Natural History Museum at Tring image

Natural History Museum at Tring

Tourist attraction Museum Natural history museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Dacorum


Address

The Walter Rothschild Building, Akeman St, Tring HP23 6AP, United Kingdom

Website

www.nhm.ac.uk

Contact

+44 20 7942 6171

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (3.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (41) animals (30) visit (28) free (17) park (17) great (12) children (11) collection (11) cafe (11) parking (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Amy C. 2 years ago on Google
    A lovely, well presented museum with almost 5000 items to view. I had no idea that it even existed, and I was pleasantly surprised that it was as nice as it was. It is on the smaller side, but is still a nice way to spend around 2 hours. When we went it was full of children and families, but I wouldn’t say it’s really suitable for young children. Children over the age of 7/8 will appreciate the collection more I would say. We didn’t see the cafe, as we couldn’t work out the layout of the bottom floor! So we ended up in the Costa down the road.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Denese H. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved it. Super clean, quiet, beautiful seeing the stuffed animals. Very informative. Staff was really nice. Would go again. It's free. Nearby free parking. Outdoor play and picnic area. Brill! Will go again.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zahra R. 3 months ago on Google • 246 reviews New
    A fantastic display of beasts and beauties alike, I didn’t expect to find this tucked away out of sight, but it truly is marvellous to witness nature in this way and to get a real size scale of animals you would perhaps never see or encounter. The gift shop is lovely and the staff were all knowledgeable and helpful. I would definitely come back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aron H. 1 year ago on Google
    All I have to say is wow !! 2nd time we have been here since August and as a family we love it. Its amazing to see the dedication put into the exhibition of animals and how taxidermy looks as we have never really seen much of it before. It's amazing to watch the videos on taxidermy along your journey around the museum. We loved reading the stories around the family and how he called it my museum but wanted to share it with the world. Definitely worth a visit if you have not been before. Also there is loads of wildlife walks behind the museum you can really make a day trip out of it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Betty K. 1 year ago on Google
    Perfect museum. Free and lots of interesting dead animals. It is Rothschild’s private collection. Children can fill the animals number map, it is really exciting experience for them. After museum visit, you can sit garden and buy something from Coffee. Small playground for children
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Holly O. 6 months ago on Google • 149 reviews
    First time I visited last week after living in Aylesbury all my life but never thought to visit. Visited with a group of friends who were in the area and was pleasantly surprised with the museum. There's lots to see (especially for curious children) and it's really impressive. Free parking, there's a cafe on site which I will return to and try out plus the staff are super friendly! Recommend a visit here. Admission is also free which is a bonus.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Martin F. 4 months ago on Google • 109 reviews
    I spent a lovely saturday morning here in early December, followed by a tasty lunch in a local pub. The museum has an impressive collection of well-preserved animals of all sizes and categories from insects through fish to large mammals. It's really suitable for kids although the size of the collection can be overwhelming. Equally, one could focus on just one selection of animals and then take the time to look at them in detail. I found the hummingbird collection stunning. I had a great morning!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Scott C. 3 months ago on Google • 59 reviews New
    Went with a toddler on a Sunday. Relatively small only took just over an hour to go round. Largely just taxidermied animals and lacks some other interactive exhibits. Staff were friendly and helpful explaining where everything is on entry and offered clipboards, pens and paper for little ones. Walkways are quite narrow so can be tricky passing especially with prams or people with large backpacks on. Cafe on site is nice albeit quite small maybe less than 10 tables. Parking is very close by and plenty of spaces
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Roddy R. 3 months ago on Google • 40 reviews New
    This was a good experience. Went there with my 6-year-old who enjoyed it. Lots and lots of animals and insects to see. All seemed very well preserved. Staff was friendly. There are a few galleries over 3 levels. Parking was ok, just had to wait a little for someone to leave to be able to park in the museums car park. I felt that there were too many animals for the space of the museum. The animals in certain sections looked crammed, and even some touching each other. It'd be ideal to have a lot more space (a bigger museum!!) to separate the exhibits a bit more and to also put up more information about the species, history, etc. I felt that a lot more info could be added for the animals and insects, butterflies, etc. Also, it got quite busy, and sometimes it was difficult to walk among the other visitors as the corridors are relatively narrow. Toilets nice and clean.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ben M. 1 year ago on Google
    Can’t argue with something when it’s free…whilst recovering from an operation, I took my three year old daughter as struggling for money being off work a free entry was ideal. She loved it. We had a choice of two activities, an Easter egg hunt or an alphabetical animal hunt. She chose the latter and with some help, found all the animals. Well worth a visit but would suggest booking to guarantee your preferred time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jay 2 months ago on Google • 23 reviews New
