Libraries • History Museums
Kings Cross
Libraries in London
THE 10 BEST London Libraries
Libraries in London
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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Libraries • Convention Centres
South Kensington
Libraries • Educational sites
Bloomsbury
Libraries
Trafalgar Square / Embankment
Libraries • Educational sites
Knightsbridge
Libraries
City of London
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Temporarily closed
Libraries
Battersea
Libraries
Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Libraries • Convention Centres
Holborn
Libraries
Libraries
Libraries
Open now
Libraries
Libraries
Libraries
What travellers are saying
- hykLondon, UK54 contributions大英图书馆是世界上最大的图书馆之一，收藏了从古至今的珍贵文献和手稿。这里不仅是研究和学习的宝库，也是英国文化和历史的重要象征。
The British Library is one of the largest libraries in the world, housing a vast collection of valuable documents and manuscripts from ancient times to the present. It is not only a treasure trove for research and study but also an important symbol of British culture and history. The library is easily accessible by public transport, with King's Cross and St Pancras International stations nearby. Enter RC777E on trainpal and you get a 20% discount on your train journey.Written 17 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - HINA WIslamabad, Pakistan7,358 contributionsYou can find this lovely building in South Kensington, an area which was nicknamed Albertopolis after the beloved husband of Queen Victoria. It is situated near the Albert Hall and faces the Kensington Park. It was treat to visit this unique society’s headquarters. So many expeditions were planned, funded and given royal patronage here. This is the place which led to so many discoveries. The exhibits, stories and ambience here are truly amazing and inspiring. The tales of those adventurous people who led their teams into the arctic, jungles, seas, volcanoes, deserts and mountains would definitely enthral you too. Researchers like David Livingstone, Ernest Shackleton, Humphrey Gilbert, Sir Francis Drake and Captain Cook were all funded by this society’s help. You can also see a private wedding or two taking place here.Written 8 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KirstenToronto, Canada71 contributionsThe London Library is a must-visit for literature enthusiasts. The bad news is that it's a private lending library, and you can't just walk in off the street. The good news is that they offer free tours one evening per month, and you can book free tickets through Eventbrite. These tours are an amazing opportunity to learn about the history and architecture of the building from an experienced guide, and see some of the treasures from the collection up close.Written 25 June 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 70avaBeijing, China1,010 contributionsAn interesting thought-provoking place next to SOAS. They have changing exhibitions - well made and very informative. The staff is very helpful. We visited the exhibition "Expelled" in its last days and learned a lot.Written 17 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Roland DLondon, UK1,154 contributionsThis is the former public records office, dating from 1856, and now the library of the esteemed educational institution King's College London. It was open to the public during Open House Weekend, when I found out that King's is one of the top 10 universities in the World. The library is certainly impressive, holding over 750,000 publications, including various special collections which can be accessed by appointment. The building is also quite amazing, occupying an historic site. The round reading room and the Weston Room were the most impressive, the latter being where they have special displays (one currently on American poetry).Written 22 September 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- John BSt Helens, UK116 contributionsI had read about the Institute and thought it was a centre for German culture. While it does host German movie showings it is primarily a language school and not ( as I had assumed ) a German tourist information agency..Written 19 July 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- futtock21London, UK17,143 contributionsThere’s much more to Burlington House than the Royal Academy of Arts because it is home to a number of other learned societies, including the Royal Astronomical Society, the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Linnaean Society. The Geological Society is the only one accessed from Piccadilly rather than the courtyard of Burlington House itself. Founded by 13 members including Humphrey Davy in 1807 in the Freemasons Tavern in Great Queen Street, it moved to Burlington House in 1874. It has a magnificent library spread over two floors with over 300,000 volumes. During London Open House 2023 various first floor rooms including a Council Chamber and a modern ground floor lecture theatre were also open to the public. Some displays of rocks and fossils were available to interest younger visitors.Written 24 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- VelanniLondon, UK16 contributionsNice small library in Wimbledon. Very quiet and hardly ever crowded, perfect place to come and read in peace.Written 15 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Liz DTrefriw36 contributionsAnother place I had always wanted to go but never did. Finally remedied that and spent a good few hours there. Learned so much! Passionate volunteers run it and it's full of info on working class rights and socialist movers and shakers. The tour is only a couple times a week so check before you go. The tour is £5 each.Written 14 April 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- macedonboyGlasgow, UK185,662 contributionsAs others have mentioned, this library has a vast collection of books and written material specifically about London. It's more of a reference library than a general library, so useful for anyone doing research on London. Not so much for the general public though.Written 16 March 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Zoe BWorthing, UK1,346 contributionsA wonderful opportunity to see inside this stunning building, the staff on hand were very helpful in explaining some of the history of the building.
The outside of the building has a lot of decorative stonework but nothing can prepare you for the inside! A contrast to the modern Lloyds building that it is paired with, the history here is immense and the opportunity to see some of the old documents was fascinating. Well worth a visit when it is open to the public.Written 18 September 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - F CLondon, UK11 contributionsGreat staff members at the reception of Battersea library and the computer room. They were very helpful and really took the time in making sure I knew what they were saying. Membership card also made in minutes which was very helpful as this was a last minute arrangementWritten 17 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Crazy_Jim_83London, UK1,582 contributionsI went to the library today;
In search of poems to peruse
For what proved to be a short stay
As I had no further time to lose
(or waste rather, as it all seemed a bit boring. There are a few desks available if you’re looking for somewhere to study….just pretend you’re studying poetry and don’t sign in because errr why would you?)Written 25 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - jeffgo2017London, UK6 contributionsThis beautiful library is coming back to life now that librarians are back in charge, though at present they can't cover the 1-2pm lunchtime. Plenty of books for all ages + DVDs, newspapers, new computers & WiFi. Children should have separate room as in the past; it's shocking several rooms are left empty. Weekly Chess club, monthly gardening & tea stall and lively book group are added attractions. The Friends organise free author talks first Tuesday evening, most recently Stella Duffy (Jan 2020). Walking into the lovely interior of this Edwardian jewel, you immediately feel you belong, you're at home, welcome, safe and free to discover & enjoy.Written 18 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
