Arriving in London with a big suitcase and heading straight to the British Museum? You’re not alone. Thousands of travelers do it every day-only to realize they can’t walk through the galleries with a backpack weighing 20 pounds. Luckily, storing luggage near London’s top museums is easier than you think. No need to check into a hotel just to drop your bags. No need to carry your whole trip on your back. Here’s how to find safe, cheap, and convenient luggage storage right outside the doors of the city’s biggest museums.
Where to Find Luggage Storage Near Major London Museums
Most major London museums are within a 5- to 10-minute walk of at least one luggage storage spot. You don’t need to go far. Here’s where to look near the most popular ones:
- British Museum - Head to Left Luggage London on Tottenham Court Road (just 0.3 miles away). It’s open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and prices start at £4.50 per bag for 24 hours.
- Natural History Museum - Walk 4 minutes to Stasher at the Royal Geographical Society. They offer 24/7 access and accept oversized items like skis or golf bags.
- V&A Museum - The closest option is Bounce on Cromwell Road, right across from the museum entrance. They’ve got 100+ locations in London, and you can book online in under a minute.
- Tate Modern - Store your bags at Radisson Blu Hotel luggage desk (150 meters away). Even if you’re not staying there, you can pay £5 for 4 hours.
- Victoria and Albert Museum - Same as above: Bounce on Cromwell Road. It’s the most popular spot for families with strollers and kids’ car seats.
- London Eye & Southbank Museums - Try Lockerly near Waterloo Station. They have lockers for small bags and staffed counters for larger ones.
These aren’t random lockers in train stations. These are dedicated luggage services with trained staff, CCTV, and insurance. Some even let you drop off your bags at 6 a.m. and pick them up at midnight-perfect if you’re arriving on an early train or leaving on a late flight.
How Much Does It Cost to Store Luggage Near London Museums?
Prices vary, but here’s what you’ll actually pay in 2025:
| Service | Price per Bag (24 hours) | Size Limits | Insurance Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | £5.50 | Up to 20kg / 24x36x50cm | Yes, up to £1,000 |
| Stasher | £5.00 | Up to 25kg / 30x40x60cm | Yes, up to £2,500 |
| Left Luggage London | £4.50 | Up to 20kg | No (add £1 for £500 coverage) |
| Radisson Blu Hotel Desk | £5 for 4 hours | Up to 15kg | Yes |
| Lockerly | £3 for small, £7 for large | Small: 40x30x20cm / Large: 60x50x40cm | Yes, up to £500 |
Stasher and Bounce are the most popular because they offer flexible hours and higher insurance limits. Left Luggage London is the cheapest, but if you’re carrying expensive gear-like a camera or laptop-it’s worth paying extra for coverage. Most services charge extra for oversized items like surfboards or bicycles, but they usually accept them if you book ahead.
How to Book Luggage Storage Without the Hassle
You don’t need to wander around London looking for a sign. Here’s how to do it in 90 seconds:
- Open the Bounce or Stasher app on your phone.
- Search for “British Museum” or whichever museum you’re visiting.
- See the map with nearby spots-click one with a 4.8+ rating.
- Choose your drop-off and pickup times. Most let you change them for free.
- Pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or credit card. No deposit needed.
- Get a confirmation code and QR code. Show it at the location.
Some places let you drop off your bag even if you’re not sure what time you’ll pick it up. That’s huge if your flight is delayed or you’re doing a last-minute pub lunch after the museum. Just text them. Most respond within 10 minutes.
What You Can and Can’t Store
Not everything fits. Here’s what most services allow:
- Allowed: Suitcases, backpacks, duffel bags, strollers, car seats, golf clubs, musical instruments (if under 25kg), ski equipment.
- Not Allowed: Firearms, explosives, perishable food, live animals, illegal items, valuables over £1,000 (unless insured), large electronics like TVs or monitors.
Some places will take your laptop if it’s in a padded bag-but don’t leave your wedding ring in it. If you’re carrying something valuable, ask if they have a safe. Most do, and they’ll store it separately for free.
Pro Tips for Storing Luggage Near Museums
Here’s what travelers wish they knew before their first trip:
- Book ahead during holidays. Christmas, Easter, and summer weekends fill up fast. Reserve your spot 24 hours in advance.
