London: Natural History Museum Tour

Opting for an unforgettable journey through time, this guided tour of London's Natural History Museum unveils over 80 million specimens, each with a captivating tale to tell.

Discover the fascinating wonders of the Natural History Museum in London on a 2.5-hour guided tour. Explore over 80 million specimens, from captivating Iguanodon fossils to the iconic dodo skeleton, each telling a unique story. With flexible booking options and professional guides, this tour offers an unforgettable experience. Delve deeper into the museum’s rich history and uncover the secrets behind its most intriguing exhibits. Prepare to be amazed as you step into the world of natural history.

Key Points

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  • The Natural History Museum in London offers a 2.5-hour guided tour with prices starting from $103.80 per person and potential savings of up to 10%.
  • The tour highlights the museum’s impressive collection of over 80 million specimens, including Iguanodon fossils, Pompeii casts, and the dodo skeleton.
  • Visitors can see the first edition of Charles Darwin’s "On the Origin of Species" and other unique treasures, such as the Archaeopteryx and the Cursed Amethyst.
  • The tour provides insights into the Iguanodon’s diet and evolution, as well as the fragility of life and extinction, as seen through the Pompeii casts and the dodo skeleton.
  • The tour is led by highly-rated professional guides who enhance the experience with their knowledge, passion, and ability to simplify complex topics.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

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The Natural History Museum tour offers visitors a chance to experience London’s renowned institution.

This 2.5-hour guided tour provides an in-depth exploration of the museum’s vast collection. Prices start from $103.80 per person, with potential savings of up to 10%.

The tour is available daily, with both private and small group options accommodating up to 8 guests. Booking is flexible, allowing guests to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Natural History Museum tour offers flexible booking, with private and small group options for up to 8 guests and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

This comprehensive experience promises an engaging and educational journey through the museum’s rich natural history.

Museum Highlights and Exhibits

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What awaits visitors to the Natural History Museum is a vast and captivating collection of over 80 million specimens. Among the highlights are fossils of the Iguanodon, the haunting casts from Pompeii, and the skeleton of the iconic dodo. Guests can also view the first edition of Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking "On the Origin of Species". More unique treasures include the rare Archaeopteryx, the Cursed Amethyst, and a slice from a Giant Sequoia tree. As an added bonus, the museum explores how some ancient civilizations used human skulls as drinking glasses.

| Fossil | Cast | Skeleton |

| — | — | — |

| Iguanodon teeth | Pompeii | Dodo |

| First Edition | Rare | Unique |

| "On the Origin of Species" | Archaeopteryx | Giant Sequoia |

| Cursed Amethyst | Human Skulls | |

Iguanodon Teeth Fossils

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Among the highlights of the Natural History Museum’s impressive collection are the fossils of the Iguanodon.

These plant-eating dinosaurs, which roamed the Earth over 130 million years ago, are known for their distinctive teeth.

The museum’s Iguanodon specimens feature fossilized teeth that are large, flat, and serrated – perfect for grinding up tough plant matter.

Visitors can marvel at the incredible preservation of these ancient teeth, which provide a window into the diets and evolution of these iconic prehistoric creatures.

The Iguanodon fossils are a must-see for any dinosaur enthusiast exploring the museum.

Pompeii Casts and Dodo Skeleton

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Alongside the Iguanodon teeth fossils, the Natural History Museum’s collection also showcases the eerie Pompeii casts and the complete skeleton of the long-extinct dodo.

The Pompeii casts, created by filling the voids left by decomposed bodies, offer a chilling glimpse into the final moments of the Roman city’s residents. Visitors can marvel at the level of detail preserved, from the victims’ facial expressions to the intricate folds of their clothing.

The dodo skeleton, a rare and iconic specimen, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact of human activity on the natural world.

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"On the Origin of Species" and Rare Specimens

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The Natural History Museum’s collection boasts the first edition of Charles Darwin’s seminal work, "On the Origin of Species," a groundbreaking text that revolutionized scientific understanding of evolution.

Visitors can also marvel at the museum’s rare specimens, including the Archaeopteryx fossil, the Cursed Amethyst, and a slice of the Giant Sequoia tree.

These priceless artifacts offer a glimpse into the evolution of life on Earth and the mysteries of the natural world.

Exploring these exhibits provides an engaging and educational experience for all who visit the museum.

Human Skull Drinking Glasses

One of the more intriguing exhibits at the Natural History Museum showcases the use of human skulls as drinking glasses by ancient civilizations.

Visitors can learn about the various cultures that practiced this unusual custom, including:

  • Pazyryk culture of Siberia

  • Maya civilization of Mesoamerica

  • Aztec Empire of Central Mexico

  • Chukchi people of the Russian Far East

  • Wari Empire of ancient Peru

These skull cups were often elaborately decorated and used for ceremonial purposes, offering a glimpse into the beliefs and practices of these societies.

The museum’s display provides a thought-provoking exploration of this little-known aspect of human history.

Tour Guide Experience and Reviews

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What enhances the Natural History Museum tour experience are the museum’s professional guides.

Reviewers praise guide Sacha as calm, knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate. Ivo’s tours are well-researched, engaging, and adept at balancing diverse audience needs.

With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 73 reviews, the tour guides excel at simplifying complex topics. Customers emphasize the guides’ professionalism, which elevates the museum experience.

The tour guides excel at simplifying complex topics, and their professionalism elevates the museum experience according to a 4.9/5 rating from 73 reviews.

Whether interested in fossils, anthropology, or evolutionary science, the knowledgeable guides make the Natural History Museum tour an engaging and informative exploration of the museum’s vast collection.

Important Information and Restrictions

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Visitors should take note of a few important details before embarking on the Natural History Museum tour.

First, the meeting point varies depending on the tour option selected. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, though wheelchair tours are available upon request as private tours.

Guests must bring a valid passport or ID, and large bags aren’t permitted. The tour involves some walking, so appropriate dress is required for entry.

Finally, a minimum of two guests is needed for group tours, and museums may close without notice, in which case alternative arrangements will be provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Museum?

Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, but visitors are advised to check any specific restrictions or rules on photography before their visit. Some exhibits may have limited or no photography permitted.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Visitors generally can’t bring their own food and drinks into the Natural History Museum. There are cafes and restaurants within the museum where guests can purchase refreshments, but outside food and beverages are typically not allowed.

Are There Any Audio Guides Available for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t provide audio guides, but guests can request them. The knowledgeable guides provide an engaging experience, so audio guides aren’t necessary. Guests are welcome to explore the museum on their own after the guided tour.

How Accessible Is the Museum for Visitors With Disabilities?

The museum offers wheelchair tours on request, but the regular tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Some accessibility options are available, though visitors with disabilities may need to book a private tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children of All Ages?

The tour is suitable for older children who can engage with the complex topics. It’s not recommended for young children as there’s extensive walking and the content may be too advanced for them to fully appreciate.

The Sum Up

The Natural History Museum‘s captivating 2.5-hour guided tour offers visitors a unique glimpse into the wonders of the natural world. From the iconic Iguanodon fossils to the haunting Pompeii casts and the legendary dodo skeleton, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for both private and small groups. With flexible booking options and professional guides, this tour is a must-visit for anyone seeking to explore the museum’s vast collection of over 80 million specimens.

You can check availability for your dates here: