits feature interactive displays showcasing contemporary mining tools, including sounds and visuals depicting large machinery like chain saws extracting coal. Formerly utilized for miners to wash up post-shift, the bathhouse structure has been repurposed to narrate tales from mining towns, recount industrial tragedies, and highlight the significance of labor unions. Visitors can explore various historical structures onsite, such as the ventilator engine room and the area designated for blacksmithing activities. A key drawcard here is undoubtedly the underground excursion; participants equipped with authentic mining gear descend 300 feet via shaft before embarking on a guided walk through the extraction zones alongside a retired miner.
Price: Free, Subterranean Tour starting at £5
Kid-friendly? Sensation kits for kids require accompaniment of an adult when they're under 16 years old; additionally, these young visitors should be at minimum 1 meter tall to join the underground tour.
Read more: Top ferry journeys to experience in the UK and Ireland this spring
12. Titanic Belfast
Belfast
Situated precisely where the infamous vessel embarked on its sea trials before its tragic sinking in 1912, Titanic Belfast has transformed into an educational hub covering everything related to the ship—from its inception to the disaster. Within this attraction, a self-guided exploration lets you delve into sights, sounds, aromas, and narratives tied both to the ship itself and the city behind its creation. Additionally, another guided experience narrates the events leading up to the tragedy. Titanic ' s last moments, along with the reasons behind its construction and the methods used to build it.
Price: $24.95 for adults, $11 for children aged 5 to 15; those under 5 enter for free.
Kid-friendly? Children aged 15 and younger need to have an adult accompany them.
13. Butser Ancient Farm
Hampshire
What Butser Ancient Farm offers could be described as the nearest experience to time travel," claims this outdoor archeological museum. As you explore, you'll traverse approximately 10,000 years of human history by visiting sites like a Roman villa, a Celtic settlement, a Stone Age farm, and Saxon halls—all meticulously rebuilt using archaeological findings. Certain days feature exciting events including live combat demonstrations, performances of traditional music, exhibitions of copper forging, or opportunities for hands-on activities like practicing Roman archery or mastering other historical arts such as rope making.
Price: $24.70 for adults, $15.60 for children under 16
Kid-friendly: Activities, Easter vacation camps, and educational excursions are offered.
Read more: Top methods to pamper your mother in the UK this Mother’s Day
14. Jorvik Viking Centre
York
Perched atop an archaeological digsite meticulously examined by the York Archaeological Trust—which revealed dwellings and workspaces from the Viking-era settlement known as Jorvik—the location now features an engaging ride providing guests with a firsthand look at daily life during those times and offering insights into Viking culture in the region. In addition to this interactive attraction, a display space showcases items unearthed from the Viking period, including ceramic fragments, animal skeletons, and even ancient ice skates. Ideal for a brief excursion, the venue estimates that most visits last approximately one hour.
Price: Adults $31.50 for adults, $21 for children aged 5 to 16; those under 5 enter for free.
Kid-friendly: Children aged 16 years old and younger must have an accompanying adult when they visit the center.
15. The St Fagans National Museum of History
Cardiff
At St Fagans Castle, stand amidst historical structures relocated onsite—from farms and schools to post houses and workers’ institutes—to gain firsthand insight into past lives. The museum not only preserves these authentic settings but also keeps traditional arts vibrant with artisans showcasing their techniques right where they create and sell their goods. Meanwhile, caretakers of the site’s animals provide visitors opportunities to observe everyday agricultural activities. Exhibits within the galleries explore Wales' rich heritage, tracing back to prehistoric times like those inhabited by Neanderthals up until significant milestones such as Welsh Devolution, offering an extensive journey through time and culture.
Price: Free
Kid-friendly: Lambing workshops and Victorian-era school sessions are offered for younger visitors. Sensory kits along with activity brochures can be accessed during your exploration of the museum. It's important to know that children aged under 16 require constant supervision from an accompanying adult. Additionally, prams and strollers are permitted exclusively within the Oakdale Institute, St Teilo’s Church, and Gwalia Stores areas.
