London is home to a multitude of incredible museums and galleries. This makes it tricky to find the right one for a perfect family day out with the kids or friends.
Catering to a wide range of interests and age groups, the Natural History Museum has become a beloved institution in the heart of the city.
In 2023, the Natural History Museum was the UK's most visited indoor attraction for a second year in a row. Over 4.5 million people visited in that year alone. Visitors travel from across the country to see iconic installations such as the famous Blue Whale and Dinosaur Gallery.
Avanti West Coast makes it easy to enjoy the sights with routes from popular cities and destinations across the UK. Whether you're starting your day in the midlands, up north, or even in Scotland, we've got you covered.
Get ready to explore the world of natural history with Avanti West Coast. Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know before you visit, including how to get to the Natural History Museum and the nearest tube stations, to make your trip even easier.
Planning your trip to the Natural History Museum
There is plenty to love about the Natural History Museum. The building itself is a work of art, with stunning Victorian architecture and a grand entrance hall.
Dedicated to the exploration of the natural world, it is home to a vast collection of fossils and animal specimens. Each exhibition explores fascinating truths about the Earth’s history, evolution and biodiversity.
Here are a few standout collections worth checking out:
- The Dinosaur Gallery: Step back in time with this interactive fan favourite. View an impressive collection of fossils, Triceratops skulls, and a towering robotic Tyrannosaurus Rex.
- Human evolution: The museum showcases the development of early humans and our ancestors.
- Volcanoes and Earthquakes gallery: Watch incredible film footage, and experience the interactive game and the earthquake simulator.
Make sure to keep an eye out for exciting and exclusive exhibitions that take place. Some of the museum’s popular events include:
- The Wildlife Photographer of the Year: This annual photography competition features award-winning shots of the natural world. Running until the 30th of June 2024, you don’t want to miss a chance to enjoy stunning photographs of creatures in their natural habitat. Tickets start from £15.50, or if you’re a member, enjoy this event for free.
- Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur: Enjoy this interactive exhibition that showcases the life of the impressive Titanosaur. Marvel at colossal fossils and view a collection of beautiful illustrations.
This event provides a fascinating insight into this spectacular creature with tickets from £16 or free entry as a member. This exhibition runs until 14th January 2024.
Plus, there’s loads more fun to be had here. From yoga classes to silent discos and even dinosaur-themed sleepovers, you can enjoy a diverse range of exciting events at the Natural History Museum.
The museum is open daily between 10am and 5:50pm, but be aware that the last entry is at 5:30pm. Though general admission is free, visitors are required to book a ticket in advance.
How to get to the Natural History Museum by train
London’s traffic, congestion zone, and limited parking options make it more than challenging to visit the museum by car.
However, a train journey to the Natural History Museum could not be simpler. This is especially true considering that the closest tube station is less than a five-minute walk.
Avanti West Coast covers a wide range of destinations with trains to London at affordable prices and with speedy schedules. Those who aren’t based in the UK’s capital city can still enjoy the best sights.
Visit the Natural History Museum from Manchester
London's Natural History Museum is within easy reach from Manchester Picadilly. In two hours, you can step foot in the bustling city of London via Euston.
With trains running every 20 minutes between 5:05 am and 11:00 pm, you can enjoy a full day at the Natural History Museum at your own pace.
From London Euston, it will take 20 minutes to reach the museum using the tube. Take the Victoria line to Victoria, then change to the District line, getting off at South Kensington.
If you feel like taking a more scenic route, walk to Russell Square and take the number 14 bus. It terminates at South Kensington, for a total of an hour-long journey. It’s long, but you’ll get to see Piccadilly Cirus and other parts of Central London along the way.
Visit the Natural History Museum from Birmingham
Avanti West Coast's convenient train service can get you from Birmingham to the museum with ease.
In a swift one hour and 20 minutes, you can go from Birmingham New Street to the heart of London Euston. From there, as before, it’s 20 minutes by tube or an hour by bus.
With train services running twice an hour from 5:30am to 11:30pm, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the sights of the Natural History Museum.
Visit the Natural History Museum from Edinburgh
In four and a half hours, you can reach London Kings Cross from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Services run almost hourly between 6:52 am and 4:00 pm, and while the distance may be significant, the experience is worth every mile.
From Kings Cross St. Pancras, take the Piccadilly underground line nine stops to South Kensington and in under 20 minutes, you’ll be at the Natural History Museum. Or, you can take bus number 14 from Russell Square, and be there in an hour.
The nearest tube to the Natural History Museum
Once you’ve made it to London via train, you’ll want to find your way to the Natural History Museum quickly. The quickest way is via London’s Underground system.
The Natural History Museum is very well connected. There are two main stations nearby, which means you have the option of several tube lines once you’re off your train.
Here are the closest stations to the Natural History Museum and how to get to them:
South Kensington
The nearest tube station to the Natural History Museum is South Kensington. This station services the Piccadilly, District, and Circle underground lines.
The museum is a five-minute walk from South Kensington Station to the main entrance on Cromwell Road. It offers a fast connection to most London transport hubs:
- From Euston, take the Victoria line two stops to Victoria and switch to the Circle or District line to reach the museum in less than 20 minutes.
- From Kings Cross, take the Piccadilly line nine stops to South Kensington, which takes 15 minutes.
- From Paddington, take the Circle line nine stops to South Kensington, which only takes 10 minutes.
Gloucester Road
The second nearest tube station to the Natural History Museum is Gloucester Road, which is around a 12-minute walk. This station services the Piccadilly, District and Circle underground lines.
- From Euston, take the Victoria line two stops to Victoria and switch to the Circle or District line to reach the museum in around 25 minutes.
- From Kings Cross, take the Piccadilly line 10 stops to South Kensington, which takes 17 minutes.
- From Paddington, take the Circle line eight stops to South Kensington, which only takes 10 minutes.
Visiting the Natural History Museum by train with Avanti
As you can see, planning your trip to the Natural History Museum by train couldn’t be easier. And the visit is well worth your time, with plenty to see and do once you get there.
There’s even a Natural History Museum New Year's Eve celebration party, with 2023’s theme being the four elements.
Booking train tickets in advance could help you save on fares, so you can have more money to spend in the gift shop. For even more savings, check your eligibility for a Railcard and gain access to family and friends discounts.
There are plenty of ways to make your journey as affordable and stress-free as possible. Install the Avanti West Coast app and make the most of the Track My Train and Seat Picker tools. Ready for your next railway adventure? Let Avanti West Coast take you there.
