20 Best Museums in the UK

Discover the cultural gems scattered across the United Kingdom as we unveil the absolute best museums that promise an enriching experience. This blog post is about 20 best museums in the UK.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a curious mind seeking knowledge, our curated list ensures you make the most of your cultural explorations.

Table of Contents

What are the best museums in the UK?

Here is a list of the best museums in the UK:

Natural History Museum, London, England
St Fagan’s National Museum of History, Cardiff, Wales
Tate Modern, London, England
International Slavery Museum, Liverpool, England
Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, England
V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum), London, England
The National Railway Museum, York, England
The Museum of Making, Derby, England
Coffin Works Museum, Birmingham, England
Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon, Wales
We The Curious
Writers’ Museum
Jorvik Viking Centre
Titanic Belfast
Science Museum
The Ashmolean Museum
London’s National Gallery
The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Glasgow’s Burrell Collection
The British Museum

1. Natural History Museum, London, England

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Situated in the heart of London, the Natural History Museum is more than just a repository of gigantic skeletons. It stands as a living museum of thought and curiosity, where research intertwines with awe-inspiring exhibits. Don’t miss the chance to snap a picture with Dippy the Diplodocus, London’s most beloved dinosaur.

2. St Fagan’s National Museum of History, Cardiff, Wales

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In Cardiff, Wales, St Fagan’s National Museum of History offers a unique open-air experience. Immerse yourself in over 40 buildings showcasing the rich history of the Welsh people. The grace of St Fagan’s Castle gardens adds to the allure, making it a destination worth every yard.

3. Tate Modern, London, England

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The Tate Modern in London stands as one of the planet’s most iconic art galleries. Since its inception in 2000, it has ushered in a new era in British culture. Housing an extensive collection of masterpieces, this gallery is a testament to the enduring legacy of art through the ages.

4. International Slavery Museum, Liverpool, England

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Liverpool’s International Slavery Museum, part of the Maritime Museum, fearlessly delves into the history and legacy of the Transatlantic slave trade.

Situated in one of Britain’s largest ports, this museum courageously confronts the impact of slavery on the city, offering a poignant and necessary experience.

5. Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, England

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History comes alive at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley. Spanning 26 acres, this open-air museum provides a vivid glimpse into ordinary life centuries ago. Peaky Blinders fans will find joy here, as much of the beloved show was filmed in this historical haven.

6. V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum), London, England

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Queen Victoria’s grand contribution, the V&A, boasts 150 galleries across seven floors. From paintings to ceramics, textiles to glass, this museum is a treasure trove of iconic pieces. The V&A continues to dazzle with spectacular temporary exhibitions that add a contemporary flair to its rich history.

7. The National Railway Museum, York, England

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For lovers of all things trains, the National Railway Museum in York is a dream come true. Unmatched in its collection of railway paraphernalia, including the only bullet train outside of Japan, this museum tells the captivating story of how trains shaped the modern world.

8. The Museum of Making, Derby, England

Photo Credit: Museums-Association

Journey to Derby and fall in love with the magnificent Museum of Making. Housed in an old silk mill, this museum is a dedication to the history and innovation of the East Midlands. From the world’s smallest engine using human hair to a suspended seven-tonne Rolls Royce engine, the exhibits are nothing short of extraordinary.

9. Coffin Works Museum, Birmingham, England

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In Birmingham’s famed Jewellery Quarter, the Coffin Works Museum is a unique cultural spot. While it may seem morbid, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of coffin-making for luminaries such as Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother.

10. Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon, Wales

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Explore the rise and fall of Welsh coal at the Big Pit National Coal Museum. As a former colliery turned labyrinthine museum, it provides an immersive experience of the logistics of coal extraction and the challenging life of a miner.

We The Curious, Bristol, England

Bristol’s We The Curious embodies the city’s spirit of pushing the envelope. With interactive exhibitions for all ages, this museum explores everything from the outer universe to the intricacies of the human brain.

Dive into a captivating journey that spans from Wallace & Gromit to the very food we consume.

12. The Writers’ Museum, Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh’s Writers’ Museum pays homage to Scotland’s literary giants, including Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Sir Walter Scott.

The museum, accessed via Makar’s Court, is adorned with famous quotes, providing a literary haven for enthusiasts and a celebration of Scotland’s profound contribution to the world of literature.

13. Jorvik Viking Centre, York, England

Jorvik Viking Centre in York is a captivating exploration of the city’s rich Viking history. From workshops on costumes and storytelling to ancient weaponry and genuine artifacts, this museum transports visitors to the late ninth and early tenth centuries, allowing them to witness the awe-inspiring legacy of the Vikings.

14. Titanic Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Situated next to the shipyard where the Titanic was built, Titanic Belfast stands as the ultimate destination for all things Titanic. Interactive galleries, reconstructions, and a deep dive into the history of the iconic vessel make this museum an unparalleled experience. Discover new facets of the Titanic story in its spiritual home.

15. Science Museum, London, England

London’s Science Museum is a haven for science lovers, featuring seven floors of educational and engaging exhibits. From contemporary science and technology to medical history and space exploration, this museum offers a comprehensive exploration of the marvels of science. Don’t miss the oldest display of clocks and watches, a historical journey through time.

16. Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, England

The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, often considered a sibling to the British Museum, is a treasure trove of art and archaeology. Home to King Alfred’s jewelry and even a tiny camel used to ward off evil spirits, this museum offers a unique collection that transcends conventional expectations. The third-floor art gallery is the cherry on top of this cultural cake.

17. National Gallery, London, England

London’s National Gallery, evolving from its humble opening in 1824, now houses over 2,300 works of art. From medieval classics to French Impressionists, the gallery rewards those willing to delve deeper. Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ may attract crowds, but the true beauty lies in the diversity of artistic expression found within these hallowed halls.

18. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth, England

The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard invites you to immerse yourself in the majesty of shipbuilding and naval exploration. Showcasing impressive vessels and telling the story of the Navy from its origins to the present day, this museum offers a compelling glimpse into Britain’s maritime legacy.

19. The Burrell Collection, Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow’s Burrell Collection, comprising over 8,000 works of art, stands as one of Scotland’s finest cultural institutions. As the personal collection of Sir William Burrell, an art connoisseur of unparalleled taste, the gallery boasts a stunning array of masterpieces that span centuries and continents.

20. British Museum, London, England

The British Museum, the first national museum open to the public, houses treasures and artifacts that have shaped our understanding of the world.

While the legitimacy of its exhibits may be debated, the museum offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness legendary pieces that have defined human history.

Embark on a cultural odyssey through the best museums in the UK, each offering a unique tapestry of history, art, and innovation.

Whether you’re captivated by the wonders of science or immersed in the world of ancient civilizations, these museums promise an enriching experience that transcends time and place.