self guided audio tours london

London is a sprawling metropolis of 32 boroughs, over 2,000 churches – more than 50 built by one man alone – 270 Tube stations, 9 palaces, 4 castles and a staggering 9 million people. Exploring these streets will be a riotous jou rney across the past and present.

Urbs' audio tours of London  are the ultimate way to see the sights, including the many hidden gems dotted throughout the city. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or longer, there’s no better way to take it all in than a self-guided walking tour of London .

The Urbs Way

Listen & discover.

Enjoy 4+ hours of audio content written by cultural experts

Explore 90+ fascinating cultural locations

Discover 150+ restaurants, cafes, bars and shops recommended by local writers

Plan your route

Plan your perfect day with our unique route plotting function You can also use one of our curated routes which can be amended according to interests, schedule and budget

Book tickets

Find out which locations require tickets Book attractions and activities in advance to avoid the queues

As the saying goes, when man is tired of London, he is tired of life. For this fair city has something for every taste, every budget and every kind of traveller. Whether you’re hitting up the hottest bar in town, delving into its rich history, or enjoying the vibrant entertainment scene, you can find it all in London. Which is why you need to visit the city at least once. But, where to start?

Navigating London

It’s one of the most famous cities, attracting millions of travellers from around the world every year. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or longer, our self-guided walking tours of London offer a modern way to experience the magic of the city. Walk and learn, and never miss a moment of being in London. Here are some of the attractions you can mix and match and add to your schedule:

Pub culture

It’s the nation’s favourite pastime. So, when in London, it would be rude not to have a few drinks in one of the city’s many pubs. From historic buildings that date back to the 16th century, to swanky rooftop bars and hip reformed prison cell bars – take your pick, from the many watering holes on offer.

A few of our favourite things

​ The United Kingdom might be home to Shakespeare, but London is home to the Globe Theatre and the West End. Not only does the Urbs app provide everything you need to know about the best venues, but you can also book tickets directly – allowing you to jump the queue and make the most of your time in the city.

Popular culture

Discover hidden gems throughout the city; by foot, by tube, by taxi or by bus tour. Our audio tour of London allows you to pick and choose from big ticket show-stoppers like the Harry Potter Universal Tour, to lesser-known treats like secret speakeasys, to pop-up bars and hidden cinemas.

Step back in time

​ London’s dark and grizzly history is best enjoyed by foot. Be it a Jack the Ripper walking tour, an audio tour of East London’s vibrant street art, or a musical journey through Abbey Road - adventure is on every corner, we can help you find it.

Favourite pastimes

It’s the home of Oxford Street and Regent Street – two of the most famous shopping streets in the world. The capital is also home to world-class sports football, tennis and rugby – your biggest quandary will be finding the time to fit them all in.

Did you know that London has an abundance of great free tours and events? Save money and time, and uncover the best of the city with Urbs self-guided walking tours of London.

London landmarks

Ready for the wow factor? There’s no shortage of landmarks in this epic city. Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, St Pauls Cathedral, the Tower of London and Barbican are just a few to add to your London audio schedule.

Roll out the red carpet

Ready for a Royal London tour? Hot-foot it to Buckingham Palace and watch the guards on parade, followed by afternoon tea. It’s what the Queen would want!

Bringing you all the action

Offering the best way to explore London, here’s a few benefits in using our self-guided tours.

Tailor your trip

Do London your way, and create a London audio tour on your terms.

Purchase the hottest tickets in town

Discover, book, and pay for theatre and entertainment tickets, all from the ease of the app.

Immerse yourself

Compile your itinerary with recommendations from a pool of carefully chosen cultural experts.

Diverse attractions

Tap in to our library of audio tours compiled by our team on the ground to enjoy on your travels.

Discover London

No matter how many times you may have visited, you’re sure to learn something new with our self-guided walking tours of London.

Download the app

Planning a trip to London? Then don’t miss the chance to access the city in this audio feast, now available to download on Android and iOS devices.

