London: Guided Tour of the Natural History Museum

Discover the London: Guided Tour of the Natural History Museum, a 2-hour experience that offers a close look at some of the museum’s most iconic displays. Priced at $40.41 per person, this tour is organized by Golden Tours – Gray Line London and provides a detailed exploration of the museum’s fascinating collections. While the overall rating is 2.8 out of 5 based on 24 reviews, the highlights like the dinosaur skeletons, blue whale, and geological exhibits make this tour worth considering for visitors eager to understand the natural world.

This guided experience begins at the main entrance of the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, where a large bronze dinosaur skeleton marks the starting point. The tour offers a structured route through key galleries, making it ideal for those who want a curated overview of the museum’s extensive collection. The tour guide leads visitors through exhibits such as the Dinosaur Gallery, Mammals Gallery, Marine Life Section, and the Earth Sciences Gallery. It concludes back at the starting point, allowing ample time to explore the gift shop or café afterward.

While the tour has some limitations — specifically, its average rating of 2.8 — visitors can still enjoy a well-organized visit with live English-speaking guides and wheelchair accessibility. The group size remains manageable, and the tour is suitable for all ages, with comfortable shoes recommended for the walk around the museum. It offers a flexible booking option, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Key Points

• Includes a guided tour of London’s Natural History Museum with an expert guide.
• Highlights include dinosaur skeletons, a blue whale skeleton, and geological collections.
• Tour duration is 2 hours, with start times available based on availability.
• Price is $40.41 per person, offering a structured way to explore the museum’s top exhibits.
• Accessible for wheelchair users and requires comfortable shoes.
• Tour departs from the main entrance at the South Kensington location, marked by a dinosaur statue.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at the Museum’s Main Entrance in South Kensington

The tour begins at the main entrance of the Natural History Museum, where visitors are greeted by the sight of a large bronze dinosaur skeleton in the Evolution Garden. The guide stands opposite this landmark, holding a blue and white Golden Tours umbrella. Arriving at least 15 minutes early is recommended to settle in before the group departs.

This meeting point is easy to find, with clear signage, and the museum’s grand architecture makes for a memorable start. The entrance leads into the grand hall, decorated with terracotta arches, columns, and playful terracotta monkey sculptures that hint at the museum’s artistic detail. The initial setup sets the tone for an engaging few hours of discovery.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making it convenient to explore more independently after the guided experience or to grab a snack at the museum’s café. The location’s accessibility ensures that visitors with mobility needs can participate comfortably.

Exploring the Dinosaur Gallery and the Iconic Diplodocus

A key highlight of this tour is the Dinosaur Gallery, where prehistoric skeletons capture the imagination. Visitors get close to fossilized remains and real skeletons, with the Diplodocus skeleton being a standout feature. Its impressive length and preservation make it an ideal photo opportunity.

The guide provides insights into the history of these fossils and explains their significance in understanding prehistoric life. The Dinosaur Gallery is often busy but well-organized, enabling visitors to appreciate the scale and grandeur of these ancient creatures. This exhibit alone makes the tour worthwhile for dinosaur enthusiasts.

While the group size remains manageable, crowds can slow down the viewing, especially during peak times. The experience is suited for all ages, with the guide making the details accessible for children and adults alike.

Discovering the Mammals Collection and the African Elephants

Advancing through the tour, visitors explore the Mammals Gallery, home to a diverse array of taxidermy specimens and skeletons. This section showcases animals like African elephants, cheetahs, and other mammals, illustrating the diversity of life on Earth.

The guide helps interpret how these specimens were collected and their role in studying animal behavior and evolution. The Mammals Gallery offers a chance to see both taxidermy art and skeletons, with plenty of educational plaques. This gallery provides a more recent chapter in evolution, contrasting with the ancient fossils seen earlier.

This part of the tour emphasizes both the biological diversity and the artistic skill involved in taxidermy, offering a different perspective on natural history.

