Imperial War Museum

Though it's now closed until July, keep this South Bank museum in mind for your next London visit. And don't let the name fool you into believing that only war hawks and history buffs will be interested in perusing its galleries. The Imperial War Museum is actually a favorite of many different types of travelers, from kids to adults. Exhibits seek to tell war stories through the eyes of soldiers, citizens, and even children: Exhibits include World War I's Trench Experience, World War II's Blitz Experience, a Holocaust Exhibition (in which children under 11 are not permitted), among others.

Recent travelers praise this museum's Children's War exhibit and the 1940s life-size house museum-goers can wander through to get a look at World War II-era life. "There was nothing to dislike. Everything is authentic and visceral," notes one TripAdvisor user. Recent visitors also highlight the free admission and the museum café. However, some travelers wish for a broader range of wars in the exhibits; others think the collection is rather small. In an effort to address some of visitors' criticisms, the Imperial War Museum promises a new family exhibition—Horrible Histories: Spies—and numerous art and photography programs upon reopening this summer.