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• Thessaloniki
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• Castelldefels
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• Acropolis Hill
• Ancient Agora
• Acropolis Museum
• Temple of Olympian Zeus
• National Archaeological Museum
• Roman Agora
• Athens City Museum
• Athens Olympic Museum
• The National Garden

• Heraklion Archaeological Museum

• Andritsaina

• Missolonghi
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• The Colosseum
• The Roman Forum
• The Vatican City
• Castel Sant' Angelo
• Saint Peter's Basilica

• Doge's Palace
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• Sempione Park

• The Tower of Pisa

• The Red Light District

• The Alhambra Palace

• Royal Alcazares
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• Lázaro Galdiano Museum
• Archaeological Museum of Madrid

• Montjuïc Cable Car

• The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba

• The Mallorca Cathedral

• The Hagia Sophia

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• Times Square
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• Ellis Island & National Immigration Museum
• Niagara Falls

• Balboa Park

• Star Ferry Pier
• Victoria Peak

• Ruins of St. Paul

• Louvre Museum

• Orange Roman Theatre & Museum

• St. George Castle
• Belem Tower
• Jerónimos Monastery

• Cathedral of Oporto

• Quinta da Regaleira
• The Pena Palace
• Moorish Castle

• Museu Nacional Frei Manuel do Cenáculo

• The Citadel of Qaitbay

• The Hanging Church

• Vajdahunyad Castle

Explore London

London, the Cultural Capital, is a captivating and diverse metropolis that epitomizes history, innovation, and cosmopolitan charm. London offers a treasure trove of historic landmarks and artistic masterpieces, from the iconic Big Ben and the majestic Buckingham Palace to the world-renowned British Museum. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage as you stroll along the cobbled streets of Covent Garden or marvel at the grandeur of Westminster Abbey. London is a cultural melting pot, with vibrant neighborhoods like Camden, Shoreditch, and Notting Hill, each offering a unique blend of art, music, and fashion. Whether exploring the historical sites or embracing the city’s contemporary energy, London promises an unforgettable and enriching experience.

Discover the magic of London with Clio Muse Tours.

The best time to visit London is from April to September in the late spring to early autumn months . During this period, the weather is relatively mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions and parks comfortably.

In April and May, London’s parks and gardens come alive with colorful blooms, creating a picturesque setting for sightseeing and strolls. The city’s major attractions, such as the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, are less crowded than the peak summer months.

From June to August, summer is the high tourist season in London, offering a vibrant energy with events, festivals, and open-air activities. Autumn, in September, provides a pleasant shoulder season to visit, with milder weather and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Explore the British Museum: This iconic institution is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and art lovers alike, with a vast collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years and multiple civilizations.

Visit the Tower of London: Explore the majestic fortress, witness the Crown Jewels, and learn about its intriguing past, including its use as a royal palace, prison, and execution site.

Experience the Changing of the Guard: Witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a quintessential London experience. This colorful display of precision and pageantry, performed by the Queen’s Guard, attracts visitors worldwide.

Take a Stroll along the Thames: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Thames, which flows through the heart of London. Marvel at iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Tower Bridge, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the river.

Explore Covent Garden and West End: Spend an evening exploring Covent Garden’s vibrant atmosphere with its street performers, boutique shops, and restaurants. Afterward, catch a world-class theater performance in London’s famous West End, home to renowned musicals and plays.

Explore Camden Market: Dive into the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere of Camden Market, known for its alternative fashion, arts, and food scene. Browse through unique stalls offering everything from vintage clothing to handcrafted souvenirs, and savor delicious international cuisine from street vendors.

Visit the Greenwich Observatory: Head to Greenwich to stand on the Prime Meridian line and experience where time begins. Explore the Royal Observatory, learn about the history of timekeeping, and enjoy panoramic views of London from Greenwich Park.

Take a Harry Potter Tour: For fans of the wizarding world, embark on a Harry Potter-themed tour to discover filming locations, inspirations for Diagon Alley, and other magical spots in London.

Enjoy West End Shows: Treat yourself to a world-class theater performance in London’s West End. From dazzling musicals to classic plays, the West End offers a variety of shows to suit every taste.

