Top 5 Natural History Museums in England

Heddon Valley Near, Barnstaple EX31 4PY, United Kingdom

“Access to this place is via some fairly narrow lanes. Definitely follow the National Trust signs and not the sat nav as you get closer. I Started the walk at the National Trust car park. Free for members, £5 or something otherwise. You can pick up the trail through the picnic area next to the pub or cross the bridge and take the path along the river from that side. You then just follow the river down to the sea. There are various small bridges to take alternative routes. The tree line obscures the river at various points until you reach closer to the sea. I found it easier to access the beach via the path on the left of the river as you walk towards the sea. There is a small old kiln at the river mouth to briefly explore. I walked back to the car via the opposite river bank. Along this way you can see a few more bridges and some small streams flowing down into the river. I also saw a large stag grazing near the picnic area. An excellent walk despite the gloomy weather. It was late afternoon when I arrived at the car park so I did not have much time to spend here. It took around 1 hour to reach the sea and back. The car park was not locked when I finally left about 5-6pm.”

Rockefeller Building, 21 University St, London WC1E 6DE, United Kingdom

“Stunning place! Loved every single corner of it. Easy to visit and walk around, in half an hour you have time to appreciate the beauty is kept there. Worth a visit, it's sure to impress!”

Soane St, Ipswich IP4 2BE, United Kingdom

“Lovely animal exhibition, some nice Consrables including one I'd never seen before. Lots of other things to see, rooms set out as they would have been, China, silver from the Unitarian church etc set in a beautiful building and park and free”

Lumber Lane, Cranborne BH21 5AE, United Kingdom

“It’s local to us. It’s always beautiful there. It’s also a known spot for seeing the northern lights. With the right conditions.”

Coombe St, Lyme Regis DT7 3PY, United Kingdom

“What an incredible place. A proper old fashioned independent museum hidden off the main drag in Lyme Regis. Worth a visit with children of any age. The labour of love and ongoing project of Steve and Jenny Davies, this absolute treasure trove gives you history, palaeontology, zoology, natural history and dinosaurs aplenty. The most amazing collection of fossils from nearby and all over the world. The owner is full of information and passion and can answer any question you have with fascinating stories. Go visit and support this fantastic museum.”

University Of, Downing Pl, Cambridge CB2 3EQ, United Kingdom

“We love this place, took our 20 month old daughter for the 2nd time in less than a year and she didn't want to leave. Great collections and super friendly staff - definitely recommend it.”

Malton Ln, York YO60 7JS, United Kingdom

“This priory in North Yorkshire is the ruins of a community of Augustinian priors , the scenery is stunning and the priory is in a quite location.the priory is full of history and is a lovely day out for young and old ,it has only a small shop and a vending machine if you need a coffee . There is a toilet . Well worth a look.”

194 Dyke Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 5AA, United Kingdom

“Very good and deceptively large. It’s a relatively small collection but I could have easily spent all day in there because of how many specimens there are neatly packed together. The taxidermy and skeletons are all impressive and well put-together and everything felt very tidy and well up to date. There are plenty of spots to sit, including a cozy Victorian study. Definitely a must, especially if you’re interested in birds and taxidermy.”

10 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH, United Kingdom

“I went to the section of the park closest to Victoria railway station. I was waiting to collect my mum from the coach station, and had an hour to spare, so I sat down under a tree and used my magical powers to summon a flock of pigeons. I recommend this park for its pigeons. They are very friendly and polite, and knew it was naughty to climb up on my legs, so they didn't. Very good representatives.”

Quarry, Threlkeld, Keswick CA12 4TT, United Kingdom

“You don't need to have an interest in quarrying or machines to enjoy. The scale and array of the equipment is fascinating and if you wish there is lots to read in the museum. The train ride is a treat, made all the more so by the team member who welcomed us on board.”

Hampstead Norreys, Thatcham RG18 0TN, United Kingdom

“A lovely experience. I took a group of year 7 students and they loved it. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the tour guide- Lucy- was knowledgeable and kind. The areas we used were well kept and the animals were clean and well looked after. The cafe had a nice selection of food and drink. We will return!”

42 The Mall, London SW1A 2BJ, United Kingdom

“The Diana,Princess of Wales Memorial Walk is a 7 mile long circular walking trail in London dedicated to the memory of Diana, (Princess of everyone’s heart)”

Kimmeridge, Wareham BH20 5PE, United Kingdom

“Clavell tower is the most obvious landmark on the Jurassic coastline above the hidden gem that is Kimmeridge Bay. The Dorset village of Kimmeridge is a magical place, home to the wonderful Etches Collection fossil museum and excellent Clavells Restaurant”