    First time visiting. Entrance is free but must be booked in advance online. Small museum but an impressive range of animals across 4 floors. Staff at reception were very friendly and explained the museum layout and total number of exhibits. Wheelchair friendly with lifts/ramps. A local school were visiting at the time who treated the museum like a fun house with kids running round, shouting to each other from different floors and generally just being a pain in the arse. Once they buggered off it was quiet and a pleasant atmosphere. Car park at the side of the building is limited and an overflow car park is located just round the corner with a short walk. Gift shop is adequate but could do with a better range of ‘pocket money’ items such as pencils, rubbers, pens and rulers etc. Cafe on site, I did visit but it had an odd smell which put me off so I left.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim J. 2 years ago on Google
    Fabulous museum, lots to see and just enough to make a great day out without feeling overwhelmed. Staff also wonderfully knowledgeable and happy to tall about the displays. Would highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luke 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing place to go with children. It was very quite on a Sunday much more enjoyable then it's sister museum because how much more relaxed it is. But it is much smaller.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura N. 7 months ago on Google
    A hidden gem! Visited with a friend and we had no idea what it was going to be like. The huge range of species was really impressive, I didn’t expect there to be as much as there was. We spent approximately 2 hours here. The cakes in the cafe looked lush which is an added bonus, unfortunately they didn’t have any vegan ones in when we went 🥲 Here’s a selection of the most entertaining taxidermy pieces from the collection for you to enjoy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Iain 9 months ago on Google
    Fantastic little museum!! Lots to see, big on taxidermy, give the dog aisle a miss if you are a pet lover, big wall of taxidermy domestic canines. Lots of bugs to see upstairs. The kids loved it, lots of interactive bits for the kiddos plus dress up and drawing
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nadira C. 6 months ago on Google
    Wondering why I haven't been here before! Great size with lots of interesting items. Big enough to keep short attention spans engaged. Opposite and by the car park is also the park to spend some time burning off energy. Lovely place to visit for adults and children alike.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Raj K S. 8 months ago on Google
    If you're looking for a great way to spend the day/couple of hours with kids or just by yourself go to Tring museum. Book online for free entry. There is parking on a side road but also a car park right next to the Museum. I went with my daughter and her friend. There are clipboards available and slips of paper to draw or make your own activity (Alphabet game or you can buy slips of paper already prepared for £1 - visually colourful and suitable for younger kids). The girls (mine especially) were a bit squeamish at first and also emotionally about the animals having died but both were appreciative of the chance to see such animals so close up and understanding that some my be extinct by the time they have kids. 😔 I found the museum calm (apart from my shrieking girls, especially upstairs by the fishes). They didn't want to enter at first but we made it through and they both were glad they saw everything. Due to the age of the building and steps, most parts are not suitable for wheelchair users. There are toilets which are handy and a small gift shop. Outside there was a nice guy selling delicious ice cream... a great way to end your trip. Only thing is I wish the girl at the front desk had mentioned there were children's activities on and at what time as the girls were disappointed to to have missed the opportunity to make a butterfly 🦋 This isn't a deal breaker but something to take on board for staff. Staff were approachable if a bit quiet. The girls said they would like to visit again so I'll plan a trip for next year. 👍🏽
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melanie B. 10 months ago on Google
    Stopped by here on the way to our campsite. It was incredible . I can't stop telling people about it. What a find . I am so glad we were able to visit and will come back again soon. All the staff we interacted with were very knowledgeable and approachable and pleasant. Cant say enough good things about it . Visited with a 4 years old who found interest at every turn .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 alex m. 3 months ago on Google • 102 reviews New
    Having visited the Kensington museum multiple times and loved it, I've had Tring on my bucket list for ages. Definitely worth a visit if you're interested in animals and the process of taxidermy. There were lots of children when we went and I'm just not sure there's enough there to keep them interested, it's definitely ideal for an older, scientific audience. I love seeing the huge collection of species of display, and especially the way they've positioned the taxidermys to show real situations (e.g. owls holding mice). Really well displayed and so much bigger than I expected. The history of the site was very interesting and I really liked learning about Rothschild, while I don't agree with his ethics and the stuff that happened then wouldn't happen nowadays. I think the museum has done a fantastic job at honouring his mission. They also had a wildlife photography exhibition on which was really interesting, overall a really enjoyable visit! I will definitely return on a quieter day when the kids are at school. The car park is quite small and we did have to wait for a spot but we visited during the Christmas holidays so it was busier than usual.