Try Local Cuisine: London offers a diverse culinary scene, so indulge in traditional British fare like fish and chips, pies, and Sunday roasts. Remember to explore the city’s vibrant food markets and international eateries to experience a variety of flavors from around the world.

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London City tour: From Westminster to Trafalgar

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A LONDON MISCELLANY TOURS

THE HOME OF

SELF GUIDED LONDON AUDIO TOURS

A really excellent tour. I’ve taken loads of walking tours in London but I learnt many new things from this one. Highly recommended.

LUCY : There's More To Moorgate

Two New Tours published in June, check out the tours page

Just taken the tour during a short break in London. I was amazed that there was so much more to the area of Westminster than parliament. The commentary and directions were easy to understand and there were a lot of interesting facts and story's.

John : The  Power and The Glory

HIDDEN LONDON

Explore london at your own pace london | uk.

SECRET LONDON

ANCIENT LONDON

SURPRISING LONDON

Explore London with Us

Discover London's hidden gems with A London Miscellany self guided audio tours! We provide GPS-guided tours that let you explore London at your own pace. Click here to learn more.

From historical landmarks to tales of murder and intrigue, our tours cover it all! Check out our website to learn more about our audio tours of London.

Discover London's Rich History

London is a city with a rich and fascinating history. Join us on our Audio Tours to learn more about the people, events, and places that shaped London into the city it is today.

Taking A London Miscellany audio tour is the perfect way to explore the city of London. Our self guided audio tours provide an unforgettable experience, allowing you to walk at your own pace, stop when you want, and hear every word of the tour without interruption. Download the audio to your smartphone and use it as many times as you want. We provide a unique insight into the city's history, culture and architecture, helping you to gain a deeper understanding of the city and its people. Our audio tours will help you to uncover the hidden gems of London and take you on a journey that you won't soon forget.

Discover London's Hidden Gems

London is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered! Join us on our Audio Tours to uncover the lesser-known sights and attractions that make London such a unique city.

What Our Customers Say

Great App and an excellent tour, full of interesting facts and the additional stories and characters involved in the history of the area added to the enjoyment. Fully engaged for just over an hour then off to the pub. A cracking way to spend an afternoon in London. Definitely doing another tour soon. Great work . 

Brian Kinsey  | UK

What a great tour. Very informative and delivered at a pace that suited all our special needs. Another brick in the wall tour was by far one of the best i've been on this year. The detail of how the romans built this wall. defended and then how it has been preserved for all to enjoy and marvel was astonishing.Thanks to our tour guide Steve. 5 stars.

Kev Green | UK

what an excellent tour. Very professionally done, with even detailed thought given to those who may find it somewhat lengthy. A fascinating deluge of information much of which I had up to now been unaware. Congratulations to all involved

Phillip Gooda | Switzerland

Steve's clearly enunciated commentary is cleverly enhanced by various 'sound-bites' which do much to add to the atmosphere of this fascinatingly educational walkabout. Modern city life is almost relegated to a mere background hubbub as his voice transports you to Yesteryear. His suggestion to simply stand still for the 5 or 6 minutes close to the start was unexpectedly effective.

Sara Müller | Germany

London: National Gallery Audio Tour

England, London

Book Your Tour

Self guided tour.

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Discover The National Gallery with a self-guided audio tour. The National Gallery audio guide is a fantastic way to explore one of the world's most renowned art museums. With the National Gallery Self-Guided Audio Tour, visitors can use Vox City's innovative audio technology to enhance their experience. These National Gallery tours provide an immersive and informative journey, with expertly curated audio commentary.  Our tour allows you to explore one of London’s most magnificent buildings, located in Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery boasts an extravagant exterior, and its vast art collection is even more impressive. Since its construction in 1824, it has become one of the world’s largest art museums with over 2,300 European masterpieces which span six centuries. The entrance ticket to the National Gallery is not included and needs to be purchased separately. With this app-based self-guided audio tour you will enjoy unlimited independent sightseeing of the National Gallery. There's no need to meet up with a member of staff, simply download our App and start your experience straight away anywhere. Please note this is not the audio guide offered on the premises. This self-guided audio tour is subject to the opening days and hours of the National Gallery. The entrance ticket needs to be purchased separately.

