Conveniently situated on Cromwell Road a short walk from South Kensington station on the Piccadilly or Circle and District line, the Natural History Museum is an educational day out for all the family. Discover more about the world we live in, how earth was formed and what life on the planet was like before the existence of man.
From Pre-historic Dinosaurs to the Human Anatomy
Man has only known about the existence of dinosaurs for a little over a century, but in the Blue Zone visitors will learn how these intimidating yet intriguing creatures dominated the planet over 150 million years ago until they were wiped out when a colossal meteorite collided with earth. Examine the skeletons and fossils together with realistic life-like models that move and roar.
The Green Zone deals with the human anatomy which and features graphic and detailed explanations of the fertilisation process through to birth and the development of growth from childhood through puberty into adulthood. Though this section will be educational for children of impressionable age, it may embarrass parents and raise questions to answer when they get home.
The Red Zone tells the history of how scientists believe the earth was formed 150 million years ago with a step-by-step explanation of the big bang theory. There is a detailed insight of the earth's core together with videos showing spectacular scenes of volcanic eruptions. Feel the effects of an earthquake in a reconstructed model of a Kobe supermarket.
And it's not only the past that the Natural History Museum want us to know about but also the future. A short video shows several theories what may cause the destruction of the planet.
On the way round visitors will encounter interactive quizzes that are a fun way of testing knowledge. There are also other fun games to play together with the amusing shape-changing hall of mirrors. A room dedicated to mammals is dominated by a colossal Blue Whale. For the best views, go up to the mammal balcony which also has a wealth of fascinating facts about whales and dolphins.
Take a Look Inside the Cocoon
As part of the Darwin Centre in the Orange Zone, visitors will find the Cocoon, a gigantic white egg housing over 20 million species from the natural world. Though it is free to enter, patrons require a time-allocated ticket to gain access. Once inside visitors are treated to a fascinating insight into how the study of plants, ferns and insect has helped science learn about the planet. Discover everything you didn't know about butterflies, spiders and mosquitos' amongst many others and if you've not had enough of creepy crawlies in the Cocoon there is a whole room dedicated to them in the green zone.
For dining options the Natural History Museum has two cafeterias selling light snacks and beverages including beer and wine at slightly inflated prices. Alternatively bring your own pack up or sandwich from one of the nearby shops and sit on the lawn or the benches in the beautiful grounds.
The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD. Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5000. www.nhm.ac.uk
Opening Times: Daily 10.00-17.30
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