  • 5/5 Nik C. 1 month ago on Google • 67 reviews New
    I used to go here as a kid and now took my little one. This is a fantastic free place to visit, although a little donation helps the museum out. I pre booked tickets online to make it easier upon arrival. You can pay a donation online or there are places in the museum you can put some money in. My 2 year old and loved walking around looking at all the animals with her cousin, especially the dogs. As an adult it's still fascinating to look at too. Very educational. We had a lovely morning out and will definitely go back again. We went on Saturday morning and it was very busy, can be a bit of a squeeze to get round in some places but we managed. It has a gift shop which is OK, there isn't a lot of items with Tring museum on for example I wanted a magnet with Tring museum written on it but couldn't find anything like that in there. Car park is free and if the one at the side of the museum fills up they have another just over the road, which has a great little wood walk in between. There are toilets, small cafe and a indoor picnic area located outside in the car park at the side of the building, we got a take out drink and sausage roll and sat in the picnic area to eat our other lunch bits we brought with us. This can fill up quite quick too. The cafe sells sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, pasties, cakes, biscuits and more. It's reasonably price for this day and age but don't go in expecting Greg's prices. The staff got some abuse about being expensive but I think people forget this isn't a chain cafe, and prices reflect the current day rise in everything. I would highly recommend a visit.

  • 5/5 Reena H. 1 year ago on Google
    Makes for a perfect afternoon with a toddler! A great museum with an extensive collection of animals and sealife on display. This museum kept my toddler thoroughly engaged and happy all throughout! On top of this, Tring and it's surrounding landscapes are stunning! Love the countryside! Enjoy the picturesque views along the way.

  • 5/5 E 2 years ago on Google
    My purpose in visiting the museum was to see the Wildlife Photographer of the year exhibit, which featured some of the amazing nature photography of all ages. The main collection is in London at the Natural History Museum. I have been to the Tring Museum on several visits and was pleased to see a new interactive room opened with lots of fascinating information. A good day out for families. Opposite the museum, there is another parking place where you can leisurely walk around Tring Park.

  • 4/5 Alice O. 1 year ago on Google
    A fantastic place made even better with free admission. The extent and range of animals both big and small was incredible. Always something to look at whether in the glass fronted cabinets or hanging down from the ceiling. The information signs only had the scientific name of the animal or insect. What would have been useful is to have the common name so as to recognise more of what was display. All in all though a very worthwhile place to visit.

  • 5/5 Fiona C. 2 years ago on Google
    Went with my sister, son and grandchildren, so very mixed ages!! Everyone loved our visit. So much to see and do. So much more than we expected. Also the Ugly Bug cafe downstairs was lovely. The 2 ladies could not have been more helpful.

  • 5/5 Bhavin M. 2 years ago on Google
    A must visit. The museum is incredible and the grounds are perfect for a picnic and children to run around on a good day. So many animals and insects to see and learn about.

  • 5/5 Lorraine U. 2 years ago on Google
    A great place to visit with family, both interesting and educational. Staff are friendly and helpful. Facilities are good, toilets, baby changing facilities, lifts and small cafe. A perfect place to visit on a rainy day. It being free entry is a bonus, you can reserve tickets online or take chance for walk in's which are accepted depending on numbers.

  • 5/5 Premachandran G. 6 months ago on Google
    Tucked away on the outskirts, the museum is a good couple of hours to spend during the afternoon. Huge collection of species and friendly staff. Plenty of parking space for visitors and a reasonably priced cafe.

  • 5/5 Hypnobirthing with C. 1 year ago on Google
    Great family afternoon out. We were allowed entry from our booking time slot. The children enjoyed the 2 different Hunts that were FOC to take part in. One just outside the museum and one across the road in the woodland area. Small cafe on the ground floor was lovely with inside and outside seating. Car park provided free parking onside. The actual museum was great, pretty much every animal available to see. My 3 and 5 year old loved it as did myself and my husband.

  • 5/5 Nataliya I. 6 months ago on Google
    Such a lovely place, the museum is very tidy and there are so many birds, animals ,insects and even crowded though it is easy to explore. Close to London, and we'll definitely go back one day.

