Visiting the Natural History Museum gardens with children: everything you need to know
After an extensive period of renovation, the Natural History Museum gardens have reopened to the public, unveiling a transformed outdoor space that will quickly become a destination in its own right. These rejuvenated gardens now offer a captivating experience for visitors of all ages, whether they’re planning to explore the museum’s indoor exhibits or simply enjoy a day out in nature.
Families seeking a unique outdoor adventure in the heart of London will find the newly designed gardens an ideal spot. With their blend of prehistoric journey, modern conservation, and interactive elements, these gardens provide an educational and entertaining experience that stands apart from the museum itself.
This blog post aims to equip you with everything you need to know about visiting the Natural History Museum gardens with children. We’ll cover essential information such as the gardens’ location, what to expect during your visit, highlights for kids, practical tips for families, and how to make the most of your time there. Whether you’re a local looking for a new family-friendly spot or a tourist planning your London itinerary, this guide will help you prepare for an enriching day out in these remarkable gardens.
The Natural History Museum gardens: the essentials
What are the Natural History Museum gardens?
The Natural History Museum gardens are an outdoor space adjacent to the Natural History Museum in London that offer a unique journey through time and nature. These gardens combine beautiful green spaces with educational experiences, allowing visitors to explore the story of life on Earth from prehistoric times to the present day.
The gardens are split into two main areas:
- The Evolution Garden – designed as an evolutionary timeline, taking visitors on a chronological journey starting from the age of dinosaurs and progressing through evolutionary history; and
- The Nature Discovery Garden – a present-day habitat, demonstrating how nature can thrive in urban environments. The gardens include diverse ecosystems such as grassland, wetland, and woodland areas, each showcasing different plant and animal species adapted to these environments.
Where are the Natural History Museum gardens?
The Natural History Museum gardens are located at the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, London. They surround the iconic museum building, providing a green oasis in the heart of this bustling urban area.
The gardens can be found on the southern side of the museum, adjacent to Cromwell Road.
These outdoor spaces seamlessly integrate with the museum grounds, making them easy to explore as part of your museum visit or as a standalone visit. They’re situated in a prime location, close to other notable institutions like the Science Museum and the V&A Museum, forming part of London’s famous museum quarter.
How much does it cost to go in the Natural History Museum gardens?
Entrance to the Natural History Museum gardens is free.
Do you need tickets for the Natural History Museum gardens?
You do not need to book tickets in order to enter the Natural History Museum gardens, just stroll in.
When are the Natural History Museums gardens open?
The revamped Natural History Museum gardens are open daily from 18 July 2024 (Closed 24-26 December).
The Evolution Garden will be open 10.00-17.50.
The Nature Discovery Garden is open only during daylight hours.
Getting to the Natural History Museum gardens
What is the nearest tube to the Natural History Museum gardens?
The gardens’ central location makes them easily accessible by various forms of public transport.
The nearest Tube station to the Natural History Museum gardens is South Kensington (District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines).
Several bus routes also stop nearby.
How do you get into the Natural History Museum gardens?
Visitors can access them directly from the street or through the museum itself. The main entrance to the gardens is at the junction of Cromwell Road and Exhibition Road. This takes you directly into the Evolution Garden. Alternatively you can enter the Evolution Garden from the South Kensington subway tunnel that leads from South Kensington tube station direct to many of the museums.
You can enter the Nature Discovery Garden from an entrance on Queen’s Gate or you can walk through from the Evolution Garden.
Do I have to queue for the Natural History Museum gardens?
Unless you arrive before they open, there is no need to queue for the gardens. Although you may need to queue to enter the Natural History Museum itself.
At the Natural History Museum gardens
What is there to see at the Natural History Museum gardens?
Evolution Garden
As you enter the Evolution Garden from the museum subway tunnel, you are immediately transported back in time by an awe-inspiring canyon clad in ancient stone from Scotland. This marks the beginning of the Evolution Timeline, which showcases an impressive 2.7 billion years of Earth’s history.
Moving through the garden, you’ll encounter an immersive timeline featuring a diverse array of plants and rocks from different geological periods across the UK. Information boards with raised elements (footprints, creatures etc) help bring the story of Earth’s evolution to life in a tangible, interactive way that children will find captivating.
One of the highlights for young visitors is undoubtedly the bronze dinosaur sculptures. As you emerge from the canyon, you will be greeted by the graceful gaze of Fern, a magnificent dinosaur statue cast in bronze from ‘Dippy’, the Diplodocus who stood in the Natural History Museum’s Hintze Hall for many years. Nearby, stands a second bronze dinosaur – a Hypsilophodon, which was native to the UK. These life-like sculptures offer children a chance to get up close to prehistoric creatures, sparking their imagination and curiosity about the distant past.
Throughout the gardens, you’ll find gleaming representations of reptiles, birds, and mammals, further illustrating the diversity of life that has evolved over millions of years. These models provide excellent opportunities for children to learn about different animal groups and their place in evolutionary history.
Exploring the Nature Discovery Garden is immersive and sensory. One of the most exciting features is the accessible sunken pathway that winds between ponds. These water features have already attracted a variety of wildlife, including frogs, newts, dragonflies, and even mandarin ducks.
Beyond education, the gardens also promote contemplation about the future relationship between humans and nature, emphasising the importance of creating spaces where both can coexist and thrive. This outdoor space offers families an opportunity to extend their Natural History Museum visit, providing a unique blend of historical exploration and modern conservation awareness.
What facilities are there for children at the Natural History Museum gardens?
An accessible Changing Places toilet is located next to the Nature Activity Centre. Check the map here.
The Garden Kitchen, opening later this year, will also provide a welcome cafe break.
The gardens are designed not just for education, but also for relaxation. Benches nestle throughout the landscape, encouraging visitors to take a moment to sit, observe, and absorb their surroundings. This can be particularly helpful for families who need a quiet moment during their visit.
More facilities are located inside the Natural History Museum itself.
How long can you spend at the Natural History Museum gardens?
How long you spend in the Natural History Gardens will depend on your children, their ages and their interest in all of the information presented on various boards. Whatever their age and interests, you should probably allow for at least half an hour to fully take in the gardens.
Can you eat in the Natural History Museum gardens?
Yes. Bring a packed lunch, select a bench and have lunch with a dinosaur!
TOP TIPS for visiting the Natural History Museum gardens
- Make sure to look down, through things, in things, etc! The gardens are designed for interaction. Listen to the noise of trees and the sound of life below the pond’s surface.
- Challenge your kids to find the small furry animal pictured below (HINT, if you’re facing Fern the Diplodocus, take the path round to the right and it will be on a rock on your right hand side).
Is there a question you have about visiting the Natural History Museum gardens that we haven’t answered here? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to address it.