The Sherlock Holmes Museum London: Ultimate Guide & Review

Everyone knows the address. 221B Baker Street is arguably the most famous doorstep in literature. For over a century, fans have flocked to this spot in London to find the home of the world's greatest consulting detective. But when you arrive, you might find yourself confused by the long queues and the small entrance. Is stepping inside the Sherlock Holmes Museum actually worth the £19.00 entrance fee, or is it just a tourist trap?

We visited the museum to give you an honest, on-the-ground look at what to expect. From the confusing ticket system to the strict luggage rules, here is everything you need to know before you don your deerstalker hat.

Is the Sherlock Holmes Museum Worth It?

This is the most common question visitors ask. The answer depends entirely on your relationship with the books. If you have read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories and dreamt of sitting by the fireplace where Holmes solved his cases, then yes, this museum is a bucket-list experience. The attention to detail is fantastic. The rooms are dressed exactly as described in the Victorian tales, from the Persian slipper used for tobacco to the violin sitting on the chair.

However, you must manage your expectations. This is not a sprawling modern facility like the Vatican Museums with endless galleries. It is a genuine, narrow Victorian townhouse. It is cramped, creaky, and crowded. The entire tour takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

If you are just a casual viewer of the TV shows and not deeply invested in the lore, you might find the price steep for such a short visit. For casual fans, visiting the gift shop (which is free) might be enough to soak up the atmosphere without buying a full ticket.

Ticket Prices & Buying Tickets Online vs. Walk-in

Getting a ticket here works a bit differently than most London attractions. Even if you book your slot online to secure your entry, you cannot simply show a barcode at the museum door.

Important: There is a strict two-step process.

1. First, you must go into the Gift Shop located right next to the museum entrance.
2. You queue there to pick up your physical printed ticket.
3. Only after you have the physical ticket can you join the queue to enter the actual house at 221B.

We highly recommend booking online in advance, especially during the peak summer season or holidays. The current adult price is £19.00. If you are planning a budget-friendly European tour and looking for free or cheaper cultural spots like those in Museumplein Amsterdam, this fee might seem high for a single house, but remember you are paying for the unique heritage status of the building.

Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

The museum is open every day of the year (except Christmas Day) from 09:30 to 18:00.

To avoid the biggest crowds, try to visit on a weekday morning right when they open. Weekends are notoriously busy. Another critical thing to note is the temperature. Victorian houses were not built with air conditioning. If you are visiting during a heatwave in 2026, be prepared for the upper floors to get quite warm and stuffy.

What to Expect Inside 221B Baker Street

Once you get past the famous policeman (Bobby) guarding the door, you step straight into the 19th century.

The Ground Floor: The Gift Shop

Technically, this is where you start. The shop is filled with curiosities, books, and unique souvenirs. It is beautifully decorated and feels like part of the museum. You do not need a ticket to enter the shop.

1st Floor: The Study & Bedroom

This is the highlight. You will see the famous study overlooking Baker Street. You can sit in Holmes's armchair for a photo, examine his chemistry equipment, and see Dr. Watson's corner. The guides here are often in character and very knowledgeable about the history of the house and the stories.

2nd & 3rd Floors: Wax Figures & Memorabilia

As you climb the narrow staircase, you will find rooms dedicated to Dr. Watson and Mrs. Hudson. The upper floors feature wax figures recreating scenes from famous cases. Some visitors find these figures a bit dated compared to modern museums like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, but they add to the vintage charm of the experience.

Important Visiting Rules (Read Before You Go)

There are some logistical issues that catch many tourists off guard. Please read these carefully to avoid ruining your day.

No Luggage Allowed: This is the most critical rule. The museum is a Grade II listed building with very narrow hallways. You cannot bring large backpacks, suitcases, or strollers inside. Worse, there is no cloakroom or luggage storage on-site. We saw several visitors being turned away because they had travel bags. If you are coming straight from the airport or train station, you must find a luggage storage facility at Baker Street Station or a nearby shop before you line up.

Narrow Stairs: The staircase is authentic to the period, meaning it is steep and tight. It is not wheelchair accessible, and visitors with limited mobility may find it difficult to climb to the top floors.

Photos & Videos: You are encouraged to take photos throughout the house. However, video recording is generally not permitted inside the exhibit rooms to keep the flow of visitors moving.

Getting There (Location)

The museum is located at 221B Baker Street, London, NW1 6XE.

By Tube: The closest stop is Baker Street Station (Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan lines). When you exit the station, turn right, and it is just a short 5-minute walk. You will likely see the crowd before you see the sign.

By Bus: Bus numbers 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 113, 189, and 274 all stop near the museum.

Visiting 221B Baker Street is a pilgrimage for literature lovers. It is not the most high-tech museum in London, but it has a soul and atmosphere that is hard to replicate. If you leave your luggage behind and book your slot in advance, it is a delightful step back in time.