  • 4/5 Diane H. 1 year ago on Google
    Very worthwhile visit. Free timed entrance. Car parking : the actual cark park is small but roadside parking and just a short walk away Tring park car park acts as an overflow. There is a lift that takes you up to the top floor or stairs. Only one exhibition room was air conditioned on a very hot day. We visited with our grandchildren aged from 10-15yrs. There were activities for younger children. I found the butterfly and moth exhibits interesting, our boys were interested in the sea birds and creatures especially those that are now extinct.

  • 5/5 Harriet B. 1 year ago on Google
    An amazing and broad collection of preserved animals from around the globe. Beautiful arrays of birds, insects, wild cats, seals and much more. It's an incredible place to visit and see these creatures up close. A must do if you are in the area, and perfect for children to inspire them about the nature on our planet. They have an area to collect a clipboard, paper and crayons to encourage little ones to draw and sketch which gets them really involved! Don't miss the donation box on the middle floor before the side gallery, fun for the kids if you pop in some coins! We always have the best time, so glad this continues to remain open with the generosity of donations! Website booking system is great, and emails your tickets over to you. Highly recommend booking in advance to secure your visit!

  • 4/5 Nicole M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to visit. Free entry. We didn't book in advance but I recommend you do. If its busy they won't let you in without a booking. There is a carpark but also plenty of parking in surrounding area. Lots of exhibits of animals, birds and butterflies. We spent an hour exploring. There is a cafe and toilets on site.

  • 5/5 AndyICT 1 year ago on Google
    Great visit, large variety of animals… something for everyone. The extra exhibit was on the top wildlife photographers with some amazing photos, including a junior category too. Some lovely cafes in Tring to go to after and a park near the museum. Well worth a visit.

  • 5/5 P S. 9 months ago on Google
    It's great to come and stroll around, taking in the great exhibits. These aren't just models of animals. They are real animals that have been preserved. It's quite amazing, as there are tonnes of extinct animals that are preserved for us to ponder over. Thanks for one of the last cool places left on this planet, which is free.

  • 5/5 Bexsi 11 months ago on Google
    The Natural History Museum at Tring was the private museum of Lionel Walter, 2nd Baron Rothschild; today it is under the control of the Natural History Museum, London. It houses one of the finest collections of stuffed mammals, birds, reptiles and insects in the United Kingdom. What a Superb place to visit, Throughly enjoyed reading the history and looking at all the wonderful animals and insects, it's a must visit for all ages

  • 5/5 Bojidar N. 10 months ago on Google
    It's a small museum but still very interesting. There are pencils and sheets of paper for the kids to draw and take notes. It's free entrance museum but a small donation is always appreciated.

  • 5/5 Rajesh K. 11 months ago on Google
    Awesome place to spend 2 hrs with your little ones and enjoy as individuals too... Lots of animal collections looks real.... Toilet facilities are available for everyone Steps free access is available Ample parking spaces and bonus is a small garden play area behind the museum and some seats to relax while ur kids playing .. Must see highly recommend

  • 5/5 Aly B. 11 months ago on Google
    Wonderful old fashioned museum, with free entry and friendly staff. It was lovely to see how popular it was on our visit today. If you're offended by taxidermy, it may not be for you, but these date back by a century and are wonderfully preserved as a great record of the world's wildlife.

  • 5/5 Donna M. 1 year ago on Google
    The most attractive Natural History Museum I have visited thus far. It isn't a huge space, but big enough to entertain for a couple of hours. The cases and architecture are well laid out while the specimens and models are exceptionally well prepared. Well worth a visit. You are asked to book tickets in advance although we didn't. It is free entry with donations invited. I didn't research properly before driving to Tring so we only saw the museum, but I understand there are nice walks and town centre shops that we managed to bypass completely. A day out could be made with better planning.

  • 4/5 Roads to You (Titin S. 10 months ago on Google
    I would give 5 stars if they had larger parking area. In peak seasons you might need to park off the road. Small isles that would be cramped when busy. Many collections of stuffed animals from the past. Clean toilet. A yard to picnic but would not prefer this as too hot in summer due to the less grass and trees but the park near the area can alternate. Just need to walk over the crossing bridge for 10mins then you'll come to a wide meadow with some herd of cows if you're lucky. Green and beautiful.


Call +44 20 7942 6171 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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