Take a break from art museums and explore the mummies and historical artifacts on a guided tour of the British Museum. The charming guides will take you through this world-class collection during a 2.5 hour tour.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 2 - 2.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English
Private or small groups available

Highlights

Admire The Rosetta Stone
Find out about Assyrian Lion Hunt reliefs
Be amazed by the Parthenon Sculpture
See the Lewis Chessmen
Marvel at the Oxus Treasure
Look at the Royal Game of Ur
Learn about the Mummy of Katebet
Check out the Samurai Armour

Full description

The British Museum's extensive collection spans 6,000 years of human history, featuring items from every corner of the world. The guides take a serious but enjoyable approach towards the museum’s galleries, discussing primitive tribes and forgotten empires through a carefully curated selection of exhibits. Discover Samurai armor and centuries-old Assyrian lion hunt reliefs. Learn about the Mummy of Katebet, the Lewis Chessmen, and the Rosetta Stone – the actual rock, not the language learning software. Leave the tour with an understanding of what humans have achieved throughout history and be proud to call yourself a part of this incredible species. Highlights generally include: (if artwork is not on loan or being restored etc) The Rosetta Stone, Assyrian Lion Hunt reliefs, Parthenon Sculpture, Lewis Chessmen, Oxus Treasure, Royal Game of Ur, Mummy of Katebet, Samurai Armour.

Includes

Private and semi-private options
Professional local tour guide

Gratuities (optional)
Hotel pickup and drop off
Temporary exhibits
Food and drinks (unless specified)

Not suitable for

Wheelchair users

Covid-19 precautions

You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You must bring your own headphones
You are required to bring and wear a mask
You must fill out a travel information form
You will receive a mandatory temperature check

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Meeting point

Meeting point varies depending on option booked.

Important information

What to bring

Passport or ID card

Not allowed

Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

There is a minimum of 2 people per booking
Tours available for wheelchair users on request
A small amount of walking is involved
This tour is offered as either a private tour or a semi-private tour (8 guests maximum)
For semi-private tours a minimum of 2 guests is required for it to run (an alternative date or full refund will be offered if minimum numbers are not met)
Available daily
Duration 2 - 2.5 hours
Wheelchair-friendly tours are available upon request only

Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 11 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Value for money
4/5

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Craig was absolutely fabulous. We saw all of the highlights. He has a great sense of humor and there was not one question (we had many) that he could not answer! I would use Craig again in a heartbeat. It was just my wife and me on the tour so that made it easy. Still, very affordable even for 2. Thanks

September 9, 2019

Could not be more happy about the decision to get a guide

My guide, Becky, was very knowledgeable (being a historian who's pretty much grown up in the British Museum) and very entertaining. She knew the backstory on all the object we looked at as well as the significance of the piece. She shared the information in a very engaging way and the time just flew by. If I had not used a guide, I wouldn't have had nearly as much understanding of the pieces I was looking at - or even *which* pieces to look at (there are 5+ million at the museum)

June 29, 2017

Our assigned guide had an emergency, but they gave us a great new one!

May 5, 2019

The British Museum in London Guided Tour

The British Museum in London Guided Tour

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Experience

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Could not be more happy about the decision to get a guide

Our assigned guide had an emergency, but they gave us a great new one!

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