I see there are a couple of 'London Walks' tours of the British Museum, but does the British Museum offer any guided tour of the highlights of the museum? If so, any idea of the cost or times? Thanks for the help. Jon

Try the British Museum web site. They do offer a highlights tour and you can book it in advance:<BR><BR>http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/tours/index.html

Okay, it's been about 13 or 14 years since I visited the British Museum, but it still stands out as one of my best museum experiences anywhere in the world. I wasn't on a tour, and thank goodness, because I couldn't get enough of some of the exhibits - the mummies, John Lennon handwritten letters, etc - and I would have been really mad if someone was waving me along with a feather on a stick. I say go it on your own pace and enjoy!

A good compromise is to go along on a tour and then go back to the things you want to spend a lot of time with. Those tour guides are just full of information, not only in their spiel but in answering question. I believe that in addition to the Museum's own guides (who have very impressive credentials) there are also "walks" run by the Original London Walks on specific topics.

Just to point out that in the 13 or 14 years that Nutella has been away, there have been many changes at the British Museum. Most of the library (John Lennon letters, etc.) has been moved to its own building a short walk away near St. Pancras station. Worth a visit in itself.<BR><BR>The original library in the center of the courtyard has been restored, and the courtyard itself enclosed with a glass roof, similar to the pyramid at the Louvre. The architecure has been somewhat controversial, but it certainly brings the museum into the 21st century.

We did the London Walks tour of the BM last year and would highly recommended it. The guide was very knowledgeble and was able to gives the group a look at the major highlights over a 2+ hour tour. Since it was our first time at the BM we would have been overwhelmed without the guide. Now ready to go back on our own.

London Walks offers wonderful tours - BUT I would NOT recommend them for the BM. The Museum itself offers several very good free tours every day for both general and specialized interest. That makes much more sense since once you see the magnificent great court you will surely want to linger a while and eat in one of the three cafes.

Thanks for the update, Ken! Looks like I need to book a return trip!

I think Janis is comparing apples and oranges regarding the London Walks tours and the free British Museum tours. The London Walks tour is a 90 min + highlights tour, costing &pound;5. The equivalent British Museum operated tours, with professional guides, cost &pound;8. The free one hour tours, called eyeOpeners, given by "enthusiastic" volunteers, are in-depth on specific galleries.

I looked on the BM website and saw that one can book a tour ahead. Does anyone know how early the tours book up, or how early one has to be there to be included? We'll be there either this Saturday or Sunday...ulp!