Inclusions & exclusions

What you get: 

What you don’t get:

Know before you go

How to use the Vox City App:

Please note, this is a digital experience. There is no meeting point or staff on-site.

Frequently Ask Questions

Can I download my London: National Gallery Audio Tour prior to my arrival?

It is recommended that you download the audio guide prior to your visit by scanning the QR code received with your voucher.

How to download London: National Gallery Audio Tour?

Simply scan the QR code on your voucher and follow the instructions to download the Vox City app and the city map in your preferred language. If you encounter any problems shoot us an email at [email protected] or contact our customer support live 24/7 through our website. Remember that you can download the city map prior to your arrival.

Do I need to find any guide if I have purchased a London: National Gallery Audio Tour?

If the product you have purchased is a self-guided tour, as indicated in the title. Therefore, there is no designated meeting point, and there is no need to meet with someone from our team. You have the flexibility to enjoy the tour at your convenience.

Rated By Vox Citizens.

Overall rating

Review summary

I can't recommend VoxCity's self-guided audio tour of The National Gallery enough. The tour was incredibly informative, offering insights into the history, techniques, and symbolism behind the artworks. The audio commentary was engaging, and the option to listen to specific sections allowed me to focus on my favorite periods and artists. A fantastic way to explore this iconic gallery!

Exploring The National Gallery with VoxCity's self-guided audio tour was an absolute delight. The narrations were passionate and knowledgeable, enhancing my understanding of the artworks. The tour was well-structured, guiding me through the gallery's highlights while also leaving room for personal exploration. It was an unforgettable art experience!

VoxCity's self-guided audio tour of The National Gallery was a game-changer. The tour provided a comprehensive overview of the gallery's collection, including famous pieces by renowned artists.

I had an incredible time exploring The National Gallery with VoxCity's self-guided audio tour. The tour was easy to follow, and the interactive map ensured I didn't miss any of the must-see artworks. The audio commentary was engaging and educational, making my visit both enjoyable and informative. Highly recommended for art enthusiasts!

VoxCity's self-guided audio tour of The National Gallery was a true masterpiece. The tour provided a captivating narrative, taking me on a chronological journey through art history.

Discover More Experiences

River Thames Self Guided Audio Tour

• Big Ben 
• London Eye 
• Cleopatra's Needle & More

Westminster Abbey Self Guided Audio Tour

• The Facade 
• Henry VII Chapel 
• Coronation Chair & More

London: Harry Potter Walking Tour

• Great Scotland Yard 
• Trafalgar Square 
• Goodwin's Court & More

Political London Self Guided Audio Tour

• Trafalgar Square
• Boudica & More

British Museum Self Guided Audio Tour

• Rosetta's Stone 
• Moai Easter Island Statue 
• Lycurgus Cup & More

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

Walking Tours of London

See our Calendar Below for All Tours, as well as Things to Do & Travel Tips

Featured tours.

City of London & Westminster Tours

City of london & westminster tours highlights.

There are two parts of London: The City of London and Westminster. We offer two tours to give you a full London experience.

Spend the morning in Royal Westminster (Runs Wed, Fri, Sat at 10 AM) , where we'll see royal palaces, King's Guard soldiers, picturesque parks, beautiful buildings, and the most famous clock in the world!

Followed by our featured morning City of London (Runs Daily at 1030 AM and 1430 (230PM) tour that will take you through the oldest streets in London—from the Roman settlement 2,000 years ago to the newest (and tallest!)) buildings in Europe.

Graffiti & Street Art

Graffiti & street art highlights.

• Spitalfield's Market
• Hanbury Street

London's Ghosts & Gruesome Past

London's ghosts & gruesome past highlights.