Read more: UK getaways - top caravan spots to reserve today
16. Beamish: The Living Museum of the North
County Durham
The UK’s beloved outdoor museum, Beamish, narrates the story of North East life spanning more than 130 years. Guests have the opportunity to travel through different eras ranging from a typical 1900s town, coal mining village and colliery, all the way to a 1940s-era farm and an 1820s manor house. This exceptional historical site features operational bakeries, stores, public houses, tearooms, and even a cinema. Educational institutions like schools and churches coexist with residences, along with an authentic Edwardian railway station and a functional tramway system. Recently enhanced with significant investments totalling millions of pounds—such as introducing new exhibits including a toy store and pub, alongside reconstructing part of the facility into a comprehensive representation of rural life during the 1950s—the experience offers extensive exploration and learning opportunities within a vividly recreated past setting.
Price: Adults $40.35 AUD, children $24.68 AUD – pay once and enjoy free entry for a year
Kid-friendly: A thoroughly enjoyed family outing with numerous activities available.
17. National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh
Revered as the premier attraction in the UK beyond London, the National Museum of Scotland situated in Edinburgh houses an extensive array of exhibits covering everything from nature to art and design. Among these highlights is a remarkable full-scale model of a T-Rex dinosaur positioned near the entryway, which leads into sections showcasing wildlife development, natural events, and earth sciences. Additionally, you can explore galleries dedicated to Scottish heritage, scientific advancements, and textile creations by renowned figures like Vivienne Westwood and May Morris. The heart of the museum features a majestic central hall, a three-story open space illuminated through tall windows above. Downstairs, the museum café offers locally sourced dishes, while the one located upstairs provides impressive vistas overlooking the entire atrium below.
Price: Free
Kid-friendly: Family-oriented and engaging galleries along with interactive museum tours and trails designed specifically for children; additionally, sensory bags and a dedicated calm area are provided.
Read more: The loveliest destinations to explore in the UK
18. International Slavery Museum
Liverpool
The International Slavery Museum has temporarily shut down due to crucial maintenance work preceding an extensive redevelopment plan, with plans to reopen in 2028. Despite being closed, this distinctive attraction remains highly recommended for future visits once it reopens. Situated within Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock area, the museum stands near the former repair sites of 18th-century slaving vessels, which embarked on roughly 5,000 journeys transporting about 1.5 million enslaved individuals across Africa. Inside, visitors can explore artefacts related to transatlantic slavery and Liverpool’s involvement in it, alongside exhibits featuring discriminatory collectibles and detailing the experiences of people throughout the African diaspora. Additionally, there's a section dedicated to contemporary forms of slavery. Through these displays, the museum aims to enhance public awareness regarding both historical and current issues surrounding enslavement and their ongoing impacts.
Price: N/A
Kid-friendly: Touchscreen exhibits and bring-along tasks for children.
19. The birthplace of Shakespeare and other residences belonging to his family
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon has turned into something of a mecca for ardent fans of the Bard, as it is the birthplace of one of England's most renowned dramatists and poets, who lived here with his kin for 19 years before passing away. Although not exactly functioning like a single-museum space, the town offers insights through three key locations showcasing aspects of William Shakespeare's existence. The reconstructed building thought to be Shakespeare's birthplace endured thanks to a public initiative launched in 1847, which received backing from literary luminary Charles Dickens; this structure remains under the stewardship of the trust up to now. Additionally, managed by the same organisation, visitors can explore the dwelling of Shakespeare's spouse, Anne Hathaway, along with the grounds where his former household resided.
Price: For each of the three houses, adults pay starting at £24.30, children pay £13.50; those under 3 years old enter for free.
Kid-friendly? Social gatherings and instructional sessions
Read more: UK’s 'friendliest city' also named among the most haunted
20. National Justice Museum
Nottingham
Located in Nottingham, this distinctive museum delves into the grim aspects of criminal activity, penal systems, and efforts towards fairness in society. It underscores significant differences between past methods of dealing with legal infractions and contemporary approaches. Spread across five levels within a Grade II listed structure, the museum features historical elements like an authentic Victorian courthouse, a Georgian prison area, along with ancient jail cells. Free exhibitions spanning various topics related to societal equity use artifacts from their holdings—such as relics from the famous Great Train Robbery—and illustrate shifts due to advancements in forensics impacting judicial processes. Visitors can enjoy daily enactments including staged court proceedings inside the historic courtroom conducted by performers, alongside demonstrations representing 18th-century executions taking place in the Exercise Yard.
Price: Adults start at £12.05, children at £8.75; those under 5 enter for free.
