Museums, galleries and libraries

Museums, galleries and libraries

Immerse yourself in other worlds and cultures, become an expert for a day on the Egyptians or vintage aeroplanes, and stare amazed at art exhibitions the world comes to see. Museums and art galleries in England take you to faraway places. You get to peek into distant lives by travelling just a few footsteps. At the last count there were around 1,600 museums in England, catering to almost every interest you can imagine. Many of them are housed in buildings as impressive as the collections within.

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Discover the mystery of the Rosetta Stone

Visit the British Museum for free and see the famous Rosetta Stone. Dating back to ancient Egypt, the stone was key in the deciphering of hieroglyphs.

Location: London, Greater London

 

Learn about Jack the Ripper at City of London Police Museum

This museum offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the men, women and animals who have guarded the City since 1839.

Location: London, Greater London

 

See where Richard III's remains were discovered

The ‘Richard III: Leicester’s Search for a King’ exhibition is a must-see for history fans and provides an opportunity to learn more about the King’s life and death.

Location: Leicester, Leicestershire

 

Rainy Day Activities: Explore history at Winchester’s Military Museums

Broaden your knowledge of the British Army and the various battles fought throughout history at Winchester’s six Military Museums.

Location: Winchester, Hampshire

 

Visit Europe's largest library

The Library of Birmingham houses a million printed volumes, the largest number held by any public library in the UK.

Location: Birmingham, West Midlands

 

Rainy Day Activities: Discover military history at The Royal Armouries

Britain’s national museum of arms and armour is home to a fascinating and unique collection, including the only existing suit of armour built for an elephant.

Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire

 

Rainy Day Activities: See famous works in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum

With numerous famous artworks and historical artefacts on display, the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum is a must-see indoor attraction in the heart of Exeter.

Location: Exeter, Devon

 

Walk in Roman footsteps at Arbeia Roman Fort

Britain’s biggest and best reconstruction of a Roman fort is the perfect place to immerse yourself in an ancient way of life.

Location: South Shields, South Tyneside

 

Rainy Day Activities: Visit the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford

All the great civilizations of the world are represented in the Ashmolean Museum’s collections; escape the rain for a whole day, or pop in for five minutes for a quick browse.

Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire

 

Discover Charles Dickens’ Broadstairs

Go to the quaint part of Kent that was inspiration to novelist Charles Dickens and drew him to return time and time again.

Location: Broadstairs, Kent

 

Rainy Day Activities: Sunderland Museum

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens is a great place for the whole family to spend the day – and it’s free.

Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear

 

Investigate the origins of Sherlock Holmes at Portsmouth Museum

Discover more about the creator of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes at Portsmouth Museum.

Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire

 

Uncover London’s industrial heritage at The Brunel Museum

Discover how the world's first underwater tunnel was built on a visit to the Brunel Museum.

Location: London, Greater London

 

Saxon Heritage at Sutton Hoo

See one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time at Sutton Hoo.

Location: Woodbridge, Suffolk

 

Barnard Castle in the Durham Dales

A walking architectural history lesson.

Location: Barnard Castle, Durham Dales

 

Imperial War Museum North

Get an insight into the wars and conflicts that have shaped both England and the world at the Imperial War Museum North.

Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester

 

Take your pick from Liverpool’s rich cultural gems

Liverpool is a thriving capital of culture with museums and galleries for every taste, many of which are free to explore. Dip in and emerge inspired.

Location: Liverpool, Merseyside

 

Rainy Day Activities: Explore Earth and space at Liverpool’s World Museum

Need ideas on things to do when it rains? Visit one of North West England’s oldest museums and get a hands-on look at our planet from the oceans to the stars.

Location: Liverpool, Merseyside

 

Rainy Day Activities: Get spooked at Tudor World

Delve into Tudor life with a series of rainy day activities at this interactive indoor museum, found in one of England's most haunted buildings.

Location: Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire

 

Rainy Day Activities: Explore Oxford's Museum of Natural History

Delve into Oxford University’s scientific archives, housed inside one of the city's most beautiful neo-Gothic buildings.

Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire

 

Explore the magnificent ruins of Kirkstall Abbey

This atmospheric 12th-century abbey is one of the most complete Cistercian monasteries in Britain, surrounded by tranquil tree-filled parkland.

Location: Leeds, Yorkshire

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