Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Location: Glasgow
Ranked among the most-visited museums in the UK, second only to London’s cultural powerhouses, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has earned its reputation as a cherished institution. The museum boasts an astonishing range of collections, featuring everything from Impressionist masterpieces to intricate 17th-century suits of armor. Notable highlights include The Wassail, a captivating painting by local Glasgow artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh; an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus dating back to 656-640 BC; and the museum’s beloved resident, Sir Roger, a massive stuffed Asian elephant who has been captivating visitors for over a century.
Young V&A
Location: London
Recently transformed from the Museum of Childhood, the Young V&A reopened its doors in 2023 following an extensive redevelopment project and was honored with the prestigious Museum of the Year award. The museum is organized into three primary galleries: Imagine, a sensory paradise filled with vibrant, tactile materials designed for the youngest visitors; Play, showcasing iconic artifacts such as the original Superman costume and a cherished dolls’ house collection; and Design, featuring a mini factory and a range of engaging activities tailored for 11- to 14-year-olds. While the focus is on children, adults will find plenty to enjoy as well.
National Waterfront Museum
Location: Swansea
The National Waterfront Museum offers an immersive exploration of Welsh industry and innovation, spread across 15 themed galleries. Visitors can journey through 300 years of history, witnessing how Wales emerged as a leader in industrial technology, shaping communities and influencing modern life. Exhibits include coal wagons, tinplate mills, and a free temporary exhibition celebrating 200 years of the RNLI, running until June. Interactive stations throughout the museum invite visitors to engage with the past in meaningful ways.
Ulster Museum
Location: Belfast
The Ulster Museum is a treasure trove of knowledge, covering diverse subjects such as art, history, and natural sciences. This extensive collection captivates visitors of all ages, with highlights including works by Belfast painter Sir John Lavery and the ongoing exhibition The Troubles and Beyond, which delves into the politics and human experiences surrounding the conflict. Nestled in the picturesque Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum provides a delightful day out for families.
National Museum of Scotland
Location: Edinburgh
The National Museum of Scotland is home to an astonishing array of natural history exhibits, including a gigantic whale skull and a life-sized Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. Also on display is Dolly the Sheep, the world’s first cloned mammal, created in Edinburgh in 1996. This museum also houses an impressive collection of art, fashion, and design, featuring pieces from renowned artists like Vivienne Westwood and Picasso, all within an architecturally stunning building.
St Fagans
Location: Cardiff
St Fagans National Museum of History is a remarkable open-air museum dedicated to Welsh heritage. It features over 40 original buildings that have been meticulously relocated from various parts of Wales, including a tannery, a village schoolhouse, and a nonconformist church. Visitors can step back in time and experience life as it once was. Set against the backdrop of St Fagans Castle, a Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house surrounded by beautiful woodland trails, this museum was once voted the UK’s favorite visitor attraction by Which? magazine.
Royal Armouries Museum
Location: Leeds
The Royal Armouries Museum boasts an extensive collection that forms a significant part of the UK’s national collection of arms and armor. With over 70,000 objects spread across five galleries, it’s a must-visit for anyone with an interest in military history or families fascinated by tales of valor. Notable exhibits include samurai swords, Henry VIII’s armors, and famous film props. The Hall of Steel features a captivating staircase adorned with 2,500 objects displayed as they would have been in the Tower of London during the 17th century.
Discovery Museum
Location: Newcastle
Upon entering the Discovery Museum, visitors are greeted by Turbinia, a 34-meter steam-powered ship once hailed as the fastest in the world. The museum delves into the rich maritime history of the region and showcases advancements in science and technology, highlighted by a new exhibition titled From Steam to Green, which explores the North East’s transition to sustainable energy sources.
Natural History Museum
Location: London
The Natural History Museum is a world-class institution that could easily occupy a visitor for years with its vast collections. Divided into four distinct zones—geology, birds and fossils, human biology and evolution, and nature and wildlife—it houses awe-inspiring exhibits, including the iconic blue whale skeleton that greets visitors upon entry. Don’t miss the earthquake room and the dinosaur gallery, which are perennial favorites among guests.
Nottingham Contemporary
Location: Nottingham
Nottingham Contemporary is celebrated for its dynamic exhibitions featuring international artists. As one of the largest contemporary art galleries in the UK, the venue is located in a stylish, architecturally significant sunken building. Artists such as David Hockney and Allison Katz have showcased their work here. In addition to art displays, the gallery hosts a variety of talks, screenings, performances, and family-oriented activities.
