21 Charming Small Museums in London + Tickets & Map!

Veer away from the touristy museums and delve into the world of London’s smaller, independent cultural institutions for an unusual day out in The Big Smoke. All recommended by a local Londoner with a love of museums!

If you’re hunting for small museums in London for a day out in the big city, you’re in the right place!

I was born and raised in the UK and spent almost 7 years living in London. During that time, I explored all the most gorgeous, independent museums that London has to offer – and they’re so much better than the busy tourist museums, trust me!

So, take it from an expert: from ironic collections to eclectic masterpieces, these independent institutions are great for all interests.

No time to scroll? Here are my favorite museums in London – just click the links to head straight to the heading:

Here’s a map of all the museums on this list:

1. Sir John Soane’s Museum – for an eclectic collection

Located in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, this gorgeous museum is one of my all time favorites. So if you’re looking for free small museums, this is it!

Sir John Soane lived in the building and acquired so many incredible pieces of art, antiquities, sculptures, and drawings related to his prestigious architectural career. 

Even if you’re not into architecture, the intimate nature of the museum and intricate details will keep you there for at least a couple of hours. 

Soane believed in the collaboration of the 3 artistic elements: architecture, painting, and sculpture. His works displayed in the museum amount to a series of experimental installations focused on visual ideals.

Nearest tube station: Holborn

Tickets: Free, booking not required

2. Charles Dickens Museum – for literary fans

If you’re a literary lover, you’ll LOVE the Dickens Museum! 

With some of the most important items of his literary reign, you’ll find original manuscripts, personal writings, visual aids, and a real sense of stepping back in time here. 

If 19th century literature is your thing, I highly recommend making a day of it and taking a Charles Dickens private tour! With 3 hours of historical goodness and access to some of the culturally significant Dickensian spots in London, it’s well worth it.  

PRO TIP: The Dickens Museum is just around the corner from The Postal Museum (map), so spend the morning at both – that’s what I did, and I came out culturally satisfied with a new-found love of old London. 

Nearest tube station: Russell Square

Tickets: Free with the London Pass

Top private tour: Charles Dickens Tour of London

3. Sherlock Holmes Museum – for fiction fans

This independent museum is the perfect place to dive into the world of an iconic fictional detective!

You’ll discover so many trinkets and gems relating to Sherlock’s renowned cases, in the very spot that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s series of famed books. 

If you want a more immersive experience, definitely take this private tour – it’s an afternoon of fun and you’ll see so much more than the museum!

It may be small, but it’s a delightful experience, and perfectly captures the essence of Victorian London. It’s also so quaint and beautiful – and super instagrammable!

PRO TIP: It only takes about 30 minutes to get around the museum, so if you have time I recommend going to The Potting Shed (map) just a couple of minutes away for some afternoon tea!

Nearest tube station: Baker Street

Tickets: £19 p/adult

Top private tour: Sherlock Holmes walking tour

4. Leighton House Museum – for stunning interiors

For exceptional Victorian art in the former home of Lord Leighton, this small museum in West London is a quiet haven for those with a penchant for interior design. 

Lord Leighton was one of the most prominent celebrity artists of his day, and he furnished his home to showcase his extraordinary taste. I love it here for many reasons, but one of my favorite things about Leighton House is its uniqueness. It keeps me coming back!

Plus, if you’re looking for cheap museums in London, this is the one to beat!

A combined space of work, life, and entertainment, his home now showcases the ideal that artists should “live in their work” in their day-to-day lives.

Nearest tube station: Kensington Olympia/Earl’s Court

Tickets: £14 p/adult

Top private tour: 90-Minute Expert Tour

5. Garden Museum – for the history of gardening

The Garden Museum is a niche, quirky museum – but that’s why I love it so much! It’s one of London’s hidden gems, and not many people know about it.

The Garden Museum has incredible views of London, plenty to do, and loads of interactive sections the kids will love!

