The Sherlock Holmes Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The Sherlock Holmes Museum?
What makes it 63% Kids-Friendly: Children enjoy spotting clues and wax figures, yet narrow stairs, fragile exhibits, no toilets and required close supervision reduce comfort and may tire parents of under-12s quickly.
Positives:
- Interactive learning: Children can engage with props and audio to learn about Victorian London and detective work.
- Flexible pacing: Self-guided layout lets you move at your family’s pace and revisit favorite rooms.
Challenges:
- Narrow staircases: The museum has steep, narrow stairs. Keep young children close and avoid strollers.
- No toilets inside: There are no public restrooms or baby-changing facilities on site. Plan bathroom breaks nearby.
What is The Sherlock Holmes Museum?
- A museum at 221B Baker Street dedicated to the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, housed in a restored Victorian townhouse
- A period-style residence museum furnished with Victorian decor, original and replica props, and life-size character figures drawn from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s narratives
- A privately run institution established in 1990 that preserves manuscripts, artifacts and ephemera linked to Holmesian lore
What is so special about The Sherlock Holmes Museum for with kids?
- Step inside Sherlock Holmes’s actual 221B Baker Street home.
- Kids can hunt for props like Holmes’s pipe and Watson’s medical bag.
- Life-size wax figures bring famous mystery scenes to life.
- Audio clips by Conan Doyle add a fun, educational layer.
- Photo-op at the green 221B door makes a memorable family snapshot.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives enough time to explore all rooms, try audio clips, and browse the gift shop at a comfortable pace.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The Sherlock Holmes Museum
Photo at 221B door:
Take a family photo under the green 221B plaque outside the museum.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid queues and get clear shots without crowds.
Explore Holmes’s study:
View the Victorian drawing room with Holmes’s pipe, books, and personal items.
Tip: Encourage kids to spot Holmes’s pipe and Watson’s medical bag for a mini-quiz.
Wax-figure exhibition:
See life-size wax figures reenacting scenes like the Musgrave Ritual.
Tip: Let kids guess which story each figure represents before revealing the answer.
Audio experience in writing room:
Listen to Conan Doyle’s recordings about creating Sherlock Holmes.
Tip: Use provided headphones and ask older kids to note three new facts.
Gift shop puzzles:
Pick up a kids’ puzzle book or card game inspired by the stories.
Tip: Buy ahead to keep children engaged after the visit.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Sherlock Holmes Museum
- Buy tickets online: Reserve timed-entry tickets on the official website to skip ticket queues.
- Use Baker Street station facilities: Stop at Baker Street Underground for restrooms and snacks before visiting.
Reviews of The Sherlock Holmes Museum
Tobi
The Sherlock Holmes Museum is an absolute must-visit for fans of the famous detective. The house at 221B Baker Street is beautifully recreated, full of authentic details and memorabilia that bring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories to life. The staff are friendly and in character, which makes the experience even more immersive. Walking through the different rooms feels like stepping straight into t...
Donald Yeung
I was a big fan of Sherlock Holmes when I was young, and had really high expectations about visiting this museum, even though I know Sherlock himself isn’t a real person. Perhaps my expectations were too high, as it does feel a bit silly to pay nearly £19 and wait for 30mins to get in. The museum is quite small, and some of the decorations are genuine historical items but don’t have a strong conn...
Lonnie Perry
A Whimsical Step Into Victorian Mystery - Visiting The Sherlock Holmes Museum is like stepping through the pages of a classic detective novel. Nestled at the legendary 221B Baker Street, this charming spot brings Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional world to life with remarkable detail. From the antique furnishings and Victorian-era artifacts to the curated collection of books and curiosities, every...
Becky T
This fictional home can be seen in 15-20 minutes. The first two rooms have a brief tour, then others explored at your own pace. The objects are all Victorian and stylized to be from Sherlock Holmes. Some of the objects are interesting, but it’s a bit overpriced for the what it is. Though 3-4 stories (via stairs), there are approximately only two rooms per floor. There is an exhibition in one room...
D Ng
Took the family to the museum today! Had a great time and enjoyed the whole experience. The staff were great in character and really made you feel like you were there. The gift shop was a bit chaotic but overall a great time had by all.
When is the best time to visit The Sherlock Holmes Museum (London, United Kingdom)?
In London summers, Baker Street can be busy; visit first thing in the morning. In winter, bring layers as the front door photo spot is outdoors.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult tickets (£20 each) | GBP 40 |
| 2 Child tickets (£15 each) | GBP 30 |
| Kids’ puzzle book | GBP 12 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 82 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of The Sherlock Holmes Museum
Address: 221b Baker St, London NW1 6XE, UK
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About The Sherlock Holmes Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 20 7224 368810 BEST nearby Activities
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