I’ve been to the new UK attraction named among the best places to visit in the world

TIME has named its Best Places to see and stay in 2026 this year, which included two spots in the UK.

I visited the V&A Storehouse in Stratford shortly after it opened last summer.

The London museum was the only other entry on the 100 places list that was in the UK, along with an afternoon tea experience The Maid of Somerset.

When it comes to the new V&A Storehouse – joining the likes of the original Victoria and Albert Museum and V&A Dundee – it isn’t your usual museum.

Right off the bat, it’s free, which is a huge bonus for trying to explore London on a budget.

Even better is that you don’t have to book ahead, and there are free lockers to use too.

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However, the museum itself is one for fans of the concept of museums, rather than any theme or designs.

For example, my favourite museum is the Kensington V&A, for its fashion exhibits while my mum-friends love taking their kids to the Science Museum.

But the V&A Museum feels more like an IKEA showroom, with a mix of collections rather than a set theme.

The website states: “There are curated mini displays across all three levels of Storehouse.

“Go behind the scenes and take your own path through the worlds of art, design, performance, fashion and more.”

Described as a “working museum,” it certainly has interesting elements.

One that has been praised is the Order an Object scheme which lets you ‘order’ on of the 1.25million objects across the V&A museums.

You then select a time and date appointment to come an see it up close.

But for standard museum goers, especially those with little kids, this museum might not be one for them.

It is three floors of metal walkways, so kids running around are likely to cause chaos.

And I found some of the items hard to understand, with some having limited descriptions.

It is certainly a fascinating and unique take on museums – but unless you are a fan of them as a concept, perhaps not one to go out of your way for.

It is now home to a David Bowie exhibit, a permanent archive of some of his most famous pieces.

And there are also a range of events, including the upcoming The Music is Black: A British Story this week.

Here is London’s weirdest free museum.

And we’ve rounded up the best free kids attractions in London.