Essential information for schools

Children taking part in a science workshop

All schools are required to book their visits to our Museum in advance. School visits are only available during term time. Bookings are currently available up to July 2024.

All bookings must be made at least two weeks in advance.

The Museum is open 10.00 to 17.50.

There are two types of visit available:

Show and workshop timings are listed on their dedicated pages linked above. Workshops and shows cost £3 per pupil. The Spirit Collection Tour is £45 per tour.

Bookings for workshops and shows must be for a minimum of 15 pupils.

Booking a self-guided visit only

If you'd like to book a self-guided visit without a paid workshop, show or tour, please complete the booking form.

Please note that we are fully booked for self-guided visits in March.

Booking a visit with paid show, workshop or tour

If you would like to make a paid booking please phone the Bookings team on 020 7942 5000. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 09.00-17.00.

Bookings must  be made at least two weeks in advance.

Booking Policy

Please be aware that any paid learning sessions for school visits must now be paid by card in full at the time of booking. We no longer accept BACS payments.

When you call us to book, we’ll ask you for the following information:

  • Card details for payment
  • Date and time of your visit
  • Number of pupils and adults
  • Address and postcode of your school, plus the country if it’s not in the UK
  • Name of group leader
  • Age range of students

Home Educator groups

Home Educator groups are welcome to visit us at the Museum. Please see our Home Educator page for further information.

Before your visit

We recommend you come for a preliminary visit to plan what you will see and do on the day.

Eating

A lunch space for the indoor picnic area can be reserved when you book. These are for 30 minutes at a set time between 11.00 and 13.30. This is subject to availability.

You can bring your own food or buy sandwiches, soft drinks, tea, and coffee from our cafes.

Supervision guidelines

The behaviour of pupils at the Museum is the responsibility of teachers and adult supervisors. All children aged 14 and under visiting with their school must be accompanied by an adult at all times when visiting the Museum.

Your group must meet the minimum adult to pupil ratio for your Key Stage.

When you visit the Museum, please divide your group into these numbers. This will help you avoid congestion, keep a safe distance from other visitors, and not overcrowd the Museum facilities:

Key stage

Minimum

Recommended

Foundation Stage

1:6

1:4

Key Stage 1

1:8

1:5

Key Stage 2

1:10

1:8

Key Stage 3

1:10

1:10

Key Stage 4

1:15

1:10

Post-16

1 adult per booking

1:10

If the behaviour of anyone in a school group adversely affects the safety or enjoyment of other students or staff, we may require the school group to leave.

Behavioural code of conduct for schools

Respecting the space in which you are visiting is vital for the preservation and longevity of our collection, for ensuring the comfort and enjoyment of all visitors here and for ensuring your own safety.

We ask teachers to remind their pupils of the following before their visit:

  • Please follow any instructions provided by Museum staff
  • Please treat the Museum’s staff, spaces and specimens with care and respect
  • Please walk, do not run
  • Please respect others enjoying their visit
  • Please dispose of litter in the bins provided
  • Please always stay with your group

In making your booking with the Natural History Museum, you agree that your group will abide by this code. Please ensure all accompanying adults are aware of the code and that children are well supervised throughout their visit.

Risk assessment

Activities for schools are designed with full consideration of the risks involved. We have updated our risk assessment (PDF 113KB) recently to help teachers plan a visit from September 2021.

Payment and cancellations

Please read our payment and cancellation conditions for charged-for school activities.

If you have booked a school activity and need to cancel, contact our school bookings team. They will provide a confirmation email.

On the day of your visit

Parking for coaches

There are a limited number of stopping spaces for coaches in two locations - Queen's Gate and Cromwell Road. Coaches can stop for a maximum of 15 minutes to drop off and collect passengers.

We kindly remind coach parties and drivers that leaving an engine idling when stationary is an offence and may be subject to a fine by the local council. Out of respect for our neighbours and to reduce the carbon footprint in our surrounding area, please help us avoid any unnecessary pollution.

Where to go when you arrive

All school groups should use the entrance on Exhibition Road. (Visit the Getting here page to see its location.)

A staff member can direct you to School Reception on the lower ground floor of the Green Zone, where you can check in and use the toilet facilities.

Cloakroom spaces are very limited and cannot be guaranteed. Our team will always do their best to accommodate groups, but we would strongly recommend bringing as little as possible with you in case capacity is full.

If you have booked an activity, please allow sufficient time (at least 20 minutes) to register and get to the activity location.

Getting here

Gallery announcements

We sometimes need to close areas of the Museum for refurbishment. Check these updates before your visit.