This museum is always blooming with beautiful flowers, and it makes for an incredible escape from the madness of London. 

If you’re a gardening and nature lover like me, you’ll love this incredible Secret Gardens of London tour. You’ll see the Garden Museum, Chelsea Physic Garden, and so many more places with gorgeous, leafy surroundings – plus, high tea! 

Nearest tube station: Lambeth North

Tickets: Free with the London Pass

Top private tour: Secret Gardens of London

6. Dennis Severs’ House – an immersive historical experience

If you’re looking for a glimpse into 18th and 19th century Britain, the Dennis Severs’ House in Spitalfields will take you back in time. 

Explore with all your senses and delve deep into the life of Huguenot silk weavers! 

One of the primary reasons this museum is so special to me is that nothing has been changed or upgraded since 1899 – so you’re literally stepping in the footsteps of age-old weavers, and seeing exactly what life was like for them.

The Dennis Severs’ experience is like a theatrical performance, where the walls can talk and imaginary actors can be sensed in the intimate setting of each room.

Nearest tube station: Liverpool Street 

Tickets: £16 p/person

Top private tour: The Gentle Author Immersive Experience

7. Foundling Museum – the UK’s first children’s charity

A centuries-old project designed to raise funds for some of London’s most vulnerable children, the Foundling Museum is a pioneer of charity, stewardship, and contemporary art. 

The incredible thing about this museum is its dedication to giving the city’s children a second chance in life – so it’s definitely worth a visit if you care about social causes. 

The word “Foundling” is an ancient term used to describe young children or babies who have been abandoned, then discovered and cared for by others. The hospital that once stood on these grounds would house these children until they could be adopted. 

If you’re interested in the progress we’ve made in the medical field, I would take this incredible tour! It’s completely private and they’ll take you around all the spots significant to the medical field in London.

Nearest tube station: Russell Square 

Tickets: £12.75 p/person

Top private tour: Historical Tour of London’s Medical Progress

8. Freud Museum – dedicated to Sigmund Freud

If you love a bit of psychology, you’ll love this museum, once the final home of Sigmund Freud, the so-called “father of modern psychology.”

Although many of Freud’s theories have been refuted, he is still an important figure in the history of psychoanalysis. 

When I visited the Freud Museum, my favorite aspect was his couch! It’s in his study (which is gorgeous, by the way), and seems like a pretty comfortable place to talk about all your woes. 

Nearest tube station: Finchley Road

Tickets: £14.50 p/person

9. The Postal Museum – great for families with kids

Focused on the history of postal communication and its impact on British communities throughout time, this is an awesome place to take the kids!

The story of the post in the United Kingdom is a surprisingly interesting one – and you can even ride the Mail Rail, an underground simulation of postal services which is fun for the whole family. 

Nearest tube station: Chancery Lane

Tickets: £17.60 p/adult

10. Florence Nightingale Museum – the founder of modern nursing

If you haven’t heard of Florence Nightingale, she was a social reformer back in the 19th century.

Best known for forming a group of almost 40 nurses to care for wounded British soldiers in the Crimean War, Nightingale pioneered the modern nursing trade – and it’s because of her that we know to wash our hands often! 

Something I really love about Florence Nightingale is that she owned over 60 cats during her life, so she’s definitely someone I can relate to!

The museum itself is awesome, super educational, and much more exciting on the inside than I can describe here. Just go, trust me!

NOTE: This museum is closed on Mondays.

Nearest tube station: Waterloo

Tickets: £12 p/person

11. Hunterian Museum – for fascinating medical collections

If you’ve got an eye for the grotesque, an 18th century surgeon’s medical collection will definitely get you going.

From surgical instruments and microscope slides to pathology specimens (not for the faint of heart), there are so many interesting things to see at the Hunterian Museum. It’s thought-provoking, weird, inspiring, and probably one of the best museums I’ve ever personally been to. 

The best part? Totally free admission! If I were you, I’d put aside a few hours in an afternoon for this one, as you might find yourself spending a while there. It’s gross but awesome!

