Science Museum

Science Museum is a hands-on gateway to the inventions, machines and ideas that changed everyday life. Its South Kensington galleries reward curiosity: choose the subjects that make someone in your group ask questions, rather than treating the building as a collection to finish.

Allow around two to four hours for a focused visit, using the museum map to pick a manageable set of galleries and a break. The entrance is on Exhibition Road; book the correct London museum, since the wider museum group has other sites around Britain.

General admission is free but requires a free ticket. Some interactive experiences, films and temporary exhibitions have separate charges and time slots, so check the inclusions before promising a particular activity to children. Reserve those extras individually and leave room between bookings to move through the building.