When London rain sets in, I head to South Kensington. Two of the city's great museums stand almost side by side on Cromwell Road, both free to enter, and you can reach them without getting wet: a pedestrian tunnel runs from South Kensington station straight to their doors.
The V&A
Walk in through the main entrance and look up. The rotunda holds a huge chandelier of twisted blue and green glass by the American artist Dale Chihuly, and it is the best free welcome of any museum I know. From there the V&A spreads out into galleries of fashion, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics and furniture. You will not see it all in one visit, so pick two or three galleries and enjoy them properly. Entry to the permanent collection is free; only some special exhibitions charge.
The Chihuly chandelier in the V&A entrance rotunda
The Natural History Museum
Next door, the Natural History Museum is a cathedral for nature. The central Hintze Hall, with its Romanesque arches and painted ceiling, fills up quickly, especially on wet weekends and in school holidays, so come at opening time if you want space. The permanent galleries are free, but booking a free timed ticket on the museum's website is the safest way in at busy times.
Hintze Hall at the Natural History Museum on a busy day
Tips
- Check the current opening hours on each museum's own website before you go. Both open at 10 am.
- The pedestrian tunnel from South Kensington station is signed for the museums and keeps you dry.
- If you have energy left, the Science Museum is across Exhibition Road and also free.
I keep the opening hours, free entry and nearest stations for London's museums on my free London museums map, which is handy if the rain lasts longer than planned.
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