What makes it 74% Kids-Friendly: The Story Explorers exhibition, family trails, and craft workshops engage 4–12-year-olds, toilets have changers, but no large playground or loud interactive zones keeps appeal moderate.
Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for Story Explorers, Family Station, and a self-guided trail without rushing.
Story Explorers exhibition:
Engage kids in three imaginative worlds with objects to touch, sounds to hear and art to make.
Tip: Drop in any time; no booking needed. Head there first to avoid crowds.
Self-guided Family Trail:
Pick up a paper trail at the desk and hunt for the King’s Library tower, Klencke Atlas, stamp collection and Treasures Gallery.
Tip: Collect the trail map on entry. Encourage kids to tick off each stop.
Family Station: Explore and Play:
Let children explore sensory items, read in a pop-up corner and follow fun building trails.
Tip: Arrive by 11:00 on school holidays or last Sunday of the month to get space.

Lonni Besançon
I am a big fan of visiting libraries as a tourist and this one is definitely a must see. Grand and beautiful with historical pieces and nice exhibits. It’s also a very nice building and only some temporary exhibitions require a paid ticket. Definitely worth a quick stop for those visiting and who are in the neighbourhood.
Hywel Maslen
The British Library is always a pleasure to visit and undertake research. The system is well organised and one can visit a number of rooms and order documents and books. There is also a newsroom for micro films of many publications. There are cafes and a restaurant here which have some good quality food and drinks. There is also free WiFi.
Bruno Rodrigues
The facility is amazing, but I just wholeheartedly hope that the new online system they’re switching to is better. The current one does not make it clear which volumes from book collections are available in the London Unit or in the Boston Bar unit. Also, it was just when I was inside the engineering library that a slightly rude librarian explained to me that all books older than 10 years are take...
M
A library may not typically be on a tourist’s must-see list, but the Treasures Gallery at the British Library is well worth a stop on your visit to London. This free, permanent exhibition showcases some of the world’s most iconic works, including Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks, Beethoven’s music books, the Beatles’ handwritten lyric notes, the Magna Carta, and the Gutenberg Bible - offering a rare ...
dave p
This is a wonderful place to wander around and enjoy some of the literature and writing from history. There are lots of people studying here at the many desks and areas provided. There are plenty of bathrooms, eateries and seating here. I thought there might be a little more in the exhibition room, but what they do have, is very interesting.
Family Station runs only during school holidays and on the last Sunday each month. Story Explorers ends 18 Jan 2026.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Café drinks & snacks | GBP 20 |
| Souvenir book | GBP 10 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 30 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 96 Euston Rd., London NW1 2DB, UK
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