From the Natural History Museum to Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry, the UK has some of the best science museum exhibitions in the world.
Whether you’re planning a school trip or you’re a self-confessed science geek, visiting a science museum can be a very rewarding experience – whatever your age. Many of the best museums have interactive exhibits and games that are both educational and entertaining.
Not only are they the perfect way to get little ones excited about science, but these kinds of attractions can also kindle a passion for the subject across the generations. After all, learning about different scientific concepts and principles is a lot more enjoyable when you’re able to get hands-on.
With this in mind, here’s our summary of what we believe are some of the best science museum exhibitions in the UK.
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What is the biggest science museum in the world?
The biggest science museum in the world isn’t actually in the UK. It’s the Deutsches Museum in Munich, Germany. Situated on a small island in the Isar River, it’s officially known as the German Museum of Masterpieces of Science and Technology.
Originally founded in 1903 (it was later reformed after World War II), the Deutsches Museum has a huge collection of exhibits covering 50 scientific fields. In fact, it’s so large that it can take you around eight days to explore all of its fascinating facilities.
Whether you’re interested in general science or more specialist scientific disciplines, there’s a variety of interesting exhibits to discover. These include aerospace engineering, archaeology, palaeontology, civil engineering, mining, amateur radio, and even textiles.
As you might expect from the world’s biggest science museum, the Deutsches Museum offers a great range of high-tech multimedia tours and interactive games. Visitors even have the chance to become a scientist for a day and perform liquid nitrogen and DNA extraction experiments!
UK Science Museums
Science Museum, Kensington, London
It might not be as big as the Deutsches Museum, but London’s Science Museum also puts on some great themed exhibitions. The science fiction exhibit, for example, features authentic objects from famous science fiction movies and TV series – a must-see for any sci-fi enthusiast.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of fun and immersive experiences such as flying simulators and documentary screenings in the museum’s state-of-the-art IMAX 3D cinema. Other highlights include interactive galleries, which allow you to play games and solve science and engineering problems. 
- Duration of 2-3 hours – you can tour the entire museum in a few hours but if you want a more in-depth and immersive experience, you’re free to stay a bit longer
- Guided tour available – if you’re visiting in a group, you might want to book a guided tour to get the most out of your visit. Guided tours must be booked in advance via the website
- Admission and London passes – general admission is free (you can book a free ticket online here) but you may need to pay for entry into specific exhibits. If you’ve bought a London Pass®, simply show your ticket to watch 3D documentary films in the IMAX theatre for free.
Top-rated science museum exhibit
Currently, the museum’s top-rated exhibit is the science fiction exhibit. It includes galleries featuring movie props, immersive simulations, games, and a variety of activities. The exhibition is open until 4th May 2023.
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), Manchester
The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester focuses on the history and development of science, technology, and industry in the city.
Exhibits include vehicles such as locomotives, electricity systems, and gas engines. The museum is historically important because it’s located on the site of Manchester Liverpool Road – the oldest surviving passenger railway station.
- Free entry – it’s free to enter the museum, although you may want to make a voluntary donation
- Interactive gaming experience – younger generations may want to participate in the Power Up special event. Held on Saturdays and Sundays (and every day during school holidays), it allows you to play a range of the best video games from the last 50 years
- Revolution exhibition – this focuses on the development of machines and innovators throughout the history of the city and the industrial revolution
- Guided tours available – you can also book guided tours in advance, which is particularly useful if you’re visiting in a group.
Top-rated science & industry exhibit
With Manchester at the forefront of the industrial revolution, it’s no surprise that the industrial exhibit is the museum’s top-rated exhibit. Featuring galleries of machines, including locomotives, it’s a must-see for anyone interested in the UK’s industrial roots or Manchester’s history.
Natural History Museum, London
London’s Natural History Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world. Founded in 1881, it’s also one of the world’s oldest natural museums.
The Natural History Museum has more than 80 million specimens from around the world in the fields of botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology. As a centre of research in taxonomy, it specialises in the identification and conservation of species.
- Guided tour – open daily from 10.00-17.50, the museum is a popular attraction for individuals, families and schools. Entry is free but if you want to arrange a guided tour, you’ll need to book in advance
- Science exhibitions – its more than 80 million specimens cover the five specialised scientific fields of botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology
- Two hours of exhibitions – it takes around two hours to view the major exhibits, but many people choose to stay longer than this
- 4.6 million years of history – the museum features fossilised remains and models that cover millions of years of natural history.
Top-rated natural history exhibit
Unsurprisingly, the top-rated attraction at the museum is the famous dinosaur and fossil exhibit, which is a particularly big hit with children and families. Andy’s clock (as featured in the CBeebies TV show Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures) is also worth a visit if you’ve got little ones. Other top-rated exhibits include the museum’s Charles Darwin collections.
