Attraction
Tower of London
Nearly a thousand years of royal history on the Thames, home to the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and the famous Yeoman Warders.
British Museum
Britain's great museum of world history and culture in Bloomsbury, with free entry to a permanent collection spanning two million years of human civilisation.
At a glance
- Type
- History and archaeology museum
- Area
- Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- britishmuseum.org
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026
Good to know
- Free entry
- Late opening Fridays
- Cafés and restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cloakroom
Why we recommend it
The British Museum holds one of the world's broadest collections of human history, from ancient Egypt and Assyria to Roman Britain, medieval Europe and the Pacific. The permanent galleries are free, which makes it easy to visit in short bursts rather than attempting everything in one exhausting day.
Begin under the glass roof of the Great Court, then choose a few galleries to focus on; the Egyptian sculpture rooms and the Parthenon sculptures are obvious starting points. Booking a free timed ticket online is recommended, and the Friday late opening until 20:30 is usually calmer than a weekend afternoon. Large suitcases are best left elsewhere, as the cloakroom charges per item. Tottenham Court Road, Holborn and Russell Square stations are all within a short walk.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
British Museum FAQs
Is the British Museum free?
Yes. The permanent collection is free; special exhibitions need a separate paid ticket.
Does it open late?
Yes, on Fridays it stays open until 20:30, with last entry at 20:15.