Fitzwilliam Museum
Location: Cambridge
Home to over half a million artifacts, the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge offers a breathtaking array of exhibits. Visitors can marvel at Renaissance sculptures, ancient Egyptian coffins, rare coins, and stunning paintings from masters like Monet, Picasso, Rubens, Rembrandt, Cezanne, and Van Dyck. Founded in 1816, its spacious, airy rooms provide an ideal setting for a leisurely exploration of art and history.
Lapworth Museum of Geology
Location: Birmingham
The Lapworth Museum of Geology is one of the UK’s oldest geological museums, showcasing 3.5 billion years of natural history. Founded in 1880 by Charles Lapworth, it features a wide range of exhibits, including dinosaurs, volcanoes, fossils, and minerals. Located in a stunning Edwardian Grade II listed building, the museum houses around 250,000 objects that illuminate the earth’s history and evolution.
Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum
Location: Hampshire
Adjacent to Farnborough airfield, the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum is a family-friendly venue dedicated to aviation. It features real and model airplanes, engines, satellites, wind tunnels, and simulators. The museum also boasts a comprehensive archive of photographs and artifacts chronicling the history of air travel, making it a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts.
Tate Modern
Location: London
The Tate Modern stands out among London’s art galleries, offering an exceptional collection of modern art from the 20th century onwards. Housed in a repurposed power station, it features works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, and Roy Lichtenstein, all contributing to a vibrant and colorful atmosphere. While the museum frequently hosts ticketed exhibitions, its permanent collection is a fantastic free attraction for art lovers.
Ashmolean Museum
Location: Oxford
Dating back to 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is a prestigious institution dedicated to art and archaeology. Its thoughtfully curated collection spans Eastern and Western civilizations from the Neolithic era to contemporary times. Highlights include the world’s finest collection of Raphael drawings, remarkable Anglo-Saxon treasures, and an outstanding display of modern Chinese painting. This reputation solidifies the Ashmolean as one of the top galleries outside London.
People’s History Museum
Location: Manchester
The People’s History Museum chronicles the evolution of democracy in Britain, serving as a national center for the collection and study of workers’ rights over the past two centuries. The museum is housed within a Grade II listed former hydraulic pumping station, reflecting Manchester’s industrial heritage. Its extensive exhibits encompass everything from the women’s suffrage movement to 19th-century trade unionism, featuring one of the largest collections of political movement materials in the country.
The Box
Location: Plymouth
Since its opening in 2020, The Box has quickly become a cultural hotspot, attracting nearly a million visitors. Current exhibitions include Planet Ocean, which explores humanity’s connection to the sea, and Carnivalesque, a major retrospective showcasing the work of Caribbean British artist and poet John Lyons. Permanent displays delve into Plymouth’s rich naval history, while family-friendly activities and workshops make it a vibrant destination for all.
Hastings Museum and Art Gallery
Location: East Sussex
The Hastings Museum and Art Gallery is a compact yet impressive venue featuring a diverse collection of nearly 100,000 artifacts. Housed in a beautifully red-bricked building originally constructed as a private residence, the museum showcases an array of paintings, archaeological finds, fine art, and textiles. Noteworthy exhibits include a wildlife gallery, a dinosaur gallery, and a tribute to Hastings-born conservationist Archibald Belaney, known as Grey Owl.
National Science and Media Museum
Location: Bradford
The National Science and Media Museum offers a fun and engaging exploration of the science behind photography, animation, film, television, and video games. Its interactive exhibits keep children entertained while enlightening adults. The renowned Wonderlab gallery invites visitors to discover light, sound, and perception, while the pioneering Imax cinema, the first in Europe, showcases breathtaking films. With Bradford named the UK’s City of Culture, there has never been a better time to explore this fascinating museum.
World Museum
Location: Liverpool
The World Museum is an exciting destination for families, featuring a planetarium, a bug house, and an aquarium that mesmerizes children. Its World Cultures gallery is home to 1,600 artifacts from around the globe, including exquisite Chinese ceramics and treasures from the Americas. As Liverpool’s largest and oldest museum, it offers a wealth of displays and a rich program of hands-on activities, family-friendly tours, and engaging workshops.
National Railway Museum
Location: York
The National Railway Museum is dedicated to the rich history of rail transport and its societal impact over the past three centuries. It proudly holds the national collection of historically significant railway vehicles, featuring over 100 locomotives, including the only bullet train outside Japan. With virtual-reality experiences and a year of celebration marking its 50th anniversary alongside the 200-year milestone of the modern railway in 2025, now is the perfect time to visit this iconic museum.
