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A school trip to the Science Museum in London can bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics to life. Pupils can explore space travel, electricity, forces, medicine, computing and STEM careers through real objects and interactive exhibits. Here are 17 things teachers need to know before arranging a visit.

Last updated: 23 August 2026. Activities, prices and availability can change, so check the Science Museum website before booking.

1. Why should schools visit the Science Museum?

The Science Museum allows pupils to see how classroom science connects with inventions, careers and everyday life. It can support lessons in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computing, engineering, design technology and the history of science.

The museum is especially useful for pupils who learn better through objects, demonstrations and practical experiences.

2. Where is the Science Museum?

The Science Museum is on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD. It is close to the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The nearest Underground station is South Kensington, which is approximately five minutes away on foot. Gloucester Road station is around 15 minutes away.

3. What are the Science Museum’s opening times?

The museum is normally open every day from 10.00am until 6.00pm, with last entry at 5.15pm. Galleries begin closing approximately 30 minutes before the museum closes.

The museum closes from 24 to 26 December. Schools should check the current Science Museum opening times because individual galleries can sometimes be closed.

4. Is a school trip to the Science Museum free?

General admission and the museum’s main object galleries are free. This makes the Science Museum a relatively affordable London school trip, although schools will still need to pay for transport and any selected premium activities.

Wonderlab, Power Up and educational IMAX films may have separate charges or booking arrangements. School groups can receive free or discounted access to some activities at particular times.

5. Do school groups need to book?

Yes. The museum asks all organised groups to book in advance, even when only visiting the free galleries. Booking guarantees admission and allows the museum to send teachers important information about their visit.

Teachers can check availability, arrange activities and build an itinerary through the official Science Museum group booking portal.

6. How long should a school visit last?

The museum suggests that an average visit lasts about two hours, but school groups may need longer. Around three to four hours provides time for two or three galleries, a booked activity and lunch without making the day feel rushed.

Avoid trying to visit the entire museum. Pupils will usually remember more if the trip concentrates on a few carefully chosen areas.

7. How many adults must accompany the group?

The required adult-to-child ratios are one adult for every four children aged five and under, one to eight for ages five to 11, one to ten for ages 11 to 16 and one to 30 for ages 16 to 18.

Accompanying adults must be aged 19 or over. Adults are expected to remain with their pupils throughout the visit, including during an evacuation.

8. Which free galleries are best for school groups?

The Space gallery is an obvious choice for lessons about space travel, satellites, rockets and the history of exploration. Other useful areas cover medicine, mathematics, engineering, communication, flight and the development of modern technology.

Choose galleries that connect with topics pupils are studying. Teachers can download a museum map and decide on a simple route before the visit.

9. Is Wonderlab worth including?

Wonderlab contains more than 50 interactive exhibits covering forces, electricity, light, sound, matter, space and mathematics. Pupils can also see live experiments, demonstrations and the large Tesla coil.

KS2 and KS3 school groups can visit Wonderlab free on selected term-time weekdays. Sessions last approximately 60 minutes and have a maximum of 35 people per entry slot. Availability is limited, so check the Wonderlab school calendar and book early.

10. What is the Technicians gallery?

Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery introduces pupils to practical STEM careers. Interactive exhibits allow them to try tasks connected with medicine, manufacturing, renewable energy and film production.

The gallery is free and suitable for KS2, KS3 and KS4. KS3 and KS4 groups may also be able to book a free Careers Uncovered session on selected dates. This can help schools connect curriculum learning with the Gatsby Benchmarks and future careers.

11. Can schools book an IMAX film?

The museum’s IMAX cinema shows educational films about subjects including space, oceans, dinosaurs, Antarctica and the natural world. Most are suitable for KS2 and above, although some are suitable for younger pupils.

IMAX films are charged activities and are shown on selected dates. Groups should arrive at the cinema at least ten minutes before the time printed on their tickets. Check the current educational IMAX programme before booking.

12. How can the visit support the curriculum?

Begin with one or two clear learning aims. A Year 7 group might investigate forces and electricity in Wonderlab, while GCSE pupils could examine engineering, medical technology or STEM careers.

A short question sheet, object hunt or photography task can provide focus. Keep it manageable so pupils still have time to observe, discuss and enjoy the exhibits.

13. How should pupils prepare for the visit?

Explain the purpose of the trip before leaving school. Show pupils the museum map, introduce the galleries they will visit and discuss the behaviour expected in a busy public building.

Give each pupil a meeting point and explain what to do if separated from the group. They should approach a uniformed member of museum staff rather than attempting to find the group alone.

14. What happens when a school group arrives?

The confirmation email contains the group’s e-ticket. This is scanned at the group entrance and also acts as the ticket for any pre-booked activities.

The weekday group entrance is normally open from 10.00am until 5.00pm. Teachers should have the booking confirmation ready, know the exact number of pupils and adults present and keep a register easily accessible.

15. Where can pupils eat lunch?

Schools can bring packed lunches, but lunch areas cannot be reserved. Available spaces include the picnic terrace on Level -1 and seating near the Technicians gallery on Level 1.

Picnic areas are shared with other visitors and can become busy. Packed lunches cannot be eaten in the museum cafés. Teachers should plan a flexible lunch time and ensure that all rubbish is cleared away.

16. How should schools plan travel and safety?

South Kensington Underground station is served by the Circle, District and Piccadilly lines. Schools travelling by public transport may be eligible for Transport for London’s School Party Travel scheme.

Coaches can drop off and collect groups on Exhibition Road, but drivers must park elsewhere. Teachers must complete their own risk assessment. The museum provides official risk-assessment guidance and a hazard identification sheet to help with planning.

17. How accessible is the Science Museum?

The museum provides accessible toilets, a Changing Places toilet, lifts, wheelchairs, folding stools, sensory maps, visual stories and ear defenders. Quiet spaces are also available, and weekday afternoons during term time are generally less busy.

Some galleries and demonstrations may include loud noises, flashing lights, allergens or magnets. Contact the museum in advance if a pupil has particular medical, sensory or mobility needs. Full information is available on the Science Museum accessibility page.

A school trip to the Science Museum works best when it has a clear focus, a realistic timetable and plenty of time for pupils to explore. Teachers can view the current education programme and book a school group visit online.