The British Museum

The British Museum which includes heritage architecture, a city and a square or plaza
The British Museum
The British Museum featuring interior views as well as a large group of people
The British Museum featuring outdoor art and a statue or sculpture
The British Museum which includes interior views


This colossal treasure chest houses some of the world’s most precious artefacts. Today, it is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world.

For art buffs and history enthusiasts, the British Museum offers a staggering display of diverse material from all corners of the world. With a collection of over 8 million artefacts, visitors often find it difficult to view everything on offer in one day. So, whether you have a few hours or a few days to spare, this huge hub of information and history is definitely worth a visit.

The museum’s outstanding array of artefacts and precious items have been gradually accumulated over the years, beginning from wealthy British travellers at the height of the British Empire. The collection is still expanding today and includes some of the world’s greatest pieces, ranging from the Easter Island statue to the Head of Rameses. Visitors will be mesmerised as they stand before this wealth of history.

Take a step off the beaten track and discover the quieter galleries that celebrate Oceanic, Middle Eastern and Babylonian beginnings. As well as a highly factual hub of information, the British Museum recognises the importance of making History accessible. The museum offers numerous object handling sessions as well as a diverse range of activities throughout its galleries. Staff members are always on hand to provide visitors with additional information and answer any specific questions you may have.

The building’s Greek revival design, with its 44 beautifully crafted neoclassical columns is in itself a step back in time. Originally opened to the public in 1753, the museum has become one of the nation’s most visited attractions, with over 6 million visitors arriving each year. Walking through this immense building, visitors are brought to the spectacular Great Court. This is often a good opportunity to find your bearings before heading off to explore at leisure.

If you’re on a tight sightseeing, there are tours on offer throughout the day, lasting approximately 30 to 40 minutes. This is the perfect way to discover the museum in a short space of time. Open daily throughout the year (except for 24, 25 and 26 December and 1 January), the museum is easily accessible via subway. The nearest underground stations are Tottenham Court Road, Holborn and Russell Square.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Popular places to visit


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The Hoxton Holborn

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The British Museum

While visiting The British Museum, immerse yourself in London's vibrant culture with a variety of activities nearby. Explore numerous museums, indulge in lively pub crawls, and discover diverse shopping options to enhance your experience. Whether you're enjoying a theatrical performance or browsing local boutiques, there's something for everyone in this historic area, making it a perfect destination for a well-rounded day out in London.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots include Fortnum & Mason and Burlington Arcade, both 1.4km from The British Museum, offering upscale gifts and unique finds. Shepherd Market is just 1.6km away, perfect for a charming shopping experience with a local flair.

Recreation

Experience the thrill of live sports at the O2 Arena, only 9.7km from The British Museum, perfect for an energising outing. Alternatively, unwind at Hampstead Heath, a serene retreat 6.4km away, offering lush greenery for relaxation. For musical enjoyment, visit ABBA Arena, 8.0km distant, for unforgettable entertainment.

Adventure

For an exhilarating experience, take a ride on the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 9.7km from The British Museum, offering stunning views. Try Vertical Chill for climbing adventures only 966m away, or enjoy thrilling karting at Oasis Go-Kart Track, 4.8km distant.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near The British Museum with a visit to the Dominion Theatre, just 322m away, offering captivating performances. Alternatively, enjoy the romantic and cultural ambiance at the Aldwych Theatre, 805m away, or the Novello Theatre, 966m away, for an unforgettable evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near The British Museum

When visiting The British Museum in London, immerse yourself in a blend of culture and family-friendly experiences. Explore the vibrant streets and charming piazzas nearby, or relax in the urban parks that surround the museum. For a deeper understanding, seek out useful information about the museum and its offerings. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the rich history and diverse exhibits that make the British Museum a must-see attraction.

  • Piccadilly Circus: A bustling junction in the heart of London, Piccadilly Circus is famed for its bright neon lights and vibrant atmosphere. It serves as a major hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, embodying the city's lively spirit.
  • Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is a symbol of British heritage. Visitors can enjoy the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the stunning gardens, immersing themselves in royal culture.
  • Big Ben: An iconic clock tower that stands as a testament to London's architectural beauty, Big Ben is part of the Palace of Westminster. Its rich history and stunning design make it a must-see landmark, offering a glimpse into the city's cultural legacy.

Best time to go to The British Museum

The best time to visit The British Museum is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The British Museum

To save money on your visit to The British Museum, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, with Sundays typically offering the best rates. Use Expedia's tools to filter options based on your budget and preferences, and look for last-minute deals if you're flexible. For transport, walking is a great way to explore the area, and combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can yield further savings. Always sort prices from lowest to highest to find the best deals.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The British Museum are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around The British Museum about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The British Museum is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around The British Museum is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To discover the most affordable prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near The British Museum with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.