The British Museum

Overview

The British Museum, located in central London, is one of the world’s most renowned museums. It is home to around eight million objects that tell the story of human history, art, and culture. It is free to enter and offers a great place to spend a few hours. It’s the perfect attraction for a rainy day in London.

History lovers, fans of architecture, and families with school-age children will all find something to enjoy here. Kids will love the Museum Explorer Trails, which offer options for all ages. Couples and solo travellers can discover a range of well-known items, learning more about different civilisations and cultures.

Things to see in the British Museum

There’s so much to see in the British Museum, including artefacts from ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.

Is the British Museum still free?

Yes, the British Museum is free to enter. The museum also hosts special events and exhibitions, which typically have an admission fee.

What are the most famous things in the British Museum?

Some of the most famous items in the British Museum include:

Mummy of Katebet – a preserved mummy from 1300 BC
Samurai Armour – 16th and 18th century Japanese warrior armour
Easter Island Head – a huge statue from Easter Island brought to Britain in 1868
Oxus Treasure – Persian relics from between 500 and 400 BC

What is the oldest item in the British Museum?

The oldest human-made item in the British Museum is believed to be the Olduvai stone chopping tool, which was discovered in Tanzania. It is around 1.8 million years old and would have been used for chopping bones, plants, and wood.

What is the most expensive thing in the British Museum?

The most valuable item in UK museum history was gifted to the British Museum by the Sir Percival David Foundation in 2024. It is a collection of Chinese ceramics featuring 1,700 rare pieces of Imperial porcelain, crafted for use by the emperor and his court. Some of the pieces date back as far as 1351, and the collection is worth around £1 billion.

What is the most visited item in the British Museum?

The Rosetta Stone is one of the British Museum’s most popular objects. Even if you only have a short time to spend in the museum, it is one not to be missed. The stone is inscribed with three texts – Demotic, hieroglyphics, and ancient Greek – and was used to decipher hieroglyphics.

What is the most controversial item in the British Museum?

One of the most controversial items in the British Museum is the Elgin Marbles, better known as the Parthenon Sculptures. They were carved to honour the goddess Athena and were acquired from the Greek Parthenon in the 19th century by Lord Elgin, who they are named after. The British Museum bought them in 1816, and the Greek government has campaigned for their return ever since, claiming they were stolen.

How do I skip the queue at the British Museum?

You can book a British Museum ticket in advance on the website, which will give you a specific timeslot for your visit and priority entry during busy times.

What is the quietest time to go to the British Museum?

The British Museum tends to be quieter in the week than at weekends and busier during school holidays. Some of the quietest times to visit include early in the morning, as soon as it opens, and after 3pm.

Can I get something to eat at the British Museum?

Yes, there are several places where you can get something to eat and drink at the British Museum. These include:

Court Cafes: sandwiches, snacks, salads, cakes, hot and cold drinks
Great Court Restaurant: refined yet casual dining, including three-course lunches and afternoon tea
Pizzeria: pizzas, salads, and desserts for the whole family
Coffee Lounge: savoury meals, salads, cakes, hot and cold drinks
Outside, there are two food trucks selling snacks and drinks

Can I bring a water bottle into the British Museum?

You can bring a water bottle with you. However, you’re not allowed to consume food or drink inside the museum, except in designated places and outside.

Is the British Museum accessible?

The British Museum offers a variety of services designed to make its collections accessible to as many people as possible, including:

Audio descriptive guide
Audio app
Large print guides
Object handling and touch tours
Braille guides
British Sign Language guides
Captions
Induction loops
Sensory maps and backpacks
Ear defenders
Borrow a wheelchair
Mobility scooters welcome
Easy access routes

British Museum opening times

The British Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm. It is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

How to get to the British Museum from YHA London Central

The British Museum is around 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometres) from YHA London Central.

On foot: It takes about 19 minutes to walk from YHA London Central to the British Museum.

Cycling: Cycling between the hostel and the museum takes approximately seven minutes. Bicycle racks are available inside the gates of the Main Entrance on Great Russell Street.

By public transport: You can catch several buses to the British Museum, including the 24, 29, 73, 390, 55, and 98. The journey should take about 19 minutes. The nearest tube station to the British Museum is Tottenham Court Road.

By car: The drive from YHA London Central to the British Museum should take around seven minutes. There are no parking facilities at the British Museum. However, there are a limited number of on-site parking spaces for Blue Badge holders. These must be booked in advance.