From iconic institutions that house world treasures to hidden gems tucked away in historic towns, the UK is home to some of the most fascinating museums on Earth. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or curious traveler, these top 20 museums in the UK for 2025 are well worth your time. I’ve personally chosen these based on visitor experience, collection quality, accessibility, and cultural value. Here’s your ultimate museum hit list for 2025.
1. The British Museum, London
- Location: Great Russell St, London.
- Admission: Free (charges may apply for special exhibitions).
- Visit the British Museum website to check current exhibitions and plan your visit.
There’s a reason why over 6 million people walk through the doors of the British Museum every year—it’s simply one of the best museums in the world. Established in 1753, it houses more than 8 million works from all continents.
Why Visit in 2025?
This year, the museum is spotlighting a special Ancient Persia exhibition, featuring rare artifacts on loan from the Middle East. The permanent galleries, especially the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Sculptures, and Egyptian mummies, remain iconic.
2. The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
- Location: Chambers Street, Edinburgh.
- Admission: Free.
- Check out the National Museum of Scotland for updates and special events.
A true blend of science, history, nature, and design, the National Museum of Scotland is the crown jewel of Edinburgh’s cultural scene. Housed in a striking Victorian building, the museum offers something for all ages.
What Makes It Special?
You can explore everything from Mary Queen of Scots’ personal possessions to dinosaur fossils and the history of Scottish invention. In 2025, they’re opening a brand-new interactive zone for kids, making it a perfect family destination.
3. Tate Modern, London
- Location: Bankside, London.
- Admission: Free (some exhibitions paid).
- Explore Tate Modern to see what’s on in 2025.
If modern and contemporary art speaks to you, Tate Modern should be at the top of your UK museum list. Situated in a converted power station on the Thames, this place is as iconic for its architecture as it is for its exhibits.
Why Go in 2025?
The Turbine Hall installation in 2025 is set to feature an immersive climate-focused piece by a world-renowned artist. With masterpieces by Warhol, Picasso, Rothko, and Hockney, you could spend hours here and still not see it all.
4. The Roman Baths, Bath
- Location: Abbey Church Yard, Bath
- Admission: £18–£25 (discounts available online)
- Book tickets and plan your visit to the Roman Baths.
Step back nearly 2,000 years in time at The Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient spa sites in Europe. It’s not just a museum—it’s an experience.
What to Expect in 2025
New augmented reality displays let you see how the Baths looked in Roman times. You’ll also hear voices of people from the past, based on real archaeological findings. The natural hot springs are still bubbling to this day.
5. Titanic Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Location: Queen’s Road, Belfast.
- Admission: Approx. £24 adult / £11 youth (family passes available).
- Visit Titanic Belfast to see tickets, tours, and what’s new.
Titanic Belfast is more than just a museum—it’s an award-winning interactive experience built on the very site where the Titanic was constructed. It’s a must-see for history lovers and maritime enthusiasts.
What’s New in 2025?
They’ve just opened a new section featuring exclusive access to Titanic’s original shipyard tools and personal items from passengers, including never-before-seen letters. The Shipyard Ride is still a visitor favorite!
6. Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), London
- South Kensington, London.
- Admission: Free (paid entry for major exhibitions).
- Explore the V&A Museum
A haven for design lovers, the V&A showcases 5,000 years of art, fashion, ceramics, and textiles. From couture gowns to Islamic art, it’s a stunning collection of human creativity.
Don’t miss the 2025 Fashion Futures exhibit, which explores how AI is changing the world of design.
7. Natural History Museum, London
- Cromwell Road, London.
- Admission: Free.
- Visit the Natural History Museum
One of the UK’s most visited museums, this Gothic-style wonder is famous for its dinosaur skeletons, Earth galleries, and hands-on science zones. Ideal for families.
New in 2025: A cutting-edge VR experience takes you back to prehistoric Earth alongside life-sized animated creatures.
8. Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
- Beaumont Street, Oxford.
- Admission: Free.
- See what’s on at the Ashmolean
Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean is the world’s first university museum. It holds a brilliant mix of fine art and archaeology—think Raphael sketches, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and Samurai armor.
Their 2025 global trade routes exhibit explores how ancient civilizations were connected across continents.
9. The Museum of Liverpool
- Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront.
- Admission: Free.
- Discover the Museum of Liverpool
Celebrating Liverpool’s rich history, this modern museum tells stories of the city’s music (hello, Beatles!), sports, industry, and resilience.
Check out the 2025 “Sound of the City” experience, where visitors remix classic Liverpool tracks.
10. Beamish – The Living Museum of the North
- County Durham, England.
- Admission: Approx. £25 adult / discounts available.
- Visit Beamish Museum
This open-air museum is like stepping into a time machine. With real trams, old-fashioned shops, and staff in period costume, you can explore what life was like in 1825, 1900, 1940, and 1950.
