Best museums to see in London (with an afternoon tea twist)

If you're planning a visit to London and love a mix of culture and history with a touch of indulgence, you've come to the right place. London is home to some of the best museums in the world, offering exhibitions for every interest. Whether you’re into art, history, science, or design, there’s a museum for you. And if you want to combine your London sightseeing visit with afternoon tea, book one of our Afternoon Tea Bus Tours, and you're in for a real treat.

While not all museums are directly on our bus routes, a few are visible as you journey across London on our iconic Routemaster buses. Plus, our tours conveniently depart from key central locations—like Victoria Coach Station, Trafalgar Square, and Somerset House Embankment. This means you can always find a museum nearby that you can visit before or after your Afternoon Tea Bus Tour.

So to make the most of your day out, let's take a closer look at the museums you won’t want to miss in London.

Museums to see in London on Brigit's Bus Tours

What are the best museums to see in London?

Here’s our pick of must-see museums in the city.

The British Museum

Located in Bloomsbury, the British Museum is a world-renowned London museum famous for its collection of over eight million works dedicated to human history, art, and culture. It’s one of the most visited museums in the world—and for good reason! Even though it’s not on our direct bus routes, we highly recommend making some time to go and explore it.

The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum

Right on the route of our Classic, Gin Lovers, and PAW Patrol Afternoon Tea Bus tours, the Natural History Museum is a London landmark in itself. The neo-Gothic architecture is jaw-dropping from the outside, and even more so once you step inside and meet the iconic giant blue whale in Hintze Hall. From fossils and minerals to cutting-edge science exhibitions, there’s something to fascinate visitors of all ages.

Next door to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum offers a hands-on journey through innovation. With over 15,000 objects on display, including the Apollo 10 command capsule and Stephenson’s Rocket, it’s a London museum that never fails to impress.

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

Also on our Classic, Gin Lovers and PAW Patrol tours, the V&A is the world’s leading museum of art, design, and performance. This London museum spans centuries and cultures, housing everything from Renaissance sculptures to modern fashion exhibitions. It's a must-visit for creatives and culture lovers alike.

The Design Museum

A little further west, the Design Museum in Kensington celebrates contemporary design in every form—from architecture to fashion to graphics. Though not directly on our routes, it’s easily accessible if you're planning a visit before or after one of our Afternoon Tea Bus tours.

The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery

Sitting proudly in Trafalgar Square (where several of our tours depart from), the National Gallery houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. From Van Gogh to Monet, it’s an art lover’s dream. You'll get a great view of this grandiose building from all our tours.

Just around the corner from the National Gallery, the recently renovated National Portrait Gallery is another treasure trove of art. With portraits of historical and contemporary British figures, it’s a fantastic way to experience the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.

The Albert Memorial and Albert Museum

As part of our Classic and MONOPOLY Bus Tours, you'll pass by the iconic Royal Albert Hall and the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens. While there isn’t an official "Albert Museum," these landmarks, along with the nearby museums named after Prince Albert, pay homage to his legacy in supporting arts and education in Britain.

The London Transport Museum

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum offers a fascinating look at how public transport shaped the city we know today. From vintage red buses to interactive exhibits on London’s Tube system, it's a hit with both adults and kids. It's also conveniently close to our Brigit’s Bakery, making it an ideal stop before or after your afternoon tea, brunch, or lunch.

What London museums are free entry?

One of the best things about many London museums is that general admission is absolutely free. That means you can experience world-class exhibitions and historic artefacts without spending a penny.

Here are some of the top free-entry museums:

British Museum.
Natural History Museum.
Science Museum.
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).
National Gallery.
National Portrait Gallery.

These museums offer a brilliant way to enjoy London’s culture without breaking the bank. However, some special exhibitions may charge an entry fee, so it’s worth checking in advance.

What should you not miss at the British Museum?

Even if you only have a short time, there are a few must-see highlights at the British Museum:

The Rosetta Stone. This iconic slab played a pivotal role in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.
The Elgin Marbles. A stunning collection from the Parthenon in Athens.
The Egyptian Mummies. A visitor favourite that brings ancient rituals and beliefs to life.
The Lewis Chessmen. Intricately carved and delightfully quirky, these medieval game pieces are fascinating.
The Great Court. The glass-roofed atrium is a marvel of modern design and a peaceful place to sit and reflect.

Afternoon Tea London Bus Tours and museum highlights

If you're curious about the different routes our Afternoon Tea Bus Tours take and the museums and cultural highlights you’ll pass along the way, here's some more information about our most popular tours:

museums to see in London - Love Hearts Tour

The Classic and Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Route

Departs from: Victoria Coach Station (Classic). Victoria Coach Station or Trafalgar Square (Gin Lovers).
Museums along the route: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).
Other landmarks: Royal Albert Hall, Albert Memorial, Harrods, Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, No.10 Downing Street.

Museums to see in London on the Peppa Pig Bus Tour

The Peppa Pig Bus Afternoon Tea Bus Route

Departs from: Somerset House Embankment.
Museums nearby: Museum of London, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Somerset House (all walkable from Trafalgar Square).
Other landmarks: Tower Bridge, Borough Market, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Hyde Park, and Green Park.

Museums to see in London: National Gallery on MONOPOLY Bus Tour

The MONOPOLY Afternoon Tea Bus Route

Departs from: Somerset House Embankment.
Museums nearby: Courtauld Gallery and Embankment Galleries at Somerset House, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery (all within easy walking distance).
Other landmarks: Fleet Street, Piccadilly Circus, The Strand, Trafalgar Square, and Marble Arch.

Museums to see in London on the Paddington Bus Tour

The Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Route

Departs from: Trafalgar Square.
Nearby museums: National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, London Transport Museum.
Other landmarks: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Green Park, Borough Market, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Museums to see in London: PAW Patrol Bus tour

The PAW Patrol Afternoon Tea Bus Route

Departs from: Northumberland Avenue.
Nearby museums: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A (via South Kensington), National Gallery (via Trafalgar Square).
Other highlights: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, MI6 Building, River Thames, Battersea Power Station, Green Park, Kings Road, and Horse Guards Parade.

Museums to see in London near Brigit's Bakery Covent Garden

Combine your museum visit with a treat at Brigit's Bakery in Covent Garden

To make your day in London extra special, you can take a break from all the exploring and come and relax at Brigit’s Bakery in Covent Garden. Tucked away on Chandos Place, it’s the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or a full Afternoon Tea, with French-inspired treats and a calm escape from the city buzz.

Just a short stroll away is the London Transport Museum, offering a fascinating journey through the history of London's transport system. Nearby, the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House showcases an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square are both within walking distance. And for those interested in unique historical experiences, the Bow Street Police Museum and the Museum of Freemasonry are also close by, providing insights into London's rich cultural heritage. If you're planning an indulgent treat at the bakery, check the bakery's menu here and book your table here.

Ready to explore London's museums and add a delicious twist to your visit?