Museums reviewed by parents: Florence Nightingale Museum

My youngest daughter, aged 6, took great delight in being lifted up to peer through the countless spy holes and trying to keep up with her eight year old sister, who was engrossed in filling out the easy-to-follow activity sheets (you can download the Florence Nightingale Family Trail for free from the website or purchase a copy at the museum for £1; borrow a clipboard and pencil). Clues are identifiable by colourful stars, drawing the attention of any KS1 child without the need to be a fully-fledged reader.  

The arts and crafts table can be found at the furthermost corner in the temporary exhibition room and was hosted by a friendly assistant, who had laboriously cut and set out all the materials required for the making of a Victorian Easter basket. This, as every parent knows, is priceless! My daughters were completely immersed in their tasks and the assistant was attentive to the children and very knowledgeable in answering their questions.

There is plenty in the Museum to inspire an inquisitive mind. For the older KS2 child, discovering Florence’s birth place (her namesake) and identifying with her in matters of the curiosities she collected is an enjoyable challenge. I myself was struck by what a wonderful role model Florence is for girls and boys alike. She was a determined individual who defied societal expectations by creating a workforce previously deemed inappropriate for young ladies, and who overcame many hardships & religious obstacles. She was in her own life time – as now – the second most famous woman in Victorian society after Queen Victoria herself.

The mock-up Crimean field hospital gives a great insight into the terrible conditions faced by soldiers and the calming influence of the ‘Lady of the Lamp’. Her legacy continues forever more, as the posters which illuminate the outer walls illustrate, with nursing brought forward into the modern century with its advances in third world countries. 

Craft and activity sessions for children are organised during school holidays; check the website listing before you visit to find out what's planned.

There is no cafe on site but you are in close proximity to an M&S and all the usual tourist provisions close to the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. 

The Museum is a short walk from the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and attractions along the South Bank, located in the grounds of St Thomas' Hospital, at parking level. The nearest underground stations are Westminster (on the District and Circle line) or Waterloo (on the Northern line). The nearest railway station in London Waterloo.

Admission prices: Small family £13.00 (one adult and up to three children under 16); large family £18.00 (two adults and up to three children under 16). Children under 5 are free of charge. 

Opening hours: Daily 10.00 – 17.00 (closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Last admission 4.30pm.

The gift shop is well furnished with pocket money treats: lovely fridge magnets, badges, mugs, tea towels, note pads, stationery, replicas of Florence’s Turkish lamp and syringe-style pens!

The Florence Nightingale Museum learning department offers expert information on all aspects of Florence Nightingale's life and the history of nursing, as well as resources and pictures.

Information about the Crimean War, Victorian life and medicine and hospitals in WWI is online, and you can download free factsheets about famous nursing pioneers Mary Seacole and Edith Cavell from the website.

Florence Nightingale and her legacy are taught as part of the KS1 history curriculum.

Photography: © Florence Nightingale Museum