• Farringdon Station:  "Mind the gap" as you learn about the ghost of a girl that is said to haunt the station.
• Smithfield Market:  This market was a place for public executions for centuries.
• Charterhouse Square:  Learn how plagues changed London, how deadly they were, how doctors tried to stop them and what happened to those who survived.
• Cloth Fair : Here your guide will show you where to pick up a drink before attending a public London execution.
• St. Bartholomew the Great Church:   Surrounded by centuries-old tombstones as you find yourself standing in one of London's most haunted graveyards.
• William Wallace Memorial : Hear the true story of William Wallace, of "Braveheart" fame, from the gory details of his triple execution to the later consequences for the UK and the inaccuracies of the film loosely based on his life.
• St. Bartholomew's Hospital : You will be grateful for your current medical service when you find out what methods, tools and means the doctors here used in the past!
• Holy Sepulchre Church : Empty pits are a reminder of the times, over two hundred years ago, when some people made a living by taking dead bodies out from their graves and selling them.
• The Old Bailey:  At this legendary courthouse, your guide will introduce you to the "worst serial killer" England ever saw. And if you think it's Jack the Ripper - think again!

Magical Harry Potter Tour (& Real Bottle of Butterbeer)

Magical harry potter tour (& real bottle of butterbeer) highlights.

Enjoy a real bottle of Butterbeer on this tour.

• Borough Market:  Borough Market was transformed into the setting for the Leaky Cauldron's entrance. The market's bustling atmosphere and historic architecture added an authentic touch to the magical world of Harry Potter and the Knight Bus scene that was filmed here.
• The Clink Prison:  Considered an inspiration for Azkaban Prison, The Clink adds to the historical ambiance of the area, which was utilised as a filming location for scenes in Harry Potter.
• The Globe Theatre:  Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Rebuilt by actor Sam Wanamaker, who is actually the father of Zoe Wanamaker who played Madame Hooch. In addition, David Tenant, who played Barty Crouch Jr. was married here.
• The Millennium Bridge:  This iconic London landmark, built in the year 2000 (hence the name) was blown up by the Death Eaters in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince!
• St. Paul's Cathedral:  This is where Newt Scamander met Dumbledore in the Fantastic Beasts series and served as the set for the staircase to the Divination Tower in the Harry Potter film franchise.
• The City of London School:  Daniel Radcliffe attended the prestigious City of London School, which has a reputation for academic excellence and notable alumni. His education at this esteemed school provided a strong foundation that complemented his burgeoning acting career.
• Scotland Yard:  Here you will stand in the footsteps of the Trio as you explore the location where they infiltrated the Ministry of Magic in The Order of the Phoenix.
• Trafalgar Square:  The site of the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 on July 7, 2011, attracting thousands of fans from around the globe. The cast walked from here, up the world's longest recorded red carpet, to Leicester Square for the final film screening and we will walk in their footsteps.
• Godwin's Court:  Godwin's Court in London, with its narrow, winding alley and historic charm, is believed to have inspired the set designers' depiction of Knockturn Alley in the Harry Potter series. The atmospheric setting, characterised by its cobblestone street and period architecture, evokes the mysterious and slightly sinister ambiance of the dark wizarding marketplace.
• Cecil Court:  Cecil Court, a quaint pedestrian street in London known for its antiquarian bookshops and historic charm, is widely believed to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. The enchanting atmosphere, lined with eclectic shops and Victorian architecture, mirrors the magical shopping district where wizards purchase their spellbinding supplies.
• Charing Cross:  The entrance to Diagon Alley is depicted as being located on Charing Cross Road, a bustling thoroughfare in London known for its bookstores and proximity to the theatre district. This central and vibrant location adds a touch of magical realism to the series, blending the ordinary Muggle world with the hidden wizarding realm.

Historic London Pub Tour

Historic london pub tour highlights.

• Visit pubs frequented by London's most famous poets, writers, and free thinkers!
• Follow in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I and visit the hardest-to-find pub in London.
• Explore parts of London as a local and get away from the tourist crowd.
• Drink in a pub that has actual jail cells in the basement from medieval times.
• See the first Irish Pub outside of Ireland.
• Hear the tales of and visit some of the famed Victorian Gin Palaces!

WWII London

Wwii london highlights.

