With only a few days in London this summer, we have to make some difficult choices. We can really only budget time for one or possibly two museums. We have found that we generally like best those museums that offer great tours by their docents. Otherwise, we are overwhelmed with the quantity of things to see. We are trying to choose between the Victoria and Albert, the British Museum or perhaps one of the Tates. Has anyone experienced an especially good tour offered by any of these(or others)?
Posted by
Tipton, Iowa
332 posts
I prefer guided museum tours, too. The free eyeOpener tours at the British Museum are great. http://www.britishmuseum.org/visiting/planning_your_visit/free_tours_and_talks.aspx . I fit a couple of these tours into any British Museum visit. Check out the Handling Sessions, too. http://www.britishmuseum.org/visiting/planning_your_visit/handling_sessions.aspx . I have also enjoyed a docent led tour at the V&A. Both are incredible museums, I have to recommend the British Museum over the V&A.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
The one would be the British Museum.
The two or three would add the National Gallery and Tower of London (maybe not a museum?).
The British Library treasures room is another of my favorites. Modern art isn't my favorite, so the Tate isn't in my top three.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
I guess that is depends on your interests.
The Victoria and Albert is great- but not really my taste. The Tate is fabulous if you like art. Hands down though, the British Museum is just amazing! If I had to choose one, it would be the British.
I'm not familiar with tours, however this link to the British Museum has information on those, plus other events, and multimedia information. http://www.britishmuseum.org/visiting/planning_your_visit.aspx
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Even though you didn't include it on your original list, I'll suggest the National Gallery. If I could only pick one art museum in London, the National Gallery would be it!
Posted by
Spring, Texas
635 posts
I think the Tower is not to be missed. The guided tour and wandering around on your own takes about 3 hours and is worth the time. The British Museum with all it archeological items is not to be missed. I spent several hours just in their Viking area and was thrown out when they closed. I'd like to go back and spend a week there.
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
I didn't find the treasures of the British Museum to be the overwhelming factor during my visit there, what I found overwhelming was the sheer number of tourists there during my visit. It was loud, chaotic and hard to really enjoy anything (especially the highlights - just trying to jockey into position to get a quick glimpse was annoying).
The Victoria & Albert and The Tate Modern were both much more pleasant.
Despite the crowds, I still liked The Tower best and had a great time viewing the crown jewels privately since I got there as soon as the gates opened and headed straight for that building. As I was the only person there for a good 15-20 minutes, the security guard didn't care how many times I rode the conveyor belt past the cases of jewels. The tour after was very good and I was glad to be out of there by lunch time as it was crazy busy then.
Posted by
OP
Lakewood, Wa
78 posts
Thanks for all the input. Once again, my main question was not which is the best museum but which museum has the best tours. So I think it's still between the Victoria & Albert and the British Museum. Maybe we'll try both if we have time. I've been to the tower several times and think we'll pass on it this summer.
Posted by
Brea, CA, USA
36 posts
British Museum and National Gallery are a must. You can always go back and see the lesser ones. Take it from an Art History Major, you will be happy you did. By the way, the British Museum is hugh and has plenty of cafes and restrooms. You can spend the whole day there.
Posted by
Brangwin, Wa, USA
349 posts
I will mention 2 not mentioned yet the War museum is really interesting with scenes like London blitz and in WW1 trench . Also the science museum is great for those so inclined .
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
780 posts
Dont forget the Museum of London! THey have great exhibits. It is within walking distance of St Pauls tube stop.
It only took like an hour or so to see everything as it is quite small but well worth it. It had a great fire of London exhibit when I was there last but it may have changed.
They even have public lockers.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I love love love the Victoria and Albert,, my first 3 trips to London I never even went to it,, and then last year I finaly did,, and all I could think is how could I have missed this.. it is now my firm favorite. I liked the British Museum, but hey, it IS mega crowded( just try and get within 4 feet of the display of the Rosetta Stone) and some areas are not as interesting as others.. but of course it is a must see if you have never been.
I haven't been to either of the Tates but plan on seeing them in a few weeks.
sorry, I guess this is not really helping as I have never taken guided tours, but , I am only weighing in as I think this sort of question is very difficult to answer,, its all about personal tastes and interests, so there is no right or wrong answer.