London has so much to offer for everyone, but we wanted to put together some ideas on how you can explore London as a Life Sciences student. We’ve included things to see and do where you can explore your passions, spark a new interest, expand your knowledge or meet like-minded people. We couldn’t cover everything in one post, so this article focuses on the array of fascinating and peculiar museums in London… and even then we’ve only scratched the surface.

The information contained in this post represents the views and opinions of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views or the opinions of UCL.

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1. Natural History Museum

This is, in some people’s opinion, the Holy Grail of museums for a biologist. Of course, there are many more, equally excellent, options, but the Natural History Museum is a timelessly intriguing, and beautiful place for anyone. With 800 million objects, there is something to explore no matter what your speciality. From zoology to geology, the museum explores important science throughout history, as well as relevant issues we face today. Check out the Natural History Museum website for more information on current research, upcoming events, and discover their exciting blog posts.

2. Grant Museum

The Grant Museum (our very own UCL Museum!) has to have a place on this list given that it hosts 68,000 zoological specimens. These vast collections are used for research and enjoyment, and include rare and important specimens collected for almost 200 years. Visit the Grant Museum’s website to discover upcoming events, the research being conducted, the online blog, digital guides and much more.

3. The Wellcome Collection

The Wellcome Collection is a Museum and library exploring health and human experience. This museum offers a variety of installations and temporary or permanent exhibitions, including themes exploring what it means to be healthy, what it means to be human and investigating emotions such as joy. The collections are made up of medical and ethnographic objects (historical and contemporary), archives and books. Visit the collection’s website for more information on the collection, upcoming events and to read articles.

4. The Hunterian Museum

If you want to expand your knowledge on human or animal anatomy in a slightly Frankenstein way, head over to the fascinating and absorbing Hunterian Museum, at the Royal College of Surgeons. Here you will find rows and row as of jars containing all manner of bodily parts, as well as other specimens, surgical instruments and preparations in this 3500-strong collection started by John Hunter, a surgeon and anatomist from the 1700s. The museum explores the art and science of surgery from the 17th century onwards. Check out the museum’s website for more information.

NOTE: Sadly, The Hunterian Museum is closed until early 2023, however in the meantime, it is worth discovering the museums at the Royal College of Physicians and The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

5. The Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret

In the attic the attic of an 18th Century Church, hidden near the Shard, you’ll find the oldest surviving hospital theatre in Europe! This museum explores the history of medicine and surgery, in addition to the old Herb Garret which used to provide herbs for the patients of the hospital. Take a look at the museum’s website for more information on the museum and upcoming events.

6. Chelsea Physic Garden

Founded in 1673, this 4-acre garden, hidden by the Thames, was used by apothecaries to grow medicinal plants, and is London’s oldest botanical garden. It has over 5000 living edible, medicinal and useful plants, including the UK’s largest olive tree! The garden aims to assemble and maintain documentations of temperate plants for the purpose of research. Visit the garden’s website to find out more information on upcoming events, research and the garden’s mission.

7. Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum

This incredible museum allows you to discover the laboratory of Alexander Fleming, the father of penicillin, restored to its original condition. Here you can also explore the discovery and development of penicillin, which has shaped medicine as we know it today. Is it the museum’s website for more information.

8. St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Museum

With almost 900 years of history, having been founded in 1123, this museum offers an absolutely incredible insight to the history of medicine. The collection includes objects, art and documents spanning almost 9 centuries, telling the story of London’s healthcare through the ages, even displaying a letter between the City of London and Henry VII! Whilst your’e there, you can also take a look at Bart’s Pathology Museum to discover a variety of interesting pathological specimens. For more information, visit St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Museum website.

9. Kew (Royal Botanical Gardens)

With over 50,00 plants at Kew, there’s a lot to see. This UNESCO World Heritage sight boasts a dazzling array of plants, including an arboretum (a collection of over 14,000 trees), gardens dedicated to different species (such as the Rose Garden), as well as different walks to take to meander through the beauty of Kew. Learn about the diverse range of plants, from grasses, to bamboo and even carnivorous plants, and discover the research being performed at Kew to preserve and protect plants. Visit Kew’s website to find out more information on upcoming events and things to do.

10. The Horniman Museum and Garden

This exciting museum contains a vibrant array of objects, including collections on anthropology, natural history, musical instruments, as well as archives about the museum and garden’s history. Temporary and permanent exhibitions include looking at primate evolution, climate activism, aquatic environments, as well as disability, spiritual identity, independence in Nigeria and much much more. You can also visit the butterfly house, the beautiful gardens, an animal walk and even a market. Though a little further out, you certainly cannot be bored at this museum. Visit the Horniman’s website for more information on the latest events.

11. Charles Darwin’s House

He’s another pivotal father figure in the world of biology, and who knew but it takes just over an hour to get his incredibly fascinating house and museum from UCL. At the house you have the opportunity to see temporary installations, explore Darwin’s home (including his study where he wrote ‘On the Origins of Species’), delve into the
garden (including walks, the pigeon loft, insectivorous plants and the glass house) and learn about the science behind Darwin’s theories through exhibitions and guides. Visit the English Heritage website to find out more information on things to explore and upcoming events.