Nearest tube station: Chancery Lane

Tickets: Free, booking recommended

12. Old Operating Theatre & Herb Garret – for medical history

This one is atmospheric as hell – when I visited, I could almost feel the screams of patients undergoing surgery many years ago. 

It takes about 40 minutes to get through the museum, but it’s totally worth it. You might even catch a medical lecture if you go over the weekend!

This place is the oldest surviving operating room in Europe! Imagine having surgery with no anesthetic – traumatic, right? 

NOTE: Entry is available from Thursday to Sunday, and there are no toilets available on-site. For those with mobility issues, there is a small life to take you up to the theatre but it is advisable to plan ahead and contact the curators before your visit. 

Nearest tube station: London Bridge

Tickets: Free with the London Pass

13. The Cartoon Museum – for British cartoon art & satire

If you have a flair for the sardonic, The Cartoon Museum is an awesome place to visit, and one of the lesser-known museums in London. Frequently attended by journalists, social commentators and public figures, this is one of the best art-cum-social museums around.

As well as a history of pictorial comedy and social critique, you’ll also find political commentary and curious comedic items, all of which will really make you think deeply about our world. 

My favorite thing about The Cartoon Museum is that it’s one of the under-the-radar museums and galleries in London, so there are pretty much no tourists there! 

Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

Tickets: Free with the London Pass

14. Dulwich Picture Gallery – the oldest art gallery in the UK

Of all the small art museums in London, Dulwich Picture Gallery takes the cake if you love Baroque paintings and Tudor portraits. 

Known as one of Britain’s most valuable artistic institutions, DPG has been around since the beginning of the 19th century. Don’t miss Rembrandt’s paintings, that was my favorite part!

The atmosphere in the museum is quiet, intellectual, and super calming, so even if small art galleries in London aren’t your thing, it’s a fantastic opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for an afternoon. 

Plus, the gift shop is awesome!

Nearest overground station: West Dulwich

Tickets: £20 p/person including voluntary donation

15. Strawberry Hill House – for Gothic Revival architecture

I used to live near Strawberry Hill, so I can tell you it’s such a gorgeous area to visit – and Strawberry Hill House will soon become your favorite little museum in London.

The House and Garden at Strawberry Hill has such a fascinating history. I won’t spoil it for you, but it’s definitely worth a visit. Plus, you can have a picnic in the grounds!

Twickenham was once a pretty fashionable area to live in around the 18th century, and the villa became popular under the protection of Horace Walpole, the author of ‘The Castle of Otranto.’

Nearest overground station: Strawberry Hill

Tickets: £14.50 p/adult

16. London Canal Museum – a history of London’s waterways

One of the best little known museums in London, this independently-run, educational venue is small but sweet.

When I visited, I found the boat ride super relaxing – make sure you check their website for the schedule, it makes the whole visit so special!

A surprisingly thought-provoking historical journey about London’s famed waterways, you’ll get to explore the inside of a canal boat and learn all about London’s ice industry from days gone by. Don’t miss it!

PRO TIP: When you’re done, head across the road to Flat Iron (map) for the best steak of your life!

Nearest tube station: King’s Cross

Tickets: Free with the London Pass

17. Fashion & Textile Museum – for fashionistas

If you’re interested in fashion and marketing, the Fashion and Textile Museum is a pretty cool, underrated place to visit. 

It’s a famous museum in London with an incredible programme of lectures, workshops, and small courses for all! But even if you’re not interested in their learning opportunities, the museum itself is pretty awesome.

Right now and until March 2025, you’ll get to see historical fashion renegades of 80s London, with custom and rare pieces in their collection you’ll likely never see anywhere else!

If you’re interested in the history of fashion in London, I highly recommend taking this incredible fashion walking tour of the Square Mile, where you can discover hidden treasures and London’s incredible fashion heritage!

Nearest tube station: King’s Cross

Tickets: £11.50

Top fashion tour: Square Mile Walking Tour

18. Brunel Museum – for engineering fans

An educational charity run purely by passionate volunteers, this is the best place to go if you want a super niche engineering adventure in London. It’s one of the best small museums for niche interests, and you’ll learn so much!

The Brunel Museum tells the intricate story of Brunel’s Thames Tunnel project in Rotherhithe, inspiring people until this day with his incredible engineering contributions to Britain. 

My personal favorite thing about this museum is the gift shop! It sounds cliché, but it’s such a cute little shop, I spent ages in there and came out with so many goodies 🤪

The best part? It’s so cheap, so great for those on a budget!

Nearest overground station: Rotherhithe

Tickets: £6 p/person

19. Bank of England Museum – for finance lovers

A completely free London activity and an opportunity to learn more about Britain’s financial system over time, the Bank of England Museum is a cool place to learn about the history of England’s primary bank, the history of bank notes, and the economy over time.

You’ll even get to hold a real gold bar!!

So if you’re interested in how the Bank of England keeps the economy stable (relatively), how their financial system is secured, and how their actions affect us, this is the place for you. 

PRO TIP: Take the kids with you! To help them understand the importance of spending wisely, it’s a good idea to take them back to basics so they understand the foundations of finance. 

Nearest overground station: Rotherhithe

Tickets: Free, no booking required

20. Bethlem Museum of the Mind – an original Bedlam asylum

This is one of my all-time favorite places to go in London. A bastion of importance (and morbid fascination) for Britain’s mental health history and the journey we’ve been through to get to where we are, this place used to be a hospital for the mentally ill. 

It’s an extremely humbling experience. My advice? Try to be quiet while you’re in there – it’s beautiful and a fantastic learning opportunity but it’s also got some sad history. 

With totally free entry, it’s a great option if you’ve got an afternoon spare and want to do something productive. 

Nearest overground station: Rotherhithe

Tickets: Free, no booking necessary

21. Lambeth Palace Library – for ancient religious manuscripts

Most people (including local Londoners) have no idea Lambeth Palace Library exists – let alone the treasures it hides. 

Lambeth Palace Library, also known as The National Library, is the official archive of the Church of England. Their mission is to preserve the church’s cultural and religious history and provide educational opportunities across the country. 

Their collections go back over 1,000 years, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a debate there on philosophy, the church’s role in colonialism, and slavery. 

Please note you will need to register and book an appointment before arriving – have a look at their rules here. 

NOTE: You can’t study at Lambeth Palace Library. 

FAQs about small museums in London

🏛️ What are the best small museums in London for adults?

The best small museums in London for adults are the Hunterian Museum and the Freud Museum!

🧒🏽 Which small museums in London are best for families with children?

The Postal Museum is a fantastic place to go with children! I also recommend the Florence Nightingale Museum for an education experience. 

🛖 Are there any free small museums in London?

The Bethlem Museum of the Mind is totally free, and in my opinion one of the best small museums in the city. 

💂 What is the smallest museum in London?

The smallest museum in London is the Red Cross Micro Museum on the South Bank – Sir John Soane’s Museum and Dennis Severs’ House follow pretty close!

💷 Are museums free in London?

Some museums are free in London but many charge a small entrance fee to help them keep their collections. However, if you have the London Pass, you can access dozens of museums in London totally for free, so I highly recommend getting it if you’re planning on going to a few museums during your trip!

🎭 What is the best small art gallery in London?

My personal favorite art gallery in London is Dulwich Picture Gallery! It’s super special and the atmosphere is so relaxing. If you love Baroque paintings, you’ll love it!

Conclusion

There you have it! All the best small museums in London, from a museum queen!

Hope you have the best time exploring London’s incredible independent institutions – like I said, they have so much more to offer than the touristy museums, and you can honestly learn so much more. 

Make sure you get the London Pass to make visiting all these museums a breeze!

Cheerio, museum geeks!

Lizzie