Explore tours

Darwin Centre Explore tours are currently unavailable but will be resuming this October (2008). We apologise for any inconvenience caused.  Please check back shortly for updates.

Take a look behind the scenes with the Museum's free guided tours.

• See hidden treasures such as the giant squid or specimens collected by Charles Darwin in the Darwin Centre Explore tour.
• Enjoy a glimpse of the Museum's historic plant collection and the scientific work of the Botany Department in the Botany Explore tour.
  

The tours last 45 minutes and can be booked on the day at the main information desk or by telephoning +44 (0)20 7942 5011. Tours cannot be pre-booked.

Darwin Centre Explore tours

Get a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of the 27 kilometres of shelves, 22 million specimens, and cutting-edge scientific research in the Darwin Centre.

On your tour you can see the giant squid in the Darwin Centre tank room. Read more about our giant squid.

• Suitable for adults and children over eight years old.
• Mondays to Fridays during term time at 15.00 and 16.00, except on Wednesdays when they are at 16.00. Please call the information desk to check availability.
• Please note some walking is required outside the Museum to reach the Darwin Centre.

Botany Explore tours

Find out about the research scientists do in the Botany Department and get to see some of the historic plant collection such as the outstanding botanical artworks in the Victorian herbarium.

• Suitable for adults and children 12 years old and over.
• Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at 14.30 and 15.30. Please call the information desk to check availability.