- Use a lockable bag. Even if the storage is secure, a TSA-approved lock adds peace of mind.
- Take a photo of your bag. Before you drop it off, snap a picture of the tag and your luggage. Helps if there’s a mix-up.
- Don’t pack essentials. Leave your passport, tickets, and phone charger in a small daypack. You’ll need those while you’re exploring.
- Check the closing time. Some spots close at 8 p.m. If your train leaves at 11 p.m., pick a 24/7 location like Stasher.
One traveler told me she stored her suitcase at Bounce near the V&A, then walked to the museum with just a crossbody bag. She spent 3 hours inside, bought a postcard, had coffee, and picked up her bag on the way to Paddington Station. No stress. No dragging. Just a perfect day.
What Happens If Your Bag Gets Lost or Damaged?
It’s rare-but it happens. Here’s how the system protects you:
- All reputable services offer insurance. Bounce and Stasher cover up to £1,000-£2,500 per bag.
- You must report damage or loss within 24 hours. Take photos when you drop it off.
- They usually respond within 48 hours with a claim form. Most payouts are processed in 3-5 business days.
- Left Luggage London doesn’t include insurance by default. Pay £1 extra if you’re carrying anything expensive.
There’s no need to panic. These services are used by thousands daily. Most complaints come from people who didn’t read the fine print. Always check the insurance limit before you drop your bag.
Why This Beats Hotel Check-In or Train Station Lockers
You might think: “Why not just check into a hotel early?” Or “Can’t I use the train station lockers?”
Here’s why those don’t work as well:
- Hotel early check-in costs £20-£50, and you might have to wait hours. Plus, you’re paying for a room you’re not using.
- Train station lockers are often broken, limited to small bags, and not monitored. I’ve seen people come back to find their locker smashed open.
- Museum coat checks only hold jackets and small bags. No suitcases. No strollers.
Luggage storage services near museums are designed for tourists. They’re open longer, accept bigger bags, and are staffed by people who know exactly what you need. They’re not an afterthought-they’re built for this exact problem.
Can I store luggage at the museum itself?
Most major London museums don’t offer luggage storage. The British Museum, V&A, and Tate Modern have coat checks for small bags and umbrellas, but not suitcases. Even if they did, the space is limited and meant for visitors’ personal items-not travelers with full bags. Stick to nearby services.
Is it safe to store luggage near London museums?
Yes, if you use trusted services like Bounce, Stasher, or Left Luggage London. These places have CCTV, staff on-site, secure storage rooms, and insurance. Avoid random lockers in underground stations or unmarked sheds. Stick to businesses with reviews, clear addresses, and online booking.
How early can I drop off my luggage before a museum visit?
Most services open by 7 a.m., and you can drop off your bags as soon as they open-even if your museum opens at 10 a.m. Some, like Stasher, let you leave your bag overnight. Just check the hours when you book.
Can I store a stroller or car seat?
Yes. Bounce and Stasher accept strollers, car seats, and baby carriers as long as they’re under 25kg. Many families use this service to travel lighter through museums. Just make sure to mention it when booking so they can prepare space.
Do I need ID to store luggage?
Not usually. You’ll need your booking confirmation code and a photo ID if you’re picking up someone else’s bag. For your own bag, just show the QR code from your phone. No passport needed.
What if I’m running late to pick up my bag?
Most services give you a 1-2 hour grace period for free. After that, you’ll pay an extra hour’s fee. If you’re delayed by a train or flight, just text the location. Most will hold your bag until you arrive-even if it’s past closing time.
Next Steps: Plan Your Museum Day Without the Baggage
Here’s your quick action plan:
- Decide which museums you’re visiting today.
- Open the Bounce or Stasher app and search each museum’s name.
- Book your storage spot with 10 minutes to spare.
- Leave your heavy bags behind and walk in with just your phone, wallet, and ticket.
- Enjoy the art, history, or science-without aching shoulders.
- Pick up your bags on your way out and head to your next stop.
London’s museums are incredible. Don’t let your luggage turn your visit into a chore. With the right storage spot, you’ll move faster, see more, and actually enjoy your day.