The Marine Life Section and the Blue Whale Skeleton

One of the most striking exhibits is the Marine Life Section, where a blue whale skeleton is suspended from the ceiling. Its size and intricate bones immediately draw attention, offering a sense of the vastness of ocean life.

The guide describes the whale’s anatomy and discusses marine biodiversity, making the exhibit both visually impressive and educational. Visitors can walk underneath the whale skeleton, gaining an immersive experience.

This exhibit stands out as an impressive feat of display and provides a tangible connection to marine ecosystems. It’s a favorite among visitors for its scale and visual impact.

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The Human Evolution Gallery and Fossil Discoveries

Next, the Human Evolution Gallery presents a collection of fossils and models depicting the development of humans over millions of years. The guide explains how fossils relate to key stages in evolution and the diversity of human ancestors.

Seeing fossilized remains up close offers a powerful reminder of our own biological history. The gallery aims to convey how humans share ancestors with other primates, and it includes lifelike models to aid understanding.

This section adds a personal dimension to the exhibit, connecting visitors to the story of human origins in a tangible way.

Geological Wonders in the Earth Sciences Gallery

The Earth Sciences Gallery showcases geological specimens, including gemstones, volcanic rocks, and minerals. Visitors observe the processes that shaped the planet, such as volcanic activity and plate tectonics.

The guide discusses the significance of these geological features and how they relate to climate changes and geological history. Exhibits like volcano models and rock samples are both educational and visually intriguing.

This gallery complements the biological exhibits by illustrating the physical forces that have influenced life on Earth.

The Museum’s Architecture and Hidden Details

As the tour concludes, travelers have the opportunity to admire the museum’s architecture, with its terracotta arches, intricate carvings, and ornate walls. The design reflects both extinct and living species, tying into the museum’s overall narrative.

The building itself is a showcase of Victorian Gothic architecture, with details that invite closer inspection. After the guided tour, visitors often explore the gift shop and café, which offer souvenirs and refreshments.

The museum’s architecture enhances the experience, making it more than just a collection of exhibits.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Natural History Museum

This tour is organized by Golden Tours and offers a flexible booking option, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The meeting point is clearly marked, and the tour departs in the South Kensington area, a central location in London.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility needs. Since the tour lasts 2 hours, wearing comfortable shoes is advised, as there will be walking and standing throughout.

It is not the official museum tour, but it provides a structured and informative overview that complements self-guided visits. Arriving early helps ensure a smooth start, especially during busy periods.

The Bottom Line for the Natural History Museum Guided Tour

This guided tour offers a structured, engaging way to explore London’s Natural History Museum, especially for those who appreciate curated insights and highlighted exhibits. While the overall rating is moderate (2.8), its strengths include the guide’s explanations, well-chosen stops, and the visual impact of exhibits like the blue whale and dinosaur skeletons.

The price of $40.41 provides access to a rundown of the museum’s key collections in just two hours, making it a practical choice for visitors with limited time. The tour’s accessible, flexible booking options and location in South Kensington add to its convenience.

However, visitors should be aware that the ratings suggest some inconsistency in the experience. For those wanting a deeper dive or visiting during busy times, a self-guided tour or another provider might be worth exploring.

This tour is a solid introduction to London’s Natural History Museum, best suited for those new to the museum or seeking a guided overview to maximize their visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the guided tour?
The tour costs $40.41 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the main entrance of the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, marked by a dinosaur statue.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to reserve your spot in advance, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

What are some highlights of the tour?
Highlights include the Dinosaur Gallery, blue whale skeleton, Marine Life Section, and Human Evolution Gallery.

Can I explore the museum after the tour?
Yes, the tour ends back at the initial meeting point, allowing additional time for independent exploration.

Are children welcome on this tour?
While not explicitly stated, the family-friendly exhibits suggest it is suitable for visitors of all ages.

Is there a guide available in languages other than English?
The tour is conducted in English only.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended due to walking around the museum.

How do I find the meeting point?
Look for the large bronze dinosaur in the Evolution Garden, and the guide will be holding a blue and white umbrella opposite this landmark.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby