Free entry London museums: the V&A
Last updated on January 31st, 2026.
When first-time visitors ask what they should see in London, I never fail to mention the museums.
Not only are there many free entry museums to see, they're perfect day trips for anyone visiting London.
London’s a cultural capital, and the museums well document national and international history throughout the ages.
They're a popular stop on the sightseeing circuit, and one that won't disappoint.
Even if you’re not a regular patron, visiting the Victoria and Albert (V&A) museum is something that everyone will enjoy.
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10 good reasons to visit the V&A — free entry London museums
1. Its remarkable history
The museum’s named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert — the head of the Royal Family at the time. Museum director, inventor Henry Cole, was responsible for organizing the Great Exhibition of 1851.
This international exhibition of culture and industry included items from the museum, after which he would open the ‘Museum of Manufactures’ in 1852.
2. Its location
The nearest tube station to reach the V&A is South Kensington. It’s around a 5-minute walk, and you can follow the signs to reach the museum.
South Kensington’s known as the museum district of London, given the 2 other big museums nearby. These are the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum.
Other notable things to know about the area, is that it’s within walking distance of department store Harrods. So, if you've time to shop after, and have expensive taste, you're in the right area.
3. Free entry
While it’s safe to say that London’s expensive for many things, the same doesn’t apply to the museums. All museums are free to enter in the UK capital, but you do have to pay to see specific exhibitions.
It’s the perfect way to learn something new about different civilizations throughout history, and at no cost too. What’s more, the museum has free WiFi, which is always helpful while traveling.
That said, there’s no excuse not to visit the inspiring V&A Museum. If entering from the Cromwell Road entrance, you’ll be moonstruck the second you enter its magnificent lobby.
4. It’s the world’s largest museum…
…of decorative arts and design. Leave the high heels behind, as there’s a lot of ground to cover.
The museum’s home to a permanent collection of over 2.3 million objects, and covers 5,000 years of art. Inside its 145 galleries are different sections that include art and artifacts from Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.
5. John Madjeski Garden
One of the highlights during my visit to the V&A Museum was the serene John Madjeski Garden. Photos of the area don’t do it justice, and once outside, you need a few minutes to take it all in.
A place to relax
It’s the perfect blend of traditional meeting modern design. An elliptical water feature takes center stage, with steps around the edge, visitors are more than welcome to sit on.
When the sun’s out, the garden’s even more stunning, and the steps are a good spot for a summer picnic.
The garden also hosts temporary exhibitions, and has a picturesque garden cafe overlooking the green space.
Map of London
6. Different types of art and industry under one roof
Within its 12.5 acres of land mass is everything artistic and cultural you can think of. This includes textiles, silver, ironwork, costumes, sculptures and medieval objects.
It’ll come as little surprise then, that the V&A has the largest and most comprehensive collection in the world.
7. Impressive titles
For fans of post-classical sculptures, the V&A boasts the world’s largest collection. It also holds the impressive title of housing the largest Islamic art set in the west, with over 19,000 items.
Here you’ll see everything from Persian rugs and carpets, to calligraphy, all ranging from the 7 to the 20th century.
Stop and admire
One area sure to make you stop and pay attention, are the cast courts in the sculpture wing. Spread over 2 large rooms, they feature a remarkable display of sculptures, friezes and tombs.
You’ll find reproductions of Italian Renaissance pieces, such as a full-size replica of Michelangelo’s David.
8. Jaw-dropping areas in the museum
I was speechless the second I walked into the European galleries. The section opened in December 2015 and houses European art from 1600 to 1815.
The dimly lit grand hall feels like walking into a completely different building. High ceilings, wide spaces, and with ginormous canvas’ displayed on its walls.
The area also features furniture of the period. Look out for the striking German writing cabinet from the 16th century, and a French court suit from the 17th century.
9. The National Art Library
As an all-round bookworm, there’s no better feeling than walking into a room full of reading material. It’s even more of a bonus when the surroundings are grandiose and achingly beautiful.
It’s free to enter the National Art Library, but you do need to join to access its collections and services. Also, you can’t bring any bags into the library (for obvious reasons), so leave anything in the cloakroom.
A place to read at one of the best free entry London museums
From the oak double-doors at the entrance to the perfect symmetry of the library, it’s a really inspiring space.
Inside are 3 large public reading rooms: the West Room, Center Room and Reading Room. For anyone wishing to study, there are approximately 100 individual desks available.
Its greatest item is the Codex Forster: a set of 3 manuscripts, some that include notebooks from Leonardo da Vinci.
10. An excellent gift shop
When it comes to museum gift shops, in truth, I tend to walk the other way. I usually find the merchandise uninspiring and overpriced. However, this isn’t the case with the V&A.
I spent far too long in the shop checking out the merchandise, and even bought a few things.
From tote bags to stationery, jewellery to clothing, there are many things here that’ll catch your eye. I particularly like the range of prints and custom prints, and the prices are very reasonable too.
Where to stay near the V&A Museum
Given its excellent central London location, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation.
For a quiet piece of luxury nearby, you may want to consider booking a few nights at the Berkeley Hotel. Alternatively, the superb 5-star Flemings Mayfair hotel’s a great choice, and in a great neighborhood to match.
Where to eat near the V&A Museum
The V&A Museum just so happens to be across the road from the ‘most instagrammable café in London’. Elan Café is known for its flower-themed wall, for being a ‘grammar’s heaven’ and for its colorful fare.
For something a bit more special however, round off your day with an exceptional afternoon tea at the Berkeley Hotel. The Prêt-à-Portea is a fashionista foodie’s dream come true, in the form of colorful cakes and cookies.
Have you been to the V&A Museum? Have I enticed you to visit on your next trip to London? Leave me a comment below, and share your thoughts.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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What a fantastic place! I love museums and I could spend the entire day pottering around the Victoria and Albert Museum, especially the book section. I love the fact that all museums are free to enter in the UK. Gives me so much to see when I finally visit.
It's amazing they're free. I don't know if all the museums in the UK are free, but London definitely is 😀
We missed this museum while we were in London this year. We did the British Museum and the Museum of London. My kids aren't too much into museums, but I always insist they have some culture while on holiday. It looks like I should have don't the V&A instead. Is that a glass blown chandelier? That looks breathtaking.
It's a beautiful glass sculpture by an American artist 🙂 The V&A is really cool, and I'm sure the kids will enjoy it. Plus it's free, so you won't be wasting anything!
They also have an amazing jewelry room with ancient to current pieces, bejeweled swords, tiaras and more. And I generally don’t care for jewelry.
Check the special exhibits, they cost money, but we saw a great one about fashion created from natural materials
I remember passing them, and wishing I had more time! It's an incredible museum, will spend longer there next time for sure 🙂
I have visited majority of the famous sights in London but somehow the museums got skipped during my lst visit. Victoria & Albert Museum is a definite must if one is interested in Arts. I’m definitely visiting this museum when I’m in London next. The John Madjeski Garden would be a treat to explore as well.
I love this musuem, and it's a perfect spot for a spot of culture in the capital. Visit the garden when the sun's out 😀
I live in England and regularly step time in London however I’ve never been to this museum. We were in town yesterday and talked about going but went to afternoon tea instead. I’m definitely putting this on my list of things to do sometime this year
You must, it's such an impressive museum! And free too 🙂
Thanks for sharing this info, This is a really nice post, Do you know When the museum’s current building first opened, some space was made for collections from the National Gallery, which had run out of space at its Trafalgar Square museum.
Thanks for your feedback. I believe it opened in the 19th century.
This is awesome and I love the photos! I used to live in London and went around extensively (especially art galleries and museums) but was never interested in V&A. I'm planning on re-visiting London. Definitely won't miss the place this time.
You must! It's an amazing building, and it costs nothing to enter 😀
This museum is really very mesmerizing and an art lover must visit these places.
Noted down both the places and when I will visit London, surely I will make a visit to them.
Thanks for sharing this post.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for dropping by 🙂
The last time we visited London we had no time to visit Museums. Can't wait to revisit and visit all museums in London. I will definitely try to visit Albert Museum for sure. My husband is a big fan of Museums.
Then he's sure to love the V&A! it's really my favourite now 🙂
I am not a very museum person, but your post has convinced me why I should put Victoria and Albert Museum on my list. The sculptures, friezes and tombs section actually amazed me. I loved the reading room ambiance a lot. Great post.
Thank you! I'm not a big museum fan either, but this one is special, and worth visiting.
I feel a bit disappointed in myself having read this - I work in London 5 days a week, I've been to pretty much all of the museums going in London, but yet I've never visited the V&A! 🙁 It definitely looks like it's worth a visit, the building itself is a work of art (and very Instagrammable!) x
It's very instagrammable, in fact, I'm still uploading my photos right now! You must see it, it's a beautiful place.
I didn't know museums are free in London! As an art and design lover, the Victoria and Albert Museum is a must see! Given its size, it will probably take me the whole day to see the entire museum 😛
I think so! There's really so many impressive sights to see. Hope you visit one day!
You know, I've lived in England all my life, been to London countless times but the V&A is one museum I haven't been to! I think it's because I want to give myself plenty of time to stroll around, and I'm probably always in a hurry somewhere. You've definitely sold it to me though, I don't even know where to begin! The art library sounds amazing, as do the art galleries. There are usually some really great exhibitions going on at the V&A too. Can't wait to visit now 🙂
Yay I have one convert! I think it's my favourite museum in London, there's really something for everyone 😀
Love the V&A! Such a great place to visit.
It really is!
First, I love the architecture of the museums! Always looking to see how these places are built. Love the variety of pieces they have and I'm sure I'll be making a visit there one day.
It's more impressive when you visit in person! I hope so too 😀
The tiles in the cafe are also something to behold. I wonder if they are still doing the free pop up kids theatre at the weekend in the middle of a random gallery. Find a child and go is my advice if they are.
That's a great tip for families. I don't know if they still have it, but they always have great events there.
I had never heard of the Victoria and Albert Museum before! London is a big travel oversight for us (we've never set foot in the UK!), but it's on the list, and our list of things to do there keeps getting longer! I'd love to check out the library especially--it sounds gorgeous!
The library's a book lover's dream come true! And you must visit the UK one day, you've been everywhere else in Europe!
I would gladly visit this museum. It's nice that the admission is free. Thanks to this, many people have the chance to see these exhibitions.
That's great to read! I loved visiting here, and I know others would too.
I did not know that museums in London are free to enter, that's really cool! I really am awestruck with the magnificent lobby in John Madjeski Garden, what is that structure hanging in the middle? I'd love to sip on coffee at the garden cafe here. I am not much of a fan of visiting museums but there are quite a few interesting ones in London from what I see.
Yes, they're free, but many people don't realise that as the buildings are so grand and daunting 😀 I love the garden too; it's really relaxing.
The museums in London are indeed some wonderful places to spend the day. Some lovely photos. Nice reading this informative article too.
They really are wonderful, and free too. Hope you visit yourself one day.
I didn't get to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum when I was in London. Due to limited time, the only museum I visited was the British Museum. I can see that I missed out and will definitely add it to my itinerary for my next visit to London. The displays and the museum itself look fascinating.
The British Museum is excellent too! I hope you get to see the V&A with your family the next time, there's plenty to see and learn too 😀
I have always wanted to visit London , infact it's my fav destination since childhood. The one thing which i love about London is , Their rich history and architecture and this place is one such example. I loved every picture in this post and definitely learnt why one should visit this museum
I'm happy to read that! It's a really great museum, and even for those who don't regularly visit museums, I'm certain you will enjoy this one.
Reading this makes me sad I missed this while in London last year! Our hotel was down the street and we walked past it many times, but never went in. I had no idea it was free! Given the admission costs to all the other places we have gone to, I figured this was the same. Saving it for next time!
No, it's free, unless you want to see some of the exhibitions. In fact, the same applies to all museums in London, so remember it for next time 🙂
I went to this Museum and I loved it. I liked their displays and I spent quite a lot of time there. I love fountains and gardens and whatnot so it was a good place for me . This was one of my faves.
I understand why! I loved my time there and recommend it to all travellers coming to London.
Wow the Victoria and Albert museum in London looks beautiful and very interesting and its coming from someone who in generally doesnt like strolling in museums! The library is incredible, a place I could imagine myself studying to become someone important!? Plus its for free! Perfect!
It's an amazing place, and good for families too! Yes, the library is mesmerising, more so in person.
I really love what is written in the bag: Better it is to get wisdom than gold. It´s exactly this. And this museum seems like a great place to do this.
Absolutely! It's a lovely museum to visit.
Wow, I've been to London twice and never heard of the Victoria and Albert Museum! Can't believe it. Especially since it's free lol! London is sooo expensive, I was scouring the city for free things to do. I will definitely keep this in mind for the next visit! Hopefully it's sunny so I can take some pictures by the water fountain 😛 I'd love to check out the library!
I hope it's sunny the next time you come back too! Yes, London's expensive, so the V&A is a good place to make the most of your time 🙂
What a nice museum. I like that it also has the library piece added on. We are big fans of gardens and love strolling around admiring the beauty of it all. We are not big museum people admittedly but we usually give every museum a try.
Me neither usually, but this one is well worth visiting if in London, and it's free too 🙂
Museums are certainly one of the best ways to learn more about a country's history and culture. This museum seems to be no exception with the symbolic and historical artefacts and relics that promise to teach visitors more about the past.
You're spot on! It's an amazing museum, with plenty to see, do, and learn.
Beautiful photos, Lisa. It is possibly the best museum in London in my opinion. I love the collection they have on display especially the jewellery and antiques. I always tell friends and family who are visiting London, if they can only visit one museum in London, this should be it!
Thank you so much! And I completely agree with you too. I think this museum has gone straight to the top of my favourites in London 🙂
Wow, it looks stunning! Not too mention that it has free entry and Wi-Fi.
This is so convenient taken into consideration that London seems a little bit expensive.
Honestly, even if you had to pay it'd still be worth it for the architecture!
Exactly! And the best part is that you don't have to pay a thing 🙂 Really, education here is free, not to mention all the beautiful architecture and displays too.
I heard so many thing about it. I would love to go there one day. And great tips I need to say 🙂 When I go to London, I need to check your post again 🙂
Thanks Nives, glad you enjoyed it. And I hope you re-visit this blog for some London inspiration.
Don't forget the actual V and A cafe/restaurant. Service is like a canteen but the food is great , reasonably priced and the actual dining rooms are beautiful themselves. We always say 'Oh exhibition on at the V and A. Great a nice lunch then.'
That's a fantastic tip Philippa! I didn't get to try the restaurant on my visit, but will definitely make a point of returning
I am not a museum fan but this looks interesting! Since it is also free and conveniently located, I do not mind a visit! I feel the same about museum gift shops as you do, however, this looks different! Garden café at John Madjeski Garden is totally my kind of thing. I can chill here for hours and just indulge in people watching!
It's an amazing museum, and really worth the visit. The garden's a must see, especially when the sun's out, and yes, it's perfect for some people watching too 🙂
Oh! I missed that one when I was in London! It's incredible that such a place is free. I particularly loved the statues and the arches on your photos, and also the painted ceilings. But the museum also looks amazing from the outside! Thank you for sharing your experience about this place.
Ah shame, you need to come back and see it if you return to London! Thanks for your feedback 🙂
Very nice museum! But the library is what got me. It's so huge and "classical," like the library in the Beast's castle.
Yes, the library's incredible. My mouth dropped when I walked inside! A real beauty.
I didn't have time to visit any museums when I went to London a few years ago. I was only there for like a day. I would love to go back to visit Victoria and Albert Museum. I didn't know much about it before and certainly not that it was the worlds biggest museum of decorative arts and design. Thank you for sharing.
You must! It's free to enter, and you won't waste any time there, I promise 😀
I visited the V&A Museum when I spent a summer in London and I loved it! I went for a specific exhibition (I think it was one about the history of bridal gowns) but I checked out many of the galleries. And yes, John Madjeski Garden is so breathtaking. I remember buying a scone with jam and clotted cream and eating at a table while watching people mill about. You've definitely inspired me to make another visit when I'm in London next time!
That's wonderful to read Linda! I love the garden too, especially when the sun's shining - which is a rare thing in London sadly.
I absolutely love this post. I actually live not far from this museum and haven't ever been! There are so many amazing museums in London, I get overwhelmed at which to go to. I have added this to my list and will go next week. Thanks so much for sharing!
No way! You really need to visit, as there's so much to see, and it's free too 😀
Truly, this is the museum that I would love to amble around. With what you've written here, indeed it's enough reason to traipse my feet here. I love the view of the museum as it gives me another perspective to reflect. The stunning arts that are feelingt hanging almost everywhere is truly the best.
Yes, it's actually a Chihule glass work of art! And the rest of the building is impressive too.
Wow! This sounds and looks amazing! There is like everything to see inside of this museum!
It's an incredible museum, and really special inside.
Always nice to explore some English history, and from your pictures this museum does wonders. I especially love the Chihuly in the entryway (I think he must be everywhere by now). Another stylish post, thank you!
You're so welcome! And thanks for informing me of the artist too, I actually didn't know who it was, but I love it.
Such a beautiful place to visit. It is always good to read posts that describe some specific areas in an particular city. Your description is very detailed and information is very useful.
Thanks for your lovely comments, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
The dimensions of the museum is truly mind-boggling. I had no idea that Victoria and Albert Museum housed so many artifacts, and across so many different genres. It is amazing that entry is free, something to be replicated by other museums perhaps.
The good thing in London is that all museums are free! Actually you just have to pay for the specific exhibitions.
You had me at free admission lol! That place looks crazy I can't believe I didn't know about it when I went to London!
No worries, if you ever come back, it'll still be here!
I have been to the Victoria and Albert, but it was several years ago and this post made me want to go back. I didn't get to visit the John Madjeski Garden so I'd like to try that. The lobby is really fabulous. And I agree that the gift shop is excellent.
The garden is really the highlight for me, especially if you visit when the sun's shining too 😀
Wow! I am not a big museum-goer, but this one sounds fascinating! And that library...just wow. I would be in heaven in there.
It's a lovely place, and really worth visiting.
There is so much to do in London that we've actually never made it to this museum the few times we've been in the city! But I think you've convinced us, it looks worth it for the architecture alone!
Don't worry, it's not going anywhere, and it's really worth a visit 🙂