Yoga at the Natural History Museum: the most unique yoga class in London

A yoga class inside a museum? Yes, it’s possible at the Natural History Museum in London, and it’s the most unique yoga class I’ve taken part yet. Here’s my experience and why you should add this to your London bucket list!

Yoga at the Yoga at the Natural History Museum in London

It’s not every day that you get to practice your Warrior pose inside a museum, with the skeleton of a blue whale hanging from the ceiling! In fact it’s only possible a few Sundays a year, at the Natural History Museum in London.

These events take place a few times a year, early in the morning before the museum opens to the general public.

The Natural History Museum is located on Cromwell Road (SW7 5BD). The closest tube station is South Kensington.

You will need to bring your own yoga mat.

How to buy your ticket?

You can check the schedule and buy tickets on the Museum website. They tend to sell out quick, I wanted to attend a session last year and all tickets were gone weeks before the date.

The earlier you secure your spot, the better! In fact, the next 2 sessions after March are sold out already.

At the time of writing this post, a ticket costs £35 (+admin fee) and £31.50 if you’re a member of the Museum.

Is the yoga session beginner-friendly?

Yes, the yoga class is designed to be suitable for everyone, beginners included. It’s best to have taken part in a one or two yoga classes before to be familiar with the basic poses.

It’s a very gentle flow and the instructor will give different options to make it some poses more challenging or easier, to suit everyone’s level.

How long does it last?

The doors open at 7:30, the class starts at 8:00 and finishes at 9:15. You’ll spend the final 15 minutes in Savasana pose, lying on your back and relaxing to the melody of a sound bath.

What is it like to attend a yoga class at the Natural History Museum?

This is my own experience, when attending this event for the first time in March 2024. You can get an ideal of what it looks like in this short video:

I’m not a yogi at all, I only attended a few yoga classes in my life and found them okay, but I guess I didn’t enjoy this activity enough to make it a part of my weekly fitness routine.

However, I was really keen to experience this yoga class at the museum, I figured it would be a unique experience and I had never been inside this building before.

I arrived just after 7:30, hoping to be one of the first ones there so I could pick a spot at the back of the room. Turns out, there was already a line outside but I was still able to find space at the back. Definitely arrive early if you want to be able to choose your spot!

I was a little nervous due to my lack of yoga practice, but I was perfectly able to follow the whole class, especially with the instructor suggesting variations for all levels.

The flow included all your typical yoga poses, from downward dog to warrior and pigeon. It was overall very gentle and I found myself really enjoying it!

In the confirmation email, it was recommended to wear something warm and to bring some layers. The room was indeed not particularly warm and I guess it can get rather cold in Winter. Wearing my Merinos long sleeve top was the right call, I didn’t feel either too warm or too cold.

After an hour of yoga, we all got to lie down on our mats and enjoy a lovely sound bath to finish the session.

Would I recommend this experience? Yes, definitely, even if you’re not super into yoga. Taking part in a class in such a stunning space is a completely unique experience. Plus, the sound bath alone makes it so worth it!

Plus, after the class you can stay in the museum and discover the current exhibition, as well as grab a coffee and a bite at the cafe - although I’d suggest going to Ole & Steen just 5 minutes away for a delicious Danish baked good.

If you’re looking to try new things and shake up your weekend routine, I’d highly recommend adding this activity to your London bucket list! All you need is a yoga mat!