London Museums Finding Service
Sherlock is an independent finding service for London museums. We help visitors discover which museums match their interests, where they are located, and how to plan a rewarding visit. We do not sell tickets or run tours — we simply point you in the right direction. Whether you are interested in art, history, science, design, or something niche, we help you find the right institution in the capital.
Our service is information-led. We describe London's museum landscape by theme, collection type, and location. You tell us your interests, time available, and preferences; we suggest suitable museums and practical advice on opening hours, access, and how to get the most from your visit. There is no booking through us — we connect you with the information you need to plan and then visit museums directly.
London hosts a huge variety of museums. National institutions hold world-class art, history, and science collections, often with free permanent galleries. Specialist museums focus on transport, medicine, design, theatre, or military history. House museums offer intimate glimpses into the lives of writers, artists, and collectors. Smaller galleries and archives cater to specific interests. Understanding these categories helps you narrow down where to spend your time.
Planning a museum visit in London works best when you match the institution to your energy and schedule. Major museums can absorb a full day; smaller ones suit a morning or afternoon. Check opening and closing days — many close one day a week. Book timed tickets in advance for the most popular venues. Consider combining nearby museums in the same area to cut travel time. We provide guidance on all of this so you can plan with confidence.
London's museums are spread across the city. South Kensington clusters natural history, science, and design. Bloomsbury holds the British Museum and other classics. The South Bank mixes culture with riverside walks. Greenwich offers maritime and royal heritage. The City and East End have smaller, characterful institutions. Knowing which area fits your interests helps you build an efficient and enjoyable itinerary.
We are a small team based in London who love the city's museums and want to help others find the right ones. Sherlock is a free, non-commercial service. We do not take commission from museums, sell tickets, or run paid tours. Our only aim is to make it easier for visitors to discover and enjoy London's museum scene.
Many London museums offer free admission to permanent collections — check each venue. Book online for popular temporary exhibitions. Arrive early or late to avoid the busiest periods. Allow time for cafés and shops if you want a break. Most museums have cloakrooms and accessibility information on their websites. Public transport is usually the best way to reach them.
Use our guides to explore London's museum landscape by theme, area, and practical need.
Common questions about finding and visiting museums in London.
Many London museums have free permanent galleries and no booking is required. For major temporary exhibitions and the busiest venues, advance timed tickets are recommended. Check each museum's website for current policy.
No. We help you find the right museums and give practical information. You book directly with each museum or their official ticketing channels.
South Kensington has a dense cluster: natural history, science, design. Bloomsbury has the British Museum and others. The South Bank and Greenwich also have strong offerings. We can suggest an area based on your interests.
Our guides go deeper into specific topics: types of museums, planning a day, and area-by-area overviews. The FAQ answers common questions. For a personalised suggestion, use the contact form and we will point you to museums that match your interests.