British Library

Photo of the courtyard of the British Library showing a modernist clocktower in the background. Photo of the courtyard of the British Library showing a modernist clocktower in the background.
Photo by me. There's an Origin Coffee kiosk here!

While the British Library is mostly, well, a library, replete with reading rooms and quiet researchers there are frequent events for the general public.

The permanent exhibition - Treasures - lets you see famous manuscripts from throughout history, from the Magna Carta to lyrics from The Beatles.

Free - Paid exhibitions

www.bl.uk

Exhibitions

Building Tour

Friendly guides share stories about how millions of books are looked after, showing visitors around the Library’s reading rooms and hidden spaces.

Free

Architecture

Treasures Tour

Visitors can see the huge atlas, King George III’s library and Magna Carta while hearing lively stories and facts shared by the Library team.

Free

Social History

Fairy Tales

Families step into classic stories filled with costumes, puppets, artwork and clever twists on well-known fairy tales brought lovingly to life.

Free

Until

Literature

Story Explorers in Leeds

Families can step into three imaginary worlds filled with books, art and curious objects, meet a huge soft octopus and enjoy creative hands-on fun.

Free

Until

Literature Science

Family Station: Explore and Play

Families can pop in anytime to enjoy hands-on crafts, sensory play items, tactile books and guided trails for exploring the Library together.

Free

Until

Inventors' Club

Speakers share tips on turning new ideas into real products, covering the challenges of design, testing and feedback from other creators.

Free

Design Economics

How to master the art of grant fundraising

Business advisor Yemisi Mokuolu shares clear steps and tools for building a strong grant plan, from setting goals to finding the right funders.

Free