Kid-friendly? Educational sessions for schools and activities for families
21. National Football Museum
Manchester
Even though you're in Manchester, you don't need to support United or City to appreciate this soccer experience. The National Football Museum houses the globe's biggest collection open to the public, featuring items and documents related to football. Visitors can admire historic pieces such as the earliest remaining FA Cup trophy, the initial 'rules of the sport,' along with jerseys once worn by legendary players including Wayne Rooney and Ian Wright. One section allows enthusiasts to engage in fun activities like taking penalties, practicing passes, and testing their goalkeeping skills. Other parts of the museum highlight and educate visitors about the rich history and impact of women's football.
Price: Adult season tickets start at £14, while those for children begin at £8; kids under 5 and residents of City of Manchester can enter for free.
Kid-friendly: The Discovery Zone within the Play Gallery serves as an area where children under five can explore their first encounters with the realm of soccer, engaging exhibits, self-guided paths, and activities designed for families.
Read more: The top hikes in Cornwall range from seaside paths to rural strolls.
22. Ulster Museum
Belfast
Nestled inside Belfast’s botanical gardens lies the Ulster Museum, housing a vast array of artifacts related to art, natural sciences, and history. This institution delves into various periods across the globe but places particular emphasis on ancient Ireland along with recent chapters like the Troubles and the evolving landscape of Northern Ireland. The museum features works by artist Julian Friers depicting Irish wildlife alongside commentaries on climate change and artistic creations ranging from the Renaissance through to Romanticism. In addition to exhibitions focused on the Troubles, the historical segment showcases elements of Irish heritage starting from St. Patrick’s teachings up until Mesolithic times. Meanwhile, over at the natural history wing, visitors can explore exhibits featuring marine creatures, flora, fauna, and even what remains of Ireland’s sole known dinosaurs.
Price: Free
Kid-friendly? Learning centers for discovery and educational school programs
23. National Museum Cardiff
Cardiff
Wales' national museum is located in its capital city, Cardiff, housing the nation's premier collections of art, geology, and national history. The museum features one of Europe's finest assemblies of Impressionist artwork. Beyond these artistic displays, the 'Evolution of Wales' galleries guide guests through an extensive narrative starting from the Big Bang up until modern times, detailing dinosaur eras in Wales and showcasing how natural forces have sculpted the landscape—this being the museum’s most expansive exhibit, spanning over a thousand square meters.
Price: Free
Kid-friendly? Walking paths with activities for families, events designed for families, children’s party options
Read more: During the time when Ramadan coincides with Pancake Day in one of Europe's most culturally diverse cities.
24. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Birmingham
Following a substantial four-year refurbishment effort, Birmingham’s museum has at last unveiled itself once more, featuring fresh exhibits and installations. A notable addition is the 'Created in Birmingham' exhibit which delves into preconceived notions, intricate connections to the city, sentimental recollections, along with items like HP Sauce, Cadbury chocolates, and industrial metals produced locally. Additionally, visitors can explore a brand-new digital gallery complete with an interactive area known as the Pixel Studio where they can engage with various digital projects. There's also a compact showcase dedicated to highlighting the legacy of Benjamin Zephaniah, a renowned poet from Birmingham. Although another part of the museum remains closed for now, the institution proudly houses the Staffordshire Hoard—the most extensive trove of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver artifacts ever unearthed.
Price: Free
Kid-friendly? The Wild City zone is designed for kids and their families, sharing tales of nature within urban landscapes.
25. Kelvingrove
Glasgow
A beloved destination for both Glaswegians and tourists, Kelvingrove’s 22 galleries showcase an array of exhibits ranging from Scotland’s earliest inhabitants to wildlife, local Glasgow history, and even Dutch art. Some of its most cherished items include the Christ of Saint John of the Cross A painting by Salvador Dalí alongside the creations of Glasgow-born artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh are featured here, along with a large male elephant named Sir Roger. Don’t miss out on the daily organ recitals held at the museum, often conducted by local organists hailing from nearby areas and churches throughout Scotland.
Price: Free
Kid-friendly: ‘ 'Mini Museum Adventures' for kids under 5 years old
Read more: Where is 'Mad About The Boy' set? All the Bridget Jones filming spots you can explore in London
26. National Motor Museum
Hampshire
Nestled in the quaint village of Beaulieu within Hampshire lies a renowned assembly of automobiles, motorcycles, and motor-related artifacts housed in the National Motor Museum. This institution boasts an impressive array of 280 vehicles, including those that have made appearances in popular media, like the levitating Ford Anglia featured in Harry Potter und die Kammer des Schreckens in the Bond movie with the Jaguar XKR Die Another Day.
