The British Museum

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


What started out as a 'cabinet of curiosities' is now home to nearly eight million artefacts, collected from around the world.

Originally established to house the collections bequeathed by well-to-do Brits who explored the world at the peak of the British Empire, the British Museum has grown through the years to become a monument to humanity itself. It contains as many as eight million artefacts brought from every continent. There’s so much to explore here, it’s impossible to fit everything in in a single day – but it still has plenty to offer visitors with only a couple of hours to spare.

Every year, around six million visitors walk up the grand steps and through the 44 neoclassical columns that lead into the museum’s Great Court. Ever since it was established back in the 1750s, the British Museum has remained the UK’s most popular museum.

The museum’s exhibits are arranged geographically. You can see legendary relics like the Easter Island statue and the Elgin Marbles. The famous Rosetta Stone is also housed here, as is the Head of Ramesses. The Reading Room, once the main reading room of the British library, where Karl Marx worked on the famous ‘Communist Manifesto’ is a fascinating place to visit.

As well as its famed exhibits, don’t miss some of the quieter spots that celebrate civilizations across the world. The museum regularly hosts object-handling sessions, for which you don’t even need to book a place just drop in at the right time and you’ll find staff on hand, ready to answer your questions.

If you don’t have much time to spare, join one of the free 30- to 40-minute daily eyeOpener tours, which are available throughout the day. If you have children with you, there are plenty of events held specifically with younger visitors in mind. Around the museum, you’ll also find plenty of cafés and picnic spots in which to grab a bite to eat.

Located near Bloomsbury Gardens and Russell Square Gardens, the British Museum is easy to reach by Underground if you alight at Tottenham Court Road, Holborn or Russell Square. The museum is open all year round, apart from December 24th, 25th and 26th, and New Year’s Day.

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Top The British Museum Hotel Deals

Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
President Hotel

President Hotel

3.5 out of 5
56-60 Guildford Street, London, England
President Hotel
Royal National Hotel

Royal National Hotel

3 out of 5
38-51 Bedford Way, London, England
Royal National Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road

Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road

4 out of 5
97 Great Russell Street, London, England
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Bedford Hotel

Bedford Hotel

4 out of 5
Southampton Row, 83-95, London, England
Bedford Hotel
The Z Hotel Holborn

The Z Hotel Holborn

3 out of 5
75 Kingsway, London, England
The Z Hotel Holborn
The Hoxton Holborn

The Hoxton Holborn

4 out of 5
199 - 206 High Holborn, London, England
The Hoxton Holborn
City Sleeper at Royal National Hotel

City Sleeper at Royal National Hotel

4 out of 5
38-51 Bedford Way, London, England
City Sleeper at Royal National Hotel
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

When visiting The British Museum, you can explore nearby attractions such as fantastic museums and theatres, indulge in shopping at local areas, and stroll through Bedford Square. The museum itself is a hub of activities, offering insights into London’s rich history and culture, making it an ideal starting point for your exploration of the many museums that London has to offer.

Shopping

Visit Selfridges, a renowned store just 1.6km from The British Museum, offering a vast selection of gifts. Explore Camden Markets, 3.2km away, for a vibrant, eclectic shopping experience. Also, check out Burlington Arcade, 1.4km from the museum, combining entertainment and shopping in a charming setting.

Recreation

Head to Hampstead Heath, only 6.4km away, for a serene escape amidst nature. Enjoy leisurely walks, stunning views, and peaceful spots to unwind. For a vibrant evening, catch a concert at KoKo London, just 1.6km from the museum, offering an entertaining atmosphere to lift your spirits.

Adventure

Experience the exhilarating IFS Cloud Greenwich Peninsula Station cable car, located 9.7km from The British Museum, offering stunning views. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, just 966m away, provides thrilling indoor climbing challenges, while Oasis Go-Kart Track, 4.8km away, promises exciting karting adventures.

Nightlife

The British Museum's nightlife offers a vibrant atmosphere with nearby theatres like the Dominion Theatre, just 322m away, and both the Savoy and Lyceum Theatres, each 966m away. Enjoy captivating performances that bring culture and romance to life in an enchanting setting.

*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, you'll find an array of attractions including vibrant streets, charming piazzas, and urban parks that cater to culture enthusiasts and families alike. Explore various London museums and gather helpful information about the British Museum, ensuring a rich and fulfilling experience in this historic city.

  • Piccadilly Circus: This bustling junction is renowned for its neon lights and vibrant atmosphere, making it a hub of activity in London. Visitors can enjoy street performances and the lively ambience, perfect for soaking in the city's energy.
  • Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch, this grand palace offers a glimpse into royal history and tradition. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens that surround this iconic landmark.
  • Big Ben: One of London's most famous symbols, this clock tower is an architectural marvel. Its impressive bell chimes on the hour, creating a quintessential London experience, while the surrounding area provides lovely views of the Houses of Parliament.

Best time to go to The British Museum

The best time to visit The British Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around The British Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around The British Museum falls in January, 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 CloudyAverageSlightly High
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 SunnyAverageAverage
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

If you're planning a visit to The British Museum, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are generally lower. Sundays are the most economical days to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Utilise their search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and consider combining your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Also, keep an eye out for special offers and Eco-certified hotels for more sustainable options.

  • 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 May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around The British Museum is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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, including your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable options and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce costs by combining your hotel stay near The British Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.