London is a place that is packed full of experiences, attractions, and opportunities to immerse yourself in both the history and the culture of the city. Whether you select accommodation in London’s Paddington, head East towards Shoreditch, or keep it lowkey on the Southside of the river, dedicating time to some of London’s most famous attractions is a fundamental part of being a tourist in the city – and what better place to start than the British Museum.
Located in Bloomsbury just northeast of Oxford Street and a few minutes south of the hotels near Paddington London, the British Museum is the perfect place to go on a rainy day – with breakfast in Paddington followed by a short walk or tube journey down towards Tottenham Court Road.
Once there, a world of British history, culture, and discovery lies behind the front doors – so what should you add to your must-see list?
Things to see at the British Museum
The Rosetta Stone – First on our list, this exhibition item isn’t just an ornate and highly decorative stone from bygone eras, it is also a crucial part of our history and is what allowed us to unlock and decipher the hieroglyphics from ancient Egypt. An integral part of global history, the British Museum is lucky to hold this iconic piece of cultural discovery.
Lewis Chessmen – Chess pieces which were first discovered in 1831, these hand carved ornaments are made from walrus ivory and whale teeth and depict the real Kings, Queens, and Bishops from the time of creation.
Samurai Armour – An intricate look at what warriors once considered the standard in personal protection and armour, this display is imposing and fuses together individual pieces from different time periods across the 18th century.
Mummy of Katebet – Every exhibition and historical display around the world wants a genuine mummy inside it, as they tell an awe-inspiring tale of the lengths that those in the past went to in order to preserve remains. This particular mummy bears a striking gold mask worn over the face, and dates back to 1300 BC.
Elgin Marbles – Originally a part of Greek culture and history, the Elgin Marbles epitomise Greek classics and artwork, built to honour the goddess Athena.
As you can tell, many of the iconic and must-see exhibitions and items within the British Museum come from all around the world, highlighting our presence in the history and stories of many regions and empires throughout our history.
A truly British experience
When it comes to refining and perfecting your British experience, we recommend researching the best hotel deals in Paddington London, paying attention to the weather forecast during your stay, and booking as many attractions and experiences in advance as you can.
The British Museum is free to enter but you will need to book advance tickets for some of the more popular and limited entry exhibitions, which is why it is advised you do your research in advance and create an itinerary for the perfect day.
