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United Kingdom/Things to Do in London, with kids

The British Library (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is The British Library?

74%Kids-Friendly
View Map

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.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 3,437 reviews)
The British Library, London
6 min
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The British Library, London
1.1K views • 2 years ago

Positives:

  • Free entry: Most family activities and exhibitions have no ticket cost.
  • Pushchair friendly: Step-free access and wide corridors make it easy to navigate with a pram.

Challenges:

  • Workshop booking: Puppetry workshops fill up quickly; reserve spots online in advance.
  • Weekend crowding: Family Station can reach capacity during holiday peak hours.
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🏖️ Explore The British Library with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around The British Library. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is The British Library?

  • A national library and research institution housing over 150 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps and sound recordings
  • Home to emblematic treasures such as the Magna Carta, the Diamond Sutra and Shakespeare’s First Folio
  • A contemporary landmark on Euston Road combining minimalist glass-and-steel architecture with dedicated spaces for preservation, study and display

What is so special about The British Library for with kids?

  1. Hands-on Story Explorers exhibition for ages 0–9.
  2. Self-guided trail reveals iconic library treasures.
  3. Drop-in Family Station with sensory play and reading.
  4. Wide, pram-friendly spaces throughout the building.

Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours

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.

(View The British Library on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in The British Library

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.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The British Library

  1. Arrive early: Get to Family Station at opening time to avoid queues.
  2. Use the digital guide: Download the free app map to navigate directly between exhibits.
🏖️ Tour The British Library like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in The British Library. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of The British Library

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Lonni Besançon

Lonni Besançon

Dec 2025

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

Hywel Maslen

Dec 2025

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

Bruno Rodrigues

Dec 2025

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

M

Oct 2025

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

dave p

Oct 2025

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.

When is the best time to visit The British Library (London, United Kingdom)?

Family Station runs only during school holidays and on the last Sunday each month. Story Explorers ends 18 Jan 2026.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to London on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Café drinks & snacksGBP 20
Souvenir bookGBP 10
Total EstimatedGBP 30

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of The British Library

Address: 96 Euston Rd., London NW1 2DB, UK

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About The British Library

Opening Hours

Monday:9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday:9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday:9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday:9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday:9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday:9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+44 330 333 1144

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