Private Tour, Highlights of the Victoria&Albert Museum
Active
2h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join us for this private tour of The Victoria and Albert museum, recognised as the worlds leading museum of Art, Design and Performance. Your tour is led by a professional Blue Badge Guide, who will make sure you don’t miss any important artefacts and lead you around the highlights of this spectacular collection. Home to over 2 million objects there is plenty to see from British galleries and European connections to Islamic art and Asian artefacts. Your guide is full of facts, details and stories, not only about the individual items, but also about the wider history surrounding them. A fantastic collection and a highlights tour not to be missed!
Available options
Morning Tour 10:00AM
Morning Tour
Afternoon Tour 2:00PM
Afternoon Tour
What's included
Blue Badge guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
We start our tour in the lobby where we meet the founders of the museum, a magnificent bust shows Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Looking up towards the ceiling you can see the astonishing glass structure of the Chihuly Dale chandelier. As we walk through the museum you will notice it’s not just historical artefacts, indeed the collection is still growing, with modern pieces added regularly. This chandelier was arrived in 2001, hear how difficult it was to install.
Next we head upstairs to explore the British galleries. Here we get a glimpse of life in England during the Tudor and Stuart periods. Make sure you stop at the Great Bed of Ware, guess how many people can squeeze in. 500 years may have passed since this period, but our ancestors obviously shared our taste for comfortable living.
2
Stop 2
Passing the wooden carvings of Royal Beasts, we arrive in an amazing room filled with Raphael Cartoons. Wander around, hear many stories and admire the cartoons, these very paintings were the pattern for tapestries commissioned by Pope Leo X for the Sistine Chapel.
Time for some historical fashion, let’s explore the various styles of clothing from the 17th Century right through to 1960, in this, the worlds most comprehensive collection of dresses.
From Europe we now make our way to Asia. Your guide will ensure you arrive to catch the Ardabil carpet when its fully lit so you can appreciate the intricate design. Next we find the life sized Tipu’s Tiger, an impressive wooden carving in its own right, this mechanical toy also houses a musical instrument.
Heading back upstairs, the atmosphere of the museum changes slightly. Gone are the large spacious rooms and instead we find much smaller galleries packed with many different items, Silver Galleries, a Jewellery room and much more.
3
Stop 3
The Cast courts are yet another gem. There are two sections of the courts; first we can enjoy a view from above, before we walk amongst these amazing casts of famous structures of mainly Italian and Spanish origin. Listen and find out why there are so many and discover their purpose. Look inside the Trajan column and find the three Davids. Which one is the most famous one?
We are now back in England, for a quick stop to learn a bit about the history of fire insurance following the great fore of London in 1666. We also have a chance to discover what homes in London looked like during the 17th century.
We are reaching our final gallery to explore now, covering the Medieval and Renaissance periods. Here prepare to be amazed by the size of one of DaVinci’s notebooks. Admire the beautiful decoration on the Becket casket and learn about hunting culture whilst viewing the Bear hunt tapestry.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
Meeting point
Your Guide will meet you at the main Museum entrance on Cromwell Road, at the bottom of the stairs leading to the entrance. Your Guide will be holding a sign showing the lead customer name.
About London
London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.
Top Attractions
Tower of London
A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.
Historical
2-3 hours
£28 (adult ticket)
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.
Historical
1-2 hours
£27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)
The British Museum
One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)
The London Eye
A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.
Entertainment
30 minutes
£27-£33 (adult ticket)
Westminster Abbey
A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.
Religious
1-2 hours
£27 (adult ticket)
Tower Bridge
An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Architecture
1-2 hours
£11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish and Chips
A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).
Dinner
Contains gluten and fish
Full English Breakfast
A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.
Breakfast
Contains meat and gluten
Afternoon Tea
A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.
Snack
Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets
Sunday Roast
A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.
Dinner
Contains meat and gluten
Popular Activities
Rock climbing
Kayaking on the Thames
Cycling tours
Afternoon tea
Spas and wellness centers
Punting on the River Cam
Museum visits
Theater performances
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
- • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
- Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center
By train
London Waterloo, London King's Cross
By bus
Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon
Getting around
Public transport
The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Westminster
Camden Town
Soho
Notting Hill
Shoreditch
Greenwich
Day trips
Windsor Castle
34 km from London • Half day to full day
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.
Stonehenge
130 km from London • Full day
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.
Brighton
80 km from London • Full day
Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Festivals
Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August
London Film Festival • October
New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31
Pro tips
- Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
- Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
- Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
- Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
- Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