Just some of the locations covered...

• St. Paul's Cathedral
• The ruins of Grey Friar's and the Memorial Garden
• The Barbican
• The Guildhall

Walking tours of London, including guided walks, free self-guided, and GPS-led audio tours, are a great way to experience the city.

Our model of live guided tours ensures that your guide strives to give his or her best on every tour, from our name-your-own price tours, where you choose how much the tour is worth, to specialty ticketed tours.

• Guided Walking Tours
• Free Self Guided Tours (written and researched by our team of professional guides)
• Audio Tours (written, researched, AND recorded by the same guides!)

Everyone should be permitted to take a guided tour for a price they feel it is worth! We offer name-your-own-price tours and ticketed specialty tours to cover all budgets and interests.

• Due to city regulations and the overall enjoyment of guests, we must limit our group size and have a strict Group Policy for groups 6+.
• If your group is 10 or more, please refer to our private booking page
• Some tours have a reservation fee to help us maintain group size for popular tours and support our State School Scholarship.

Searching Availability...

REGULARLY SCHEDULED TOURS

• London All in One
• Royal Westminster
• Brixton History, Street Art and Culture
• City of London
• Harry Potter
• Notting Hill Markets and Culture
• Shakespeare's London
• Graffiti and Street Art
• Majestic Mayfair
• Soho, Piccadilly Circus and Chinatown
• World War II
• Sunday Southbank
• Rock n' Roll
• Dark Side of London Ghost Tour
• Jack the Ripper
• Roman London

Food/Pub Tours Tours

• Borough Market and Maltby Street
• East London Food Tour
• City of London Historic Pubs
• Bermondsey Beer Mile
• Pub Crawl and Cockney Sing-a-Long
• Westminster auf Deutsch
• Royal Kensington
• London Christmas Lights
• Twilight on the Thames Night Tour

PRIVATE ONLY

• British Museum
• Covent Garden and the West End
• London Christmas Markets
• London Docks
• The Tea Tour
• The Final Journey : Execution Walk to Tyburn

AUDIO TOURS

Can't make one of our guided tours?

No problem, we have recorded some of our best tour guides giving their tours and made them available to you at any time.  

Here is how it works:

• Purchase an Audio Tour
• Receive a confirmation email with details.
• Enjoy the tour(s).

Even if you don't download any tours, you will still have access to valuable information on sightseeing, eating, and playing in London.

Available Tours:

• Royal London (Westminster)
• Harry Potter Locations  (in English and en Espanol)
• Rock N Roll London
• Thames River Walk
• Royal Borough of Greenwich
• Kensington Gardens
• Public Bus #11 (temporarily rerouted - unavailable)

Private London walking tour?

We also offer our guiding services for private groups where we can guide you anywhere in London. We are also experts in the region. 

Call us or email us and we will get back to you with a timely quote.  

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

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• Explore the Museum

Virtual Museum: 13 ways to explore from home

Delve into the Museum from home with a virtual self-guided tour of the galleries, an interactive experience about Hope the blue whale and audio guides narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

1. Stroll around the Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature exhibition

Although the exhibition at the Museum closed on 3 January 2022, you can still step into an online world full of fantastic real-life and magical beasts. There are highlights, stories and games galore. 

Walk around the exhibition from home with a 360° virtual tour on Google Arts & Culture.

2.  Take a deep dive into the life of a blue whale

Explore the rich history of Hope, the blue whale suspended from the ceiling in Hintze Hall. In this online interactive, see what her life was like in the ocean, find out how she got to her home in the Museum and get a behind-the-scenes peek of the Museum's collections.

Go one step further by viewing the skeleton in augmented reality (AR) with Google Arts & Culture. 

3. Hang out with scientists online

Catch up on all the Nature Live Online talks featuring topical discussions with our scientists and cutting-edge research. 

Free event recordings. 

Image:  NASA .

4.  Sound choices: listen to these podcasts

Every year the Museum attracts millions of curious visitors eager to learn about the natural world.

Bring that curiosity home, and learn more about natural history, science, and the world around you with these great podcasts. 

