Purpose built in 1881, the Natural History Museum occupies a beautifully ornate Victorian building which has been brought up to date inside by some wonderfully imaginative, child pleasing exhibits. Although it can only exhibit a small fraction of the items accumulated over the years (some 68 million specimens), the museum is neatly split into two main areas, the Life and Earth Galleries. Displays, which cover everything from the origins of life to exhibits on various land-based and marine species, also includes a thought-provoking journey of discovery in the Earth Gallery. With a scary (and smelly) roaring T Rex, creepy crawly gallery, interactive displays and a special children's centre in the basement, you'll find much to keep young ones happy. Admission now free.

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