In 2025, a new 1950s town area opens, complete with a vintage cinema and fish-and-chip shop.
11. The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
- Trumpington Street, Cambridge.
- Admission: Free
- Explore the Fitzwilliam Museum
Cambridge’s premier art and antiquities museum boasts everything from classical sculpture to illuminated manuscripts. A refined and enriching visit.
In 2025, the Women in Renaissance Art exhibit sheds light on underrepresented female artists and patrons.
12. St Fagans National Museum of History, Wales
- Cardiff, Wales.
- Admission: Free.
- Visit St Fagans
A vast open-air museum where you can walk through centuries of Welsh history. Over 40 original buildings have been reconstructed, including a chapel, bakery, and traditional farmhouses.
2025 introduces an immersive Welsh folklore trail, perfect for kids and cultural travelers alike.
13. The Design Museum, London
- Kensington High Street, London.
- Admission: Free (charges for some exhibitions).
- Explore the Design Museum
Sleek, stylish, and thought-provoking, the Design Museum celebrates contemporary creativity—from product design to architecture and digital innovation.
The 2025 headline show, “Designing the Future of Cities,” explores how tech and sustainability are reshaping urban life.
14. Blenheim Palace & Churchill Exhibition, Oxfordshire
- Woodstock, Oxfordshire.
- Admission: Approx. £22–£35 depending on access.
- Plan your visit to Blenheim Palace
While not a museum in the traditional sense, Blenheim Palace hosts the Churchill Exhibition, honoring the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill with original letters, speeches, and memorabilia.
Combine art, history, and royal architecture in one unforgettable visit.
15. Jorvik Viking Centre, York
- York, England.
- Admission: Around £13–£18 (family passes available).
- Explore Jorvik Viking Centre
A must-see for anyone curious about Britain’s Viking past. At Jorvik, you ride through a reconstructed Viking village, complete with sounds, smells, and animated figures.
In 2025, they’re launching an enhanced experience with AI-guided Norse storytellers for a more immersive learning experience.
16. Imperial War Museum, London
- Lambeth Road, London.
- Admission: Free.
- Plan your visit to the Imperial War Museum
The Imperial War Museum (IWM London) offers a powerful and sobering look at the impact of war on people and society, covering WWI to present-day conflicts.
2025 Highlight: A newly expanded Conflict Today gallery exploring current global military tensions and peace-building efforts.
17. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
- Argyle Street, Glasgow.
- Admission: Free.
- Visit Kelvingrove Museum
One of Scotland’s most beloved museums, Kelvingrove combines fine art with natural history and arms & armor—all under a grand Edwardian Baroque roof.
The Salvador Dalí’s “Christ of Saint John of the Cross” painting is a star attraction, and in 2025, a new Scottish contemporary art wing will open.
18. Science and Industry Museum, Manchester
- Liverpool Road, Manchester.
- Admission: Free (charges for some exhibitions).
- Explore the Science and Industry Museum
Set in the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, this museum celebrates Manchester’s industrial legacy—from steam engines to space tech.
In 2025, don’t miss the AI and Automation Showcase, where you can interact with robotic tech and explore ethical questions in real-time.
19. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
- Greenwich, London.
- Admission: Free.
- National Maritime Museum | Visit Royal Museums Greenwich
A deep dive into Britain’s naval history, the National Maritime Museum features fascinating maritime art, ship models, navigation tools, and stories of exploration.
In 2025, they’re celebrating the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook’s first voyage with a major exhibit of rare documents, maps, and indigenous perspectives.
20. The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset
- Bovington, Dorset.
- Admission: Approx. £20 (free for children under 4).
- Visit The Tank Museum
Home to the world’s best collection of military tanks and armored vehicles, this museum is a must-visit for military history enthusiasts.
New in 2025: The Cold War Combat Experience—an immersive VR ride where you navigate a simulated battlefield from inside a tank.
Final Thoughts
Each of these museums tells a story—not just of the UK, but of the world. Whether you’re planning your 2025 travels or just craving a culture-filled weekend, these five museums offer unforgettable experiences. Best of all, many are free or very budget-friendly.
If you only have time for one, start with the British Museum or Titanic Belfast—they’re both historic, immersive, and absolutely world-class.
FAQs: Visiting Museums in the UK in 2025
Q: Are museums in the UK still free to enter in 2025?
Yes, many major museums like the British Museum and National Museum of Scotland remain free, though special exhibitions may require tickets.
Q: What’s the best time of year to visit UK museums?
Spring and autumn are ideal—fewer crowds, cooler weather, and often new exhibition launches.
Q: Can I visit these museums with kids?
Absolutely! Museums like the National Museum of Scotland and Titanic Belfast are family-friendly with hands-on zones and interactive exhibits.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