Guests can explore a chamber brimming with Formula One race cars, rallying vehicles, and mementos gathered from various competitions. For enthusiasts inclined towards motorcycles, the exhibit showcases their significance as emblems of the ' Mods and Rockers' subculture among young Britons during the mid-20th century. The collection spans everything from early automobile history through their contributions in World War II, exhibits dedicated to land speed record-breaking machinery up until an array of 1980s hypercars—there truly is something here to captivate every car aficionado.
Price: Prices start at £25.50 for adults and £14.25 for children; those under 5 years old enter for free.
Kid-friendly? School trip opportunities
27. Horniman Museum
London
The Horniman Museum and Gardens bears the name of Frederick Horniman, a member of parliament for the Liberal Party and a social reformer, who constructed the museum with the aim "to bring the world to Forest Hill." This initiative offered individuals insight into various ways of living via artifacts and exhibits. Nevertheless, this extensive collection largely stemmed from the colonial riches accumulated by the tea merchants—the Horniman family—a legacy and backdrop that the museum has been striving to address transparently.
Today’s collection continues to uphold Horniman’s mission of enabling visitors to gain deeper insights into our world, encompassing everything from historical artifacts to natural wonders. The museum houses an array of exhibits including musical instruments, textiles, religious artefacts, cultural pieces, insect samples, and fossils—all gathered from various corners of the earth. Visitors can also observe living creatures like rabbits and alpacas outdoors. Additionally, the expansive grounds include features such as a pavilion, a prehistoric-themed garden, and a meadow area amongst other attractions.
Price: Complimentary; access to the Aquarium, Butterfly House, and Robot Zoo requires a payment.
Kid-friendly? Family craft sessions on Saturdays, school workshops, and a comprehensive family-oriented day out.
Read more: Top activities to enjoy in London with your children
28. Mary Rose
Portsmouth
Previously one of Henry VIII’s most beloved vessels, the Mary Rose Participated in numerous conflicts against nations such as France and Scotland until a fateful battle led to her downfall, causing her to sink and rest at the bottom of the Solent for 437 years. In 1982, after being retrieved from the ocean floor, the remnants of this vessel were brought back to life through public display at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. This location also houses the biggest assembly of Tudor artifacts globally. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of these exhibits and opt for a premium £300 tour offering an intimate encounter with the ship. Interactive presentations, a 4D immersive show, and artifact showcases provide guests deeper understanding about both maritime history and daily existence during the Tudor era.
Price: Adults £36, children £26
Kid-friendly: Family occasions, 'Hatch’s History Sleuths' scavenger hunt at the museum, engaging exhibits
29. Museum of Liberation Derry
Derry
To gain a deeper understanding of how The Troubles affected working-class Irish families and communities, the Museum of Free Derry offers insightful exhibits detailing the civil rights movement and the establishment of Free Derry—an autonomously declared section of Derry formed during the oppressive conditions of the 1960s and '70s. Through artefacts and historical documents from this period, the museum guides you through pivotal moments like the civil rights struggle, the Battle of the Bogside, Internment policies, Bloody Sunday, and Operation Motorman. Additionally, the museum provides guided walking tours around Derry with locals who experienced these conflicts firsthand.
Price: Adults pay $8, children’s tickets included in a family package deal
Kid-friendly: Children and teenagers aged 17 and younger must purchase tickets accompanied by an adult.
Read more: The most beautiful towns and villages to explore in the UK
30. Museum Dedicated to Robert Burns' Birthplace
Ayr
If a journey to Stratford-upon-Avon to explore Shakespeare’s origins doesn’t satisfy your curiosity about great bards’ homelands, consider heading to Alloway, Ayr, when you’re in Scotland. This seaside village is home to the humble cottage where Scotland's renowned national poet and famous lyricist, Robert Burns, was born and raised. Regardless of whether you're a devoted admirer of Burns or simply intrigued by Scottish music and folklore, a dedicated museum here offers an extensive collection featuring manuscripts, the writer's personal writing desk, and even locks of his hair. These exhibits delve into the rich tapestry of Scottish literature and its global influence.
Price: Adults £12, children £7
Kid-friendly: Museum hunts, children's events
Read more: What are the seven wonders of the contemporary world? And how can one go about visiting these locations on the updated list?
Whether it’s from news to politics, travel to sports, culture to climate—The Independent offers a variety of free newsletters tailored to your preferences. To get the stories you love delivered right to your inbox, simply click. here .