British Museum Guided Tour in London
Admire this world-famous historic collection with the help of an expert guide
Planning to visit the British Museum while you’re in London, but overwhelmed by where to start? With such an extensive collection of artifacts, it can be hard to know how to navigate this world-famous venue. On this 2-hour tour, your licensed guide will lead you through the expansive museum’s most impressive highlights, detailing the fascinating history behind each collection. After your tour, you’re free to continue exploring the rest of the museum’s many treasures on your own!
- Meet your guide outisde British Museum
- Great Court
- Enlightenment Gallery
- Rosetta Stone
- Parthenon sculptures
- Egyptian mummies
- Nereid Monument
- End inside the British Museum
Your 2-hour tour of the British Museum begins at the building’s main entrance, just past security. After meeting your knowledgeable guide and the rest of your friendly group of travelers, it’s time to dive right in. Marvel at the impressive ceiling of the Great Court, learn about the famous Rosetta Stone, admire the Parthenon Sculptures, and explore the Ancient Egypt galleries. All the while, your expert guide will detail the fascinating history behind each collection. After the tour, feel free to continue exploring the rest of the museum’s extensive collections on your own!
British Museum Guided Tour Description
Your 2-hour tour includes:
Knowledgeable, licensed guide
Informative walking tour through the museum’s key collections
The “Rosetta Stone,” Parthenon Sculptures, and the Winged Bulls from Khorsabad
Ancient Egypt galleries and Egyptian mummies collection
The roof of the Great Court
Learn about the history of each collection
Meet Your Licensed Guide
To begin your immersive tour through the iconic British Museum, meet your licensed guide at the main entrance. They’ll be waiting by the stairs after the security check, along with the rest of your group members. Once everyone has arrived, it’s time to begin exploring the museum’s expansive collections! Your guide is an expert and will lead you to the most impressive highlights of this world-famous museum while explaining the fascinating history behind each historical treasure.
Gaze at the Great Court
Your tour will begin immediately by admiring the spectacular glass roof of the Great Court. This two-acre space, which was designed by Foster and Partners, is considered the largest covered public square in Europe. After taking in the extraordinary ceiling, your guide will lead you to the legendary Rosetta Stone. While marveling at this historic granitoid stone, your informative guide will explain how it played a crucial part in understanding Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Visit Controversial Sculptures
Continue immersing yourself in ancient history as you make your way to the Parthenon Sculptures. Listen carefully while your guide explains the fascinating controversy behind these sculptures, as they were taken from the Parthenon in Athens by Lord Elgin, the former British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire.
Admire Ancient Egypt
Next, follow your guide to the remarkable Ancient Egypt galleries, where your jaw will drop at the wide collection of Egyptian mummies and the Anglo-Saxon “Sutton Hoo” burial relics. Your guide will end the tour with the extraordinary Winged Bulls from Khorsabad, a breathtaking sculpture from ancient Mesopotamia, found at the entrance of the Assyrian galleries.
Following your tour, you’re free to continue exploring the rest of this historic museum on your own. The British Museum is massive, so there’s still plenty left to see!
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
3 total reviews
Leave a reviewBritish Museum Guided Tour in London
Marjorie Williams
Our guide did not show up. We waited for 20 minutes on the steps after being two of the first to get onto the grounds on what was to become a very crowded day at the British Museum. This is the second time that a guide was a no show from The Tour Guy. Don't book with this company. They are not reliable. I am waiting for a refund.
Awesome tour
Junior Trajano
The way our tour guide put everything into a timeline and made us view history from a different perspective, as if we were there, is something truly unforgettable. Highly recommend!
Excellent!
Chelsea Dugas
I loved this tour!! I highly recommend taking this tour when in London. Wandering the museum on your own is enjoyable, but having your guide there to explain the history and mythology behind the pieces absolutely elevates the experience. 5 stars!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Make sure to bring a valid ID and wear comfortable shoes.
What to bring?
Make sure to bring a valid ID and wear comfortable shoes.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in London.
Are tickets included in this tour?
The entrance for the British Museum is free, the tour includes 2-hour guided tour with a professional tour guide.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Please keep in mind, this tour involves 2 hours of walking through the museum. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your mobility.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
No, but we're happy to recommend one of our favorite spots in the area, and your guide is sure to point you in the right direction too.
Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?
Kids are welcome on this tour, and children 3 and under join for free. Children aged 4-15 pay a reduced fee. Please choose accordingly during the booking.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No hotel pickup is included on this tour. You’ll meet your guide at the designated meeting point, on the museum stairs just past the security check.
Where does this tour end?
This tour ends inside the British Museum. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like and continue exploring the museum.
What is the cancellation policy of this tour?
You will receive a full refund if you cancel within 48 hours before the tour.
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