Soak up London’s Vibrant Culture with a Museum-Hopping Kensington Break

London is a mecca of museums and historical attractions. From the big hitters like the British Museum to quirky gems like Sir John Soane’s, it’s easy to see why London is the envy of other cities. It’d take months to explore each in detail, but a select few make for perfect weekend adventures. For a convenient break in this city of culture, we've selected some must-visit museums that are just moments from your South Kensington-based hotel.

You can book hotels near the Natural History Museum in London to easily access the iconic Exhibition Road, a hub for South Kensington’s most famous museums. Aside from the stellar displays and world-reaching exhibits, you can explore one of London’s most picturesque (and posh) districts. South Kensington is home to stunning, white-washed terraces and winding wisteria-laden facades. On your next short break in the city, your legs will thank you later after visiting these easy-to-reach museums.

The Big Three on Exhibition Road, South Kensington

Exhibition Road takes its name from London's famed 1851 Great Exhibition, a near year-long epic showcase attended by Marx, Dickens, Carroll, Thackeray and other giants of Victorian society. Today, it remains a spectacular hub for three of London's most-visited museums and is loaded with exceptional eateries, academic institutions and hidden secrets. Here are your must-visits in this eminent region for London culture.

1. The Natural History Museum

From its iconic animatronic dinosaurs to its cutting-edge climate displays, the Natural History Museum mesmerises all who visit. There's something endlessly charming about the curious Victorian displays and cabinets, but make no mistake, this is a thoroughly modern museum.

Contemporary exhibits include the captivating Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the kid-favourite earthquake simulator. Even better, admission to the main museum is completely free. Enjoy a cosy stay at one of our family hotels near the Natural History Museum in London, like the Gloucester Hotel, tucked just behind Exhibition Road.

2. The Science Museum

The Natural History Museum’s neighbour, the Science Museum, brings the “wow” factor with interactive exhibits and cosmos-reaching displays. Perfect for families, you can explore the history of world-shaping inventions in Making the Modern World or learn about air travel in the Flight Gallery. While access is free, the Wonderlab and VR experiences are well worth booking in advance.

3.Victoria & Albert Museum

The V&A is one of London's perennial favourites. Home to a stunning collection of 2.3 million objects and some rip-roaring exhibitions, you could easily lose a day discovering high fashion and pop culture. Cementing Prince Albert's legacy following the Great Exhibition, its focus on the decorative arts is one of the world's best.

There's more here, too, from a burgeoning Photography Centre to Raphael sketches. No visit is complete without stopping at the tea rooms and strolling around the John Madejski Garden. Thanks to our hotels near the V&A in London, you can go and visit during quiet, early-opening hours.

Alternative museums that are a treat to visit

While South Kensington’s big three make a convenient all or multi-day adventure, there’s plenty more to see from our hotels near Exhibition Road, London. Wander the alleys and streets of London's most elite neighbourhood to discover hidden gems and exciting new museums, like the following:

1. Royal College of Music Museum

Sandwiched between the Science Museum and Royal Albert Hall, the Royal College of Music is one of the world’s leading conservatoriums. Many of the country's classical giants, from Vaughan Williams to Holst, graced its seminar rooms. The museum collects over 800 musical instruments and contains an impressive array of artistic representations of musicians in history. Free to enter, this is a real treat for music enthusiasts. With access to the tranquil Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park grounds, it’s easily reached with our hotels near the Science Museum in London.

2. Design Museum

The pretty Design Museum sits in the corner of serene Holland Park, just a short walk from Kensington Palace. Once located on the Thames, the museum's new home in the former-Commonwealth Institute is a triumph of slick, sleek design. Peruse an intriguing collection of retro 80s computers and trace London's impeccable designer lineage. The main collection is free to enter, but guest exhibitions, which are always fabulous, are ticketed. Our hotels near the V and A Museum are ideally situated for quiet strolls to this treasured gem.

7. National Army Museum

The National Army Museum is tucked away in Chelsea and close to the always-pleasant Ranelagh Gardens. The museum is London's love letter to the Armed Forces and its legacy in Britain. Its location alone, overlooking the Thames and Battersea Park, is the perfect detour after exploring South Kensington. Take a stroll through Chelsea via the star-studded Saatchi Gallery to discover the museum's grounds. The museum's exhibition spaces are lively, imaginative and affecting, with free-to-enter galleries and a must-visit Play Base for little ones to test their nerves. For those short on time but big on itineraries, our family hotels in London near the Science Museum provide walking access to this and other top museum spots.

Book a Dreamy Millennium Hotels Spring Getaway in South Kensington

It isn’t easy to distil the essence of London in one visit, but it doesn’t get more prestigious than our South Kensington hotels. From the stunning Millennium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington alongside London’s distinguished Harrington Gardens to the exceptionally placed Bailey’s Hotel, Millennium Hotels offers beloved hotels close to the Natural History Museum, London, among other must-see highlights. Make the most of your spring stay with our special Easter getaway offer and delight in London’s blooming garden views. You’ll get 20% off your room, and two kids can stay free, making this the perfect family vacation destination. With London’s most family-friendly museums at your doorstep, you can tour the best of London’s culture without feeling the fatigue of buses, tubes or trains. Take things slow this Easter with friends and discover London’s immersive art and history with a well-placed Millennium Hotels booking.