British Museum Guided Tours, LONDON
Artefact Tours
Explore the British Museum like you’ve never seen it before.
90 minutes • Small groups (max 6) • Sundays only • Limited availability
About us
What makes Artefact Tours different
See the British Museum’s great ancient collections - Egypt, Greece, and Rome with new eyes.Our small-group tours are led by an art historian and designed for curious travellers and locals who want time to look closer, ask questions, and truly connect with the ancient world.
TESTIMONIALS
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐“I had a fantastic time on Nicole's tour on the Odyssey at the British Museum. The tour covers whether Homer was a real person, the real life city of Troy and numerous beautiful pottery artefacts that detail the tales of the Odyssey. It was very helpful to be guided through the museum with such a friendly and knowledgeable guide!”- Deanne (Google Reviews)
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐"Nicole is very knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. Her tour is the perfect blend of archaeology, ancient history, art and story telling, and she really brought the artefacts to life. We saw items we never would have spotted alone and came away from the experience fired up to learn more. 90 minutes passed in the blink of an eye. Perfect tour for adults or for a family with teens/older pre-teens "- Prem
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐"I had a fantastic time. I love ancient history but sometimes just looking at objects in a glass case and reading the tiny description can be a bit boring - Nicole's stories and explanations made me really imagine living in those times. I wish the tour could have lasted all day."- Lachlan (11 years old)
YOUR GUIDE
Meet your tour guide Nicole H.
I’m Nicole, a museum guide with degrees in History of Art (MA Hons) and Tourism & Heritage (MSc).I’ve worked with a number of museums in the UK and abroad, such as National Trust and National Museums Scotland, and have years of experience leading tours.I’ve been fascinated by ancient history and archaeology since childhood - a passion I love sharing with others.
I created Artefact Tours to bring the British Museum’s ancient collections to life in small groups, at an unhurried pace.
FROM 8 MARCH 2026
The Odyssey Tour: Ancient Greece at the British Museum
On this 90-minute guided tour, ancient Greek objects reveal the beliefs, journeys, and everyday world behind one of Greece’s most famous story - the Odyssey.Through carefully chosen highlights from the British Museum’s Greek collection, you’ll explore how myth, travel, and daily life shaped the way ancient Greeks understood their world.Great experience for families with children who enjoy mythology and storytelling.
| DAY | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 11:00 | British Museum |
| Sunday | 13:00 | British Museum |
What to expect
A 90-minute guided tour focused on one of the most famous Greek stories
Small group format for a relaxed, interactive experience (max 6 people)
Highlights from the Minoan and Mycenaean galleries, introducing the Bronze Age cultures behind the epic
Pottery and sculpture depicting heroes from the epic tradition, brought to life through storytelling
A focused route from Classical and Hellenistic Greece into the Roman world, tracing the Odyssey’s lasting legacy
First tour is scheduled for 8 March 2026
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
STARTING AUTUMN 2026
Roman Emperors: Power & Propaganda Tour
Follow the rise of Roman emperors through the galleries -
from the rule of Augustus to the turbulent reigns of later emperors.
A story-driven journey revealing how art, monuments, and everyday objects helped shape imperial power and the image of Rome’s rulers.
| DAY | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Coming soon | Coming soon | British Museum |
What to expect
A 90-minute guided museum tour exploring the lives and legacies of Rome’s emperors
Small group tour (max 6 people)
A curated selection of often-overlooked objects from across the British Museum
Stories of ambition, propaganda, scandal, and political survival
A thoughtfully paced route that leaves room for curiosity and discovery
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Small groups, big stories
With a maximum of six guests, there’s time to look closely, ask questions, and follow your curiosity - without feeling rushed or lost in a crowd.
The best of the Museum in under 90 minutes
A curated route through the galleries, designed to give you rich stories and standout objects without information overload.
Fascinating for first-timers and return visitors alike
Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, you’ll see familiar objects differently - through stories that connect people, places, and discoveries.
CONTACT US
Questions and private tour enquiries
Interested in booking a private tour?
Can’t find a suitable time?
Want to check availability?
Please get in touch below, or email us at
[email protected]
We will reply within three working days.
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Artefact
Tours
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Planning Your Visit
When should I arrive at the museum?
I advise visitors to arrive 20–30 minutes before the start of the tour, as queues can be long if entering via the main entrance. Everyone must go through a security check before entering the museum, and you may also want to use the cloakroom or toilets after you arrive.Please arrive on time, as we will only wait 5 minutes for any latecomers.If you arrive early and have spare time, you can take a quick look around the Egyptian Gallery and see the Rosetta Stone, which is not far from the tour’s starting point.Where do we meet?
Tours start inside the British Museum, in the Great Court near the lion statue and the Families Desk. See the map of the museum where this place is marked with 'F'.Do I need to buy a museum ticket? How do I enter the museum?
No. Entry to the British Museum is free. However, it is advised that you book a timed entry slot on the museum’s website within one hour of the tour start time. This may be required if you use the museum’s main entrance.If you don’t book a slot on the museum’s website, you can use the back entrance on Montague Place, which is often quicker.Please visit the museum's website for more details about entering the museum.
2. Bookings & Policies
Can I book a private tour?
I love doing private tours. Private tours can be arranged for individuals or small groups.You can book a private tour by selecting a slot that has all six spaces available and booking all of them.If you don't see a suitable slot or have any questions, please get in touch via the contact form or by email, [email protected].What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the start time will be refunded in full.If you book a private tour and need to reschedule, please contact us by emailing [email protected] and we’ll do our best to accommodate.What happens if I’m late?
We’ll wait 5 minutes, but to respect others’ time, the tour will begin promptly. Unfortunately, we can’t offer refunds for no-shows.
3. During the Tour
Is there a lot of walking?
The tour involves light walking and standing. Comfortable shoes are recommended. We will also climb a set of stairs, but a lift is available.Is photography allowed?
Yes. Photography, including flash, is allowed in most galleries unless otherwise stated on signage.