Five people stand on a balcony at Hintze Hall overlooking Hope the blue whale

Museum Highlights Tour

Join us for an hour-long tour of our most iconic specimens, from the world’s most complete fossil stegosaur to an infamous gorilla, don’t miss your chance to get to know our best of the best. 

  • Human Evolution Gallery entrance in the Red Zone
  • Various dates and times
  • Adult: £15, Child: £12, Adult member: £12, Child member: £9.60

From the awe-inspiring blue whale skeleton suspended from our ceiling to the largest blue topaz gemstone of its kind, the specimens we care for are full of wonder.

Join one of our knowledgeable guides to explore our very best highlights.

This hour-long tour is a great opportunity to see our most popular objects. Starting with Sophie the most complete Stegosaurus fossil ever found, you’ll embark on a journey of discovery through our galleries. Along the way, you'll get to see everything from our beautiful cabinet full of hummingbirds in our Birds Gallery to spectacular specimens collected by Mary Anning in our Fossil Marine Reptiles Gallery.

No tour would be complete without a stop off in our magnificent Hintze Hall where there are an abundance of wonderful secrets for you to discover. From why our showstopping blue whale is named Hope to what the much-loved London resident Guy the Gorilla was gifted for his birthday, we’ll reveal all. Want to see all the best we have to offer then this is the tour for you.

Find out about the security measures we have in place.

Dates and times

April

  • Thursday 3, 11.00, 14.00
  • Sunday 6, 11.00, 14.00
  • Thursday 10, 10.30, 13.00, 15.00
  • Wednesday 16, 10.30, 13.00, 15.00
  • Wednesday 23, 10.30, 13.00, 15.00
  • Thursday 24, 11.00
  • Saturday 26, 11.00

May

  • Thursday 1, 11.00
  • Sunday 11, 11.00
  • Monday 12, 13.00
  • Tuesday 13, 11.00
  • Thursday 15, 11.00
  • Thursday 22, 11.00
  • Sunday 25, 11.00
  • Monday 26, 11.00, 13.00
  • Tuesday 27, 11.00

Accessibility information

  • This tour takes place on the Ground Floor, First Floor and Second Floor of our building. The route is fully wheelchair accessible using lifts.
  • If we’re experiencing high visitor numbers, we may give you headsets to wear, as the galleries are likely to be noisy.
  • Hearing loops are available. Let your guide know if you’d like to use a set.
  • Let your guide know if you’d like to use the available seating along the tour route.
  • The route covers a large area. We can provide you with a wheelchair or folding chair to carry if you email us at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk.
  • Guide dogs are welcome at the Museum and on this tour. Water for them is available on request.
  • There’s an accessible toilet on the Ground Floor of Hintze Hall at the back under the stairs. We also have a Changing Places toilet in our Blue Zone.
  • To request a free ticket for a carer or personal assistant accompanying an individual with a disability call us on +44(0)20 7942 5000 Monday to Friday, 09.00–17.00. Tickets are subject to availability.
  • If you’d like to discuss accessibility requirements or alternative approaches, email our Guided Tours Team at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk.

Visiting information

  • This tour runs during our public opening hours. Headsets may be provided if the Museum is experiencing peak visitor numbers. If you have any questions about the audio equipment email us at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk.
  • Make sure to arrive on time as the tour will start promptly at the stated time.
  • Your tour ticket grants you access to the Museum up to one hour before your scheduled tour. If you plan to arrive earlier, you may need to get a general admission ticket or join the walk-in queue.
  • Your tour guide will meet you outside the Human Evolution Gallery in the Red Zone. The location will be signposted.
  • The nearest entrance to the meeting point is our East Entrance on Exhibition Road.
  • All ages are welcome, but the content is recommended for ages 7+.
  • Entry to our paid exhibitions is not included in your tour ticket, these tickets must be bought separately.
  • You must bring an electronic or printed copy of your ticket, we are unable to accommodate additional guests on the day.
  • Tickets are non-refundable, and no refunds or exchanges will be given to latecomers.
  • Ticket price doesn’t include our cloakroom.
  • Ticket prices are subject to change.
  • We reserve the right to make any necessary changes to the event as required, such as adjusting the locations, timings or content of the activities. This is to ensure that we deliver a safe experience for guests at all times.
  • Got a question? Call us on +44 (0)20 7942 5000 Monday to Friday 09.30-17.30 or email us at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk.

Discount member tickets

Members can purchase discount tickets for this event. Please bring your membership card with you to the event. Not a member? Join today.

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