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The British Museum
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

The British Museum

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The British Museum is one of the largest and most renowned museums in the world. The British Museum houses over 8 million cultural relics and treasures from around the globe, with its vast quantity and diversity of collections being rare among museums worldwide. Rich collection of treasures Due to its vast collection, The British Museum can nearly showcase the entire course of world civilization. Despite spatial limitations, it still displays approx. 50,000 items simultaneously. The main collections date from the medieval period, with particular renown for ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman artifacts, alongside a wealth of precious cultural relics from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Many cultural treasures from around the world can only be seen in their authentic form here. Ancient Greek-style main building The main building emulates ancient Greek architecture, featuring a grand entrance with a tall colonnade flanked by eight thick and towering Roman-style columns on each side, topped by a pediment roof adorned with reliefs. Entering through the main door leads to the great court, which is connected to over 100 galleries of various sizes surrounding it. Inspired by the Louvre Pyramid, the great court is bright, spacious, and elegantly minimalist. Bright central atrium The great court was originally part of the British Library. After the library moved out, it was transformed into a covered square with a white color scheme. The square's massive semi-transparent roof is composed of many uniquely shaped glass panels, combined with white stone, ensuring excellent lighting even on gloomy days in London. The sculptures displayed in the court are genuine treasures, such as the marble lion and Easter Island statues. Additionally, artists from around the world occasionally perform here, adding a relaxed atmosphere to the solemn museum. At the center of the grand atrium is the reading room, displaying art literature and books open to the public, where travelers can admire the dome and quaint circular bookshelves up close. The entrance of the reading room is marked with the names of notable figures to commemorate their time spent reading here. Cafés and restaurants are located on both sides and above the grand atrium, offering dining options with a view overlooking the entire space. Along the outer edge of the reading room lies the museum shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs after their tour. Three iconic treasures The Rosetta Stone: Originally from Egypt, this stone bears three different script versions of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh's decree. Through comparing these scripts, archaeologists gradually unlocked the key to deciphering ancient Egyptian civilization. However, the Rosetta Stone displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a replica. Admonitions scroll: The scroll consists of 12 paintings in total, with The British Museum housing 9 Tang dynasty replica versions. The Admonitions scroll ranks 39th in BBC's "A History of the World in 100 Objects," highlighting its immense cultural and historical value. Throughout history, the scroll has been collected by numerous emperors and high-ranking officials. The Elgin Marbles: These are sculptural fragments from the Parthenon, with a history of over 2,500 years. They have been housed in the museum for over 200 years since the British royal family purchased them at great expense. Specialty exhibition halls Asian pavilions: Halls 33 and 95. Hall 33 features artifacts from China, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, including collections from countries like India. Hall 33B is dedicated to Chinese jade artifacts, while Hall 95 showcases Chinese ceramics. The British Museum is one of the museums with the largest collections of lost Chinese artifacts, housing over 25,000 pieces, with approx. 2,000 on long-term display. The exhibition is meticulously designed, organizing Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes along a chronological sequence, displaying artifacts from the Shang and Zhou, Qin and Han, to the Republican era. The major kilns of porcelain are divided into different curated sections by Ru, Ge, Jun, Ding, and Guan styles, presented professionally and systematically. Recommended artifacts to admire include large Tang tri-color ceramics, the Song Cizhou kiln "circus pillow," the Yuan blue-and-white fish and algae pattern large plate, Ming Xuande cloisonné, and Dunhuang mural Buddha statues. Ancient Egypt exhibition hall: halls 4, 61-66. One of the popular spots in the museum. The exhibits include mummies. The ancient Egypt hall is also one of the most visited exhibition halls, and almost all visitors to The British Museum make it a must-see. Ancient Greek and Roman galleries: rooms 11-23, 69-73, 77, 78, 82-85. The entire Parthenon is truly awe-inspiring, along with numerous ancient Greek marble sculptures and exquisite artifacts like vases. Don't miss the Portland Vase in room 70. Some exhibits are not suitable for long-term display and are only open during specific periods each year (including the mentioned Admonitions scroll). If you plan to visit, check the schedule on the official website in advance.London · 95.6km from Northampton

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Featured Culture & history in Northampton

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Northampton Audio Tour: From Castles to Cultural Quarter Chronicles
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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The London Pass includes access to 100+ popular attractions, local experiences, and dining options, including the Tower of London, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and more.
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1-day tour to Windsor Castle + The Roman Baths + Stonehenge in the UK | refundable 1 day in advance
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4.4/5
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Warner Bros. Studio Tour London 1-day tour [instant confirmation/free cancellation]
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Go City London Explorer Pass [Includes 75+ popular attractions including the Tower of London, London Eye, Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey, etc.]
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Hop-on hop-off bus tour in Oxford, United Kingdom
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4.8/5
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UK Windsor Castle + Stonehenge + University of Oxford In-Depth Guide 1-Day Tour with Multilingual Options
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Featured Food & drink in Northampton

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Aqua Shard restaurant reservation service in London, UK
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London: Traditional English Scone Making and Tea Workshop
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Featured Day tours in Northampton

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London Cable Car
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Windsor Castle + Stonehenge + The Roman Baths [round-trip from London | bookable for one person]
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4.7/5
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University of Oxford + Shakespeare's Birthplace + Cotswold Way + Warwick Castle day tour
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Duration: 10.9 hrs
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Windsor Castle + Stonehenge + Oxford 1-day tour [Round-trip from London | Chinese or English guide available]
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What travellers say about Northampton

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M43***628 January 2021
1.0
We are currently here for 2 nights in our motorhome, its dry so can't comment on the mud, but it is very dirty, rubbish in the hedges, bbq coals all over the floor and in hedges, the reason for this is because the bins all say no bbq waste in bins. The toilets are dated and the showers are in need of an update. The worst site I have ever stayed on, needs some serious money spending here. Will be looking for a refund.

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_We***5025 October 2026
5.0
My visit to the British Museum was completely transformed by Diana's guide. She didn't just introduce the exhibits; she connected the scattered artifacts into a coherent narrative of world history. From the Rosetta Stone's code and the controversy surrounding the Parthenon reliefs, to the Mesopotamian cuneiform and the historical context behind Oriental porcelain, her explanations were engaging, logically sound, vivid, and insightful. Dry history was no longer just cold text; each artifact came alive with a vibrant background. Her pace was comfortable, and she patiently answered our diverse questions. Three hours was incredibly enriching. Highly recommended! If you want to truly understand the artifacts at the British Museum, you absolutely must see her!

The British Museum

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Quah819 October 2026
5.0
Super fast and convenient!No need to book days in advance. I just bought my ticket on Trip.com right when I arrived, and it was issued within seconds. Highly recommend!

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What are the must-do things in Northampton?

Don't miss these attractions in Northampton: Royal & Derngate, Riverside Hub, and Sywell Country Park. If you like Culture & history, try Northampton Audio Tour: From Castles to Cultural Quarter Chronicles. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Bustronome London panoramic glass double-decker sightseeing bus restaurant with British cuisine lunch/dinner options.

You can give Bustronome London panoramic glass double-decker sightseeing bus restaurant with British cuisine lunch/dinner options and Aqua Shard restaurant reservation service in London, UK a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include London Cable Car, Windsor Castle + Stonehenge + The Roman Baths [round-trip from London | bookable for one person], and University of Oxford + Shakespeare's Birthplace + Cotswold Way + Warwick Castle day tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 1 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Northampton is around OMR 6.59 – OMR 85.56. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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