British Museum
Great Russell Street London WC1B 3DG
Daily 10:00-17:30 Fridays open until 20:30
Closest tubes: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Russell Square, Goodge Street
All ages
FREE
Based on 7 reviews
Took my children here and they enjoyed it. My son is into chess and enjoyed seeing the Lewis Chessmen. It has cafes and gift shops so far as my two boys are concerned what is there not to like!
Amazing exhibits, but hugely busy and hard to navigate, with some rooms feeling like they've crammed a lot of slightly disjointed things in for want of space. Overall effect, though, very impressive. Took 8 year-old daughter to see Egyptian collection as part of school project, and she loved the cat-related things. Make sure you're well fed, watered and wee'd before you brave the crowds, though.
Prepare for crowds around the Rosetta Stone, especially on rainy Saturday afternoons.
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About the British Museum
“You can learn loads of stuff but if you’re small it’s crowded and adults push you around” – Elliot, aged 12
Step into centuries of history at the British Museum, where families can explore ancient artifacts and world treasures. Kids love interactive trails, adventure backpacks, and iconic highlights like the Rosetta Stone and mummies. Always free—perfect for young explorers!
Top tip from the KidRated Team:
Head straight to the Families Desk to pick up an activity backpack or download an explorer trail before you arrive. It makes the museum’s galleries extra fun and keep the kids engaged.
Quick Inspiration
Yes. With activity trails, hands-on workshops, and artefacts that spark imaginations, it’s a fantastic intro to world history for curious kids.
Ideal for ages 5 and up. There are trails and backpacks for 5–11s, and teens love the Samurai armour, Egyptian mummies, and the British Museum app.
Absolutely. Entry is free for everyone, but booking a timed ticket online (especially on weekends or holidays) is a smart move.
Yes – activity backpacks, Explorer Trails, and weekend workshops at the Samsung Centre offer plenty of hands-on learning.
2–3 hours is ideal, but even 30–45 minutes using the family trails lets you see some highlights without overload.
Yes. The museum is totally pram-friendly with step-free entrances (use Montague Place) and lifts throughout.
Yes. Several toilets across the museum have baby-changing areas.
Yes. The café has kids’ options and there’s a family-friendly area with tables if you want to bring your own food.
Yes, the British Museum Audio App is great for independent exploration and covers 250 objects across 65 galleries.
Yes, there are lockers and a family space to store bags, scooters, or buggies.
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The British Museum is *the* place to go to see antiquities including the Rosetta Stone (which is usually surrounded by people trying to get a glimpse of it), the marbles of the Parthenon, ancient Egyptian busts and sarcophagi, an Easter Island statue, and, our favourite, the massive Assyrian Winged Bull guardians. It's a huge space and could be overwhelming, but the ancient Egyptian busts and mummies were enjoyed by all. Definitely plan on seeing a few sections of the museum or it could overwhelm younger visitors.