5.  Let Sir David Attenborough guide you around Hintze Hall

Sir David's unmistakable voice and expertise on all things nature make him the perfect person to take you on a tour of Hintze Hall's star specimens (including the blue marlin), all from the comfort of home.

6.  Go on a virtual tour of the Museum

Google Arts & Culture gives you access to 300,000 specimens within the Museum's collections, along with 35 digital exhibitions , virtual tours and an interactive gigapixel photo (so enormous you can zoom in on the tiniest detail) of Hintze Hall's gilded canopy. 

7.  Flick through Wildlife Photographer of the Year images

Explore the exhibition at your own pace in this online gallery filled with stunning nature photographs. 

8.  Watch us on the small screen

The Museum's stunning architecture has made it a popular choice as a filming location for everything from blockbuster movies to TV dramas.

Discover which films and television shows feature the Museum.

Paddington (2014)

9. Examine a 3D model of Dippy's skull

Get up close to the skull of the Museum's iconic Diplodocus cast produced by our Imaging and Analysis Centre. See more 3D models on Sketchfab , including Darwin's fossil mammals and the Crystal Palace sculptures .

10. See illustrations from HMS Endeavour

Our collection of botanical illustrations from HMS Endeavour make up some of the most scientifically significant artworks in our archive. It features works by Sydney Parkinson .

11.  Browse the Library and Archives digital collections

Dig deep into the archives, where you'll find scientifically important art, books, prints and manuscripts, including drawings by William Smith and brothers Franz and Ferdinand Bauer.

12. Uncover highlights from the collections

We've wrapped up some of the highlights from the collections on display including specimens from space , the spirit collection , Charles Darwin and the Treasures gallery .

Discover more stories from the collections  including stories from the Museum at Tring .

13. Zoom in on beetles

Open the drawers and zoom in on 16 Coleoptera collections held at the Museum including those from Thomas Broun (1838-1919), David Sharp (1840-1922) and Charles O. Waterhouse (1843-1917).

Find out more about the  Entomology collections .

Virtual expeditions with our scientists

What is it like to go on a dino dig?

Explore an interactive story about Museum experts' adventure to Wyoming, USA, when they went off-grid in search of Jurassic dinosaurs.

Explore a 360 panorama of Antarctica

Join Dr Adrian Glover as he journeys to the site of a collapsed Antarctic ice shelf. Experience the awe-inspiring view from the ship deck.

Let the exploration continue

Enjoy nature on your doorstep

Find activities and ideas to occupy yourself and family at home, in your garden or local outdoor space.

Try this at home

Discover more stories from the collections

Uncover colourful stories behind the specimens, meet collectors and curators past and present and read about their contributions to our understanding of the natural world. 

Teaching resources

A range of downloadable educational curriculum-linked resources that you can adapt for home use.

Find out more

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When Your Building Super Is an A.I. Bot

Artificial intelligence is doing everything from helping landlords communicate with tenants to managing energy use.

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By Julie Weed

The new maintenance coordinator at an apartment complex in Dallas has been getting kudos from tenants and colleagues for good work and late-night assistance. Previously, the eight people on the property’s staff, managing the buildings’ 814 apartments and town homes, were overworked and putting in more hours than they wanted.

Besides working overtime, the new staff member at the complex, the District at Cypress Waters, is available 24/7 to schedule repair requests and doesn’t take any time off.

That’s because the maintenance coordinator is an artificial intelligence bot that the property manager, Jason Busboom, began using last year. The bot, which sends text messages using the name Matt, takes requests and manages appointments.

The team also has Lisa, the leasing bot that answers questions from prospective tenants, and Hunter, the bot that reminds people to pay rent. Mr. Busboom chose the personalities he wanted for each A.I. assistant: Lisa is professional and informative; Matt is friendly and helpful; and Hunter is stern, needing to sound authoritative when reminding tenants to pay rent.

The technology has freed up valuable time for Mr. Busboom’s human staff, he said, and everyone is now much happier in his or her job. Before, “when someone took vacation, it was very stressful,” he added.

