The most beautiful free museum for a winter or rainy day in London

If you’re looking for something cosy, inspiring and completely free to do in London during winter, a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) should be at the very top of your list.

On a cold January day, I spent the morning wandering through the V&A by warming up in one of the most beautiful museum cafés in London, admiring the architecture, and soaking up all the creativity this iconic museum has to offer. Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or rediscovering it as a local, the V&A is a perfect winter escape.

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Where Is the V&A Museum?

The V&A is located in South Kensington, right next to South Kensington tube station. It’s incredibly easy to get to, especially in winter, thanks to the underground tunnels from the station which lead directly into the museum (a big win on cold or rainy days).

It’s also just a short walk from:

• Harrods

• Chelsea

• Kensington

• Plenty of lovely cafés and shops – click here for all my Instagrammable Cafes and Restaurants in London

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Why Visit the V&A in Winter?

Winter in London can be beautiful, but it’s also cold, sometimes a bit damp and drizzly. The V&A is ideal because it’s:

• Free to visit (WHOOP!)

• Warm and spacious

• Visually stunning

• Easy to enjoy at your own pace

• Has special paid for exhibitions like the Marie Antoinette one this year and the Alexander McQueen exhibition from a few years ago

You can pop in for an hour or spend half a day exploring. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a strict plan and still feel inspired.

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The V&A Café: One of London’s Most Beautiful Cafés

Let’s start with one of the highlights – the V&A Café.

Designed by William Morris, James Gamble and Edward Poynter, this café feels more like a historic dining room than a museum pit stop. Think tiled walls, statues, marble details, stained glass windows and enormous lights. It’s genuinely one of the most Instagrammable cafés in London.

Despite how grand it looks, it’s refreshingly relaxed:

• No reservations

• Self-service

• Coffee, pastries, cakes and hot food

• Perfect for breakfast, lunch or a mid-museum break

It’s slightly hidden, so don’t be afraid to ask for directions once you’re inside – it’s absolutely worth finding.

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The V&A Garden Cafe: Hydrangea Heaven

The V&A Museum Garden Cafe was closed in January but if you visit in spring, summer or autumn, it is simply stunning. There’s a beautiful serene pond and in the peak of summer, hot pink and purple hydrangeas line the edges.

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Exploring the Museum: What to Expect

The V&A is huge, so ideally allow at least half a day if you want to explore properly. That said, even a shorter visit is still worthwhile.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Fashion and textiles

• Sculpture and ceramics

• Jewellery

• Furniture and interiors

• Paintings, rugs, tiles and decorative arts

The museum is dedicated to the power of creativity, and you can really feel that as you move through the different rooms and collections. Everything is beautifully spaced, so it never feels overwhelming.

There are also ever-changing exhibitions, fashion talks, special events and the much-loved V&A Lates, where DJs and bars transform the museum after hours.

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The Most Instagrammable Spots at the V&A

If you love photography (or just beautiful architecture), the V&A is a dream.

Some of my favourite spots include:

✨ The Grand Entrance Hall

With its intricately domed ceiling and huge glass chandelier centrepiece, this space looks incredible from every angle and especially from the first floor.

✨ The Marble Staircase

This is one of my absolute favourite Instagrammable spots in London. It’s wide, bright, glamorous and flooded with natural light. It’s basically a real-life light box. Sit on the steps, take photos, and soak it all in.

✨ The Side Entrance

The side entrance has a more modern feel and is incredibly photogenic. It’s lighter, airy, and offers a totally different vibe to the main Cromwell Road entrance.

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What to Wear to the V&A in Winter

Comfort is key as there’s a lot of marble and a lot of walking.

I’d recommend:

• Flats, trainers, pumps or a small kitten heel

• Chunky heels if you want height (avoid anything too delicate)

• Layers as it’s cold outside but warm inside. There is a cloakroom but I usually just keep my coat with me.

• A wool coat, scarf, gloves or hat

London winter style is all about looking polished but practical. No one wants to trip over on museum floors!

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Don’t Miss the V&A Gift Shop

Before you leave, make sure you stop by the V&A gift shop. It’s one of those places where you suddenly want everything.

Expect:

• Beautiful jewellery

• Stationery and notebooks

• Postcards and prints

• Canvas tote bags

• Stylish, well-curated gifts

It’s perfect for souvenirs or thoughtful presents.

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Is the V&A Worth Visiting?

Absolutely yes – especially in winter.

The V&A is:

• Free

• Warm

• Inspiring

• Beautiful

• Easy to visit

Whether you’re coming for the café, the exhibitions, the architecture or simply a cosy London day out, it’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

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