VISITING THE BAYEUX TAPESTRY AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM

For the first time in almost 1,000 years, the Bayeux Tapestry has returned to Britain. From 10th September 2026 to 11th July 2027, the British Museum will display the original medieval embroidery in Bloomsbury, just moments from The Montague on the Gardens.

Stretching almost 70 metres, the Bayeux Tapestry tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, from the death of Edward the Confessor and Harold Godwinson’s claim to the throne to William the Conqueror’s invasion and the Battle of Hastings.

THE STORY OF 1066, BROUGHT TO LIFE

One of the most remarkable surviving works of the medieval world, the Bayeux Tapestry brings almost 1,000-year-old events to life through an extraordinary sequence of embroidered scenes.

Follow the people and events at the centre of the Norman Conquest, including Edward the Confessor, Harold Godwinson and William the Conqueror, alongside ships, battles, horses, weapons and even Halley’s Comet.

For its London exhibition, the tapestry is displayed flat and in one continuous length, giving visitors the opportunity to appreciate its scale and storytelling in a completely new way. Digital interpretation helps bring further context to the people, symbols and events depicted within it.

RARE TREASURES, SHOWN TOGETHER

The tapestry is joined by remarkable medieval objects and documents, bringing visitors even closer to the people and world behind its embroidered scenes.

A charter signed by history
Issued by Edward the Confessor in 1060, the charter includes witness signatures from several figures who would later appear in the tapestry itself.

The manuscript that may have inspired it
Created around the year 1000, the illustrated Junius II manuscript is thought to have influenced details within the tapestry, from ships and clothing to scenes of everyday life.

Coins from a kingdom in upheaval
The Chew Valley Hoard takes the story beyond the Battle of Hastings, with silver pennies from the reigns of both Harold II and William the Conqueror

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Exhibition dates

10th September 2026 to 11th July 2027

Opening hours

Sunday to Wednesday: 10am to 6pm
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm

Tickets

Adult tickets range from £25 to £33, depending on the date and time selected. Under-16s are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Entry

Timed-entry tickets are required and the exhibition follows a one-way route.

How long to allow

Allow approximately 40 minutes for the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition itself, or longer if you would like to explore the wider British Museum collections during your visit.

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YOUR LONDON BASE

THE MONTAGUE ON THE GARDENS

Just moments from the British Museum, The Montague on the Gardens is a characterful townhouse hotel in the heart of Bloomsbury. Stay close to the exhibition, then return for relaxed dining, cocktails, Afternoon Tea and a quieter corner of London overlooking our private gardens.

DISCOVER THE MONTAGUE

FROM 1066 TO AFTERNOON TEA

After a morning exploring one of history’s greatest pieces of storytelling, return to The Montague for another tradition with roots in Bloomsbury.

Our Bayeux Tapestry-inspired Afternoon Tea takes its cues from the craftsmanship and storytelling of the celebrated embroidery, with delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones and beautifully presented pastries served overlooking our gardens.

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VISITING AS A GROUP?

THE BAYEUX BANQUET & BRUSH

Turn your visit into something a little more hands-on at The Montague. Designed for groups of ten or more, our private Bayeux Banquet & Brush experience brings everyone together over a charcuterie board and French Martini before resident artist Shelley leads a relaxed painting session inspired by the tapestry’s extraordinary storytelling and artistry.

No painting experience required.

Pricing: £75 per person, including a charcuterie board, French Martini and guided painting session.

Prefer Afternoon Tea? Our Tea & Tapestry Sip & Paint pairs a Bayeux-inspired Afternoon Tea and Champagne with a guided painting session.

DINING BEFORE OR AFTER THE EXHIBITION

THE BLUE DOOR BISTRO

Just a short walk from the British Museum, The Blue Door Bistro is an easy place to settle in after the exhibition. Our AA Rosette-awarded cuisine is served across à la carte and table d’hôte menus, with a dedicated children’s menu also available.

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THE LEOPARD BAR

For something a little more relaxed, The Leopard Bar is a great place to meet before the exhibition or reconvene afterwards. Settle in over cocktails and light bites, with live jazz music in the evenings adding to the atmosphere.

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MAKE A STAY OF IT

Stay a little longer to discover Bloomsbury’s Georgian squares and literary history, continue towards Covent Garden and the West End, or spend more time exploring the museums and cultural landmarks that surround us.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For all guests, our Concierge team is delighted to help with useful information and recommendations as you plan your visit, and is on hand throughout your stay should you need any further guidance. Please note: tickets are released exclusively in instalments and must be booked in advance.