Chatbots — as well as other A.I. tools that can track the use of common areas and monitor energy use, aid construction management and perform other tasks — are becoming more commonplace in property management. The money and time saved by the new technologies could generate $110 billion or more in value for the real estate industry, according to a report released in 2023 by McKinsey Global Institute. But A.I.’s advances and its catapult into public consciousness have also stirred up questions about whether tenants should be informed when they’re interacting with an A.I. bot.

Ray Weng, a software programmer, learned he was dealing with A.I. leasing agents while searching for an apartment in New York last year, when agents in two buildings used the same name and gave the same answers for his questions.

“I’d rather deal with a person,” he said. “It’s a big commitment to sign a lease.”

Some of the apartment tours he took were self-guided, Mr. Weng said, “and if it’s all automated, it feels like they don’t care enough to have a real person talk to me.”

EliseAI, a software company based in New York whose virtual assistants are used by owners of nearly 2.5 million apartments across the United States, including some operated by the property management company Greystar, is focused on making its assistants as humanlike as possible, said Minna Song, the chief executive of EliseAI. Aside from being available through chat, text and email, the bots can interact with tenants via voice and can have different accents.

The virtual assistants that help with maintenance requests can ask follow-up questions like verifying which sink needs to be fixed in case a tenant isn’t available when the repair is being done, Ms. Song said, and some are beginning to help renters troubleshoot maintenance issues on their own. Tenants with a leaky toilet, for example, may receive a message with a video showing them where the water shut-off valve is and how to use it while they wait for a plumber.

The technology is so good at carrying on a conversation and asking follow-up questions that tenants often mistake the A.I. assistant for a human. “People come to the leasing office and ask for Elise by name,” Ms. Song said, adding that tenants have texted the chatbot to meet for coffee, told managers that Elise deserved a raise and even dropped off gift cards for the chatbot.

Not telling customers that they’ve been interacting with a bot is risky. Duri Long, an assistant professor of communication studies at Northwestern University, said it could make some people lose trust in the company using the technology.

Alex John London, a professor of ethics and computational technologies at Carnegie Mellon University, said people could view the deception as disrespectful.

“All things considered, it is better to have your bot announce at the beginning that it is a computer assistant,” Dr. London said.

Ms. Song said it was up to each company to monitor evolving legal standards and be thoughtful about what it told consumers. A vast majority of states do not have laws that require the disclosure of the use of A.I. in communicating with a human, and the laws that do exist primarily relate to influencing voting and sales, so a bot used for maintenance-scheduling or rent-reminding wouldn’t have to be disclosed to customers. (The District at Cypress Waters does not tell tenants and prospective tenants that they’re interacting with an A.I. bot.)

Another risk involves the information that the A.I. is generating. Milena Petrova, an associate professor who teaches real estate and corporate finance at Syracuse University, said humans needed to be “involved to be able to critically analyze any results,” especially for any interaction outside the most simple and common ones.

Sandeep Dave, chief digital and technology officer of CBRE, a real estate services firm, said it didn’t help that the A.I. “comes across as very confident, so people will tend to believe it.”

Marshal Davis, who manages real estate and a real estate technology consulting company, monitors the A.I. system he created to help his two office workers answer the 30 to 50 calls they receive daily at a 160-apartment complex in Houston. The chatbot is good at answering straightforward questions, like those about rent payment procedures or details about available apartments, Mr. Davis said. But on more complicated issues, the system can “answer how it thinks it should and not necessarily how you want it to,” he said.

Mr. Davis records most calls, runs them through another A.I. tool to summarize them and then listens to the ones that seem problematic — like “when the A.I. says, ‘Customer voiced frustration,’” he said — to understand how to improve the system.

Some tenants aren’t completely sold. Jillian Pendergast interacted with bots last year while searching for an apartment in San Diego. “They’re fine for booking appointments,” she said, but dealing with A.I. assistants instead of humans can get frustrating when they start repeating responses.

“I can see the potential, but I feel like they are still in the trial-and-error phase,” Ms. Pendergast said.

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