London’s curtsy to their Royals, in the form of exhibits and museums, is dizzying.
Given the palaces and houses and museums dedicated to the UK’s Royal Family, it’s difficult to narrow down which to see and where to start, because, let’s face it, time is precious and generally limited.
Look around. Signs of the nation’s monarchs on display everywhere in London. Shoot, standing in front of Buckingham Palace you’ll see cyphers, statues and plaques before you even reach the doors. Not all the places listed below are only about the Royals (for instance, the Bank of England Museum), however, their Royal Highnesses’ presence can be felt.
A Travel Guide with London Museums
Texans Touring LONDON is a travel guide, planner and bullet journal designed by a Texan, for Texans, and is the inspo for this blog series.
Exploring museums is only a fine pencil mark covered in this handy purse-sized tome.
Other practical topics covered are getting around to museums, finding accommodations near museums and British lingo that might bright meaning into focus while touring museums. And it’s available now when you click here!
London Museums: Prepare to be Amazed Series
Broken down by general specialty, such as London Royal Museums, the Prepare to be Amazed series includes more than 20 London museums grouped with like collections that are super for Texans who are touring the town.
Many of the UK’s national museums charge no admission fee.
For each location mentioned in this post, you’ll find a link to the museum, street address, a description of the museum, days of the week they’re open, amenities such a gift shop or café and entry fees.
Wondering the criteria for making this list? Awesomeness and immersiveness of the experience. As well as location, collections, amenities and surroundings.
Use the provided links to get more details like hours and directions.
London Museums that curtsy to the UK’s Royal Family
Buckingham Palace
[ rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace ]
Buckingham Gate, London SW1A 1AA
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the United Kingdom’s monarch. Tours of the State Rooms (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the summer, plan accordingly), the White Room and 90 minute tours are offered seasonally.
The Garden Cafe and Shop are open during the summer; the Buckingham Palace Road Gift Shop is located outside the Palace wall (nearby) is open daily.
Tickets: According to the website, “Prebooking tickets is essential.” Exclusive Winter and Spring tours £90.00 per person. Summer entry £30.00 in advance for adults, £19.50 for young person (18 to 24 years old), £16.50 for children 5 to 17, free for children under 5.
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*psst* Should timing or finances not work out to visit Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussauds London has a new Royal Palace experience.
Madame Tussauds’ the Royal Palace Experience
Madame Tussauds London is putting on the dog for King Charles’ coronation by refreshing their displays of the monarch and the Queen Consort, as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales, in the Throne Room. Pose for photos, like this cutie, at the afternoon tea table in the Royal Drawing Room.
Additionally, there are zones for Music, Award Party featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and the Beckhams, Marvel Hall of Heroes, Star Wars, Culture, Sport and Film (see all six James Bonds).
The Royal Observatory
[ rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory ]
Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ
The Royal Observatory, located on the southbank of the River Thames, is in Greenwich. One of four Royal Museums Greenwich, the Royal Observatory is located on the site of the Prime Meridian and is home to a planetarium and a collection of time keeping tools.
The Astronomy Café and Terrace is open weekends to Planetarium ticket holders, the Parkside Café is located just down the hill at the National Maritime Museum on the grounds of the Royal Museums Greenwich. The Royal Observatory has a gift shop.
Open daily.
Tickets: £18.00 per adult, £9.00 for children. Planetarium tickets are booked separate.
Note: Admission is free to two of the Royal Museums Greenwich: the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House.
MILITARY
Imperial War Museum
[ iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london ]
Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ
Visit the world’s leading museum on war and conflict.
Founded while the First World War was still raging, it gives voice to the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people forced to live their lives in a world torn apart by conflict.
Gift shop and café.
Open daily.
Free admission.
HISTORY
The British Museum
[ britishmuseum.org ]
Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
If you must choose one museum while in London, especially if you have others with you, the British Museum is your safest pick. Walk through Egyptian, Greek and Roman times, in a beautiful building.
Gift shop and the cafe in the rotunda are fab.
Open daily.
Free admission.
COMMERCE
The Bank of England Museum
[ bankofengland.co.uk/museum ]
Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH
A place to learn about money, the economy and the Bank of England. Quite possibly their largest draw might be taking a #GoldVaultSelfie in the “gold corridor”.
A small gift shop.
Open 10:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday (later on the third Thursday of the month). Closed on bank holidays.
Free admission.
Have a blast perusing collections, eating at themed restaurants, shopping in lovely gift shops and expanding what you know.
If you have a favorite London art museum I forgot to mention, please share it in the comments.
Cheerio, y’all!
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