British Museum Guided Tour: 2 Hours, Priority Entry

Eight million objects in 70 galleries: a guide picks the ones that matter.

A 2-hour guided tour of the British Museum with an expert guide, priority entry timeslots and audio headsets. You'll see the Parthenon Sculptures, Egyptian mummies, Rosetta Stone, Sutton Hoo ship burial and other major artefacts across the museum's main highlights, then stay on to explore at your own pace afterward.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided tour of British Museum highlights

• Join expert guide at British Museum
• Explore Egyptian statues and mummies
• See the Rosetta Stone
• View Parthenon Sculptures
• Admire Assyrian Winged Bull
• Observe Easter Island Moai Statue
• Discover Sutton Hoo Ship Burial
• See Lewis Chessman
• Continue exploring museum independently

The experience

The British Museum holds over eight million objects spread across more than 70 galleries. Two hours is not enough to see it all, but it's enough to see what matters. An expert guide leads a small group through the highlights: the Parthenon Sculptures (the Elgin Marbles), the Egyptian mummies and the Book of the Dead, the Rosetta Stone, the Assyrian Winged Bull, the Easter Island Moai, the Sutton Hoo ship burial, the Lewis Chessman. You get an audio headset so you can hear clearly even when the Great Court is crowded, and priority timeslots mean you skip the main entrance queue.

The tour moves at a pace that lets the guide tell you the stories behind the objects: the myths of ancient Greece, the religious beliefs encoded in Egyptian burial practices, the artistic traditions of Southeast Asia. After the 2 hours end, you're free to keep walking through the galleries on your own, so if something catches your eye, you can linger. The museum is open most days, and public transport stops nearby.

What’s included

• Expert guide leading a small group.
• entry tickets to the British Museum with priority timeslots at the main entrance.
• audio headset option for clear sound in crowded galleries.

Options for this experience

3 options

English-language guided tour10:30, 14:00 and 17:00Lasts 2 hours. Priority tickets for the British Museum, valid for the main entrance with assigned timeslots.

Italian-language guided tour10:30 and 14:00

English guided tour with headsets10:30, 14:00 and 17:00Lasts 2 hours. Includes priority tickets for the British Museum, valid for the main entrance with assigned timeslots, plus headsets for the best experience.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30, 14:00 and 17:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Audio guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Best Tours London

Is this one for you?Book the tour with a headset if you're visiting the museum for the first time and want to hear the stories behind the major pieces without straining to listen in a crowded space. Without a headset works just as well if you prefer to move at your own rhythm or already know the collection.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

In English, at 10:30, 14:00 and 17:00. In Italian, at 10:30 and 14:00.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the main artefacts I'll see on the British Museum guided tour?

The tour covers the Parthenon Sculptures, Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, the Assyrian Winged Bull, the Easter Island Moai statue, the Sutton Hoo ship burial and the Lewis Chessman, along with other major pieces from the museum's collection.

How long is the British Museum guided tour?

The guided portion lasts 2 hours. After the tour ends, you can stay and explore the galleries at your own pace for as long as you want.

Is entry to the British Museum included in this tour?

Yes, entry tickets are included with priority timeslots at the main entrance, so you skip the general queue.

Do I need to book a headset for the British Museum tour, or is it included?

Audio headsets are available as an option. You can choose to add one at checkout to hear the guide clearly in crowded galleries, or book without one.