The British Museum Tickets

Museum entry is free, upgrade with afternoon tea

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What to Expect...

Explore one of London’s best-known museums, with free entry to the permanent collection and the option to pre-book afternoon tea in the Great Court Restaurant. It’s a simple way to turn a cultural day out into a more relaxed family visit.

You can spend time with world-famous objects like the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and the Parthenon sculptures, then stop for sandwiches, scones and cakes beneath the museum’s glass roof. Advance booking is recommended for museum entry, especially at busy times.

Families will also find Museum Missions, explorer trails, baby-changing facilities and space for picnics during weekends and school holidays. For more ideas like this, browse museums and art galleries for all ages.

Clock Purple Icon3-4 hours
Mobile Signal Purple IconMobile voucher accepted
Global Purple IconOffered in: English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Korean
Family IconSuitable for All AgesClock IconTypical Visit Times 3 - 4 hoursCar Parking IconNearby Parking Available
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  • Aug 2026
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What's Included in your ticket

The museum’s permanent collection is free to enter, but advance booking for a free timed entry ticket is recommended on the official site.

Afternoon Tea is served in the Great Court Restaurant and must be booked in advance. Museum entry and restaurant booking are separate parts of the visit, so families should plan both before travelling.

Includes:

  • Check Circle Green IconEntry to the British Museum permanent collection is free
  • Check Circle Green IconAfternoon tea is served in the Great Court Restaurant
  • Check Circle Green IconAfternoon tea service runs daily from 11.30 to 17.00
  • Check Circle Green IconLast afternoon tea sitting is at 16.00
  • Check Circle Green IconAccess to more than 50 museum galleries during opening hours
  • Check Circle Green IconUse of family facilities including baby changing and buggy access

Excludes:

  • Circle Cross Orange IconSpecial exhibitions and paid events unless separately booked
  • Circle Cross Orange IconParking, except limited pre-booked Blue Badge spaces for eligible visitors

Why Book With Day Out With The Kids?

`Planning a visit to the British Museum? You're in exactly the right place! As an official ticket seller and the UK's #1 site for family days out, we've helped millions of parents discover unforgettable adventures - and booking through us is simple, secure, and completely hassle-free.

What's On - Activities and Highlights

A visit here works well for families who want a flexible London day out with plenty to see at their own pace. The permanent collection is free, so you can focus your budget on a paid add-on such as afternoon tea or a special exhibition.

Inside the museum, you can explore galleries covering ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Well-known highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and the Parthenon sculptures.

  • Free museum entry

    Free museum entry

    General admission to the British Museum is free. The official site recommends booking a free timed entry slot in advance for priority entry during busy periods.

  • Helpful for family visits

    Helpful for family visits

    Families can use Museum Missions, explorer trails and activity backpacks at selected times. Baby-changing facilities, buggy access and picnic space in the Ford Centre are also available at weekends and Camden school holidays.

  • Afternoon tea in the Great Court

    Afternoon tea in the Great Court

    Afternoon tea is served daily in the Great Court Restaurant from 11.30, with the last sitting at 16.00. Advance booking is essential, although walk-ins may sometimes be available on the day.

Ticket Instructions & Booking Process

  • Book your free museum entry slot online in advance for the date and time you want to visit.
  • If you are adding afternoon tea, book that separately in advance through the Great Court Restaurant.
  • Your museum ticket is emailed to you, and paid exhibition tickets are also emailed.
  • Show your booking on arrival and aim to get there at your selected entry time to reduce waiting.

Attraction Details

Opening Times

Regular Times

  • Monday, 10:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
  • Friday, 10:00 - 20:30
  • Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
  • Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00

Directions

The British Museum logo

The British Museum

British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, Greater London, WC1B 3DG, England

Tel: 02073238000

Get DirectionsVisit Website

Last updated: 10:28 13/08/2025

Important Information

  • General admission to the permanent collection is free.
  • Advance booking is recommended for a free timed entry slot.
  • Last museum entry is 16.45, or 20.15 on Fridays.
  • All visitors go through security and bag searches before entry.
  • There is no general onsite parking for standard visitors.

Booking FAQs

Most asked questions relating to The British Museum.

The museum’s permanent collection is free to enter, and this page is best used for booking afternoon tea as a paid add-on. Special exhibitions, tours and events are not included unless you book them separately.

The British Museum Reviews

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