Bank of England Museum

Visit Bank of England Museum

Browse collections of historic monetary artifacts as you take an educational journey through the 300-year-old history of the Bank of England.

Visit the Bank of England Museum to learn about the history of the United Kingdom’s central bank since its inception in 1694. See ancient banknotes, coins and silverware, hold a genuine gold bar and spot displays of antique banking equipment. The Bank of England Museum is housed within the walls of the headquarters of the Bank of England. While visiting the museum you can also admire the bank’s impressive architectural features.

The museum has five themed exhibition halls, which take you on a through-the-ages tour of the bank, the buildings and its people. Start in The Bank’s Stock Office gallery, which is a replica of the 18th-century stock office. Take a virtual tour of the bank vaults and the impact of significant worldwide financial crises. Discover the reasons for establishing the bank in The Early Years, 1694 – 1800 gallery.

Pass through to The Rotunda, 1800 – 1946 gallery and spot statues by Sir John Sloane that were part of the original building’s décor. Here you’ll get the chance to hold a 28 pound (13 kilogram) gold bar and browse temporary exhibits such as photography displays.

Spend some time checking out the various editions of banknotes in The Banknote Gallery. These notes range from early handwritten pieces to today’s colourful designs. Finish your visit in The Modern Economy, 1946 – present gallery. Appreciate the work that goes into producing the security aspects of modern-day money. Watch a short movie about the Bank of England’s role and responsibility in the U.K.’s economy.

The Bank of England Museum sits in London’s historic financial district, called the City of London. It’s easy to get here via public transport such as buses, trains and the Tube. The museum is adjacent to Bank station. The Museum of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral are less than a 15-minute walk away.

The museum is open from Monday to Friday, except for select national holidays. Admission to all of the exhibitions and events is free. Free information brochures and children’s activity sheets are available at the reception. Find full details on the museum’s official website.

Popular places to visit

Royal Exchange

Browse upmarket boutiques and dine in upscale restaurants in this grandiose building, which once functioned as a center of trade.

London Mansion House

After visiting London Mansion House, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in London. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and stunning cathedral in this vibrant area.

Tower 42

After visiting Tower 42, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in London. Visit the shops and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

London Guildhall

Explore this majestic 15th-century structure, which encompasses several museums, as well as medieval crypts, a grand hall and a library.

Leadenhall Market

Shop for fresh produce, fine cheeses, flowers and many other items in one of the oldest covered markets in London.

Lloyd’s of London

Marvel at the otherworldly design of this space-age tower that plays a key role in finance, international risk management and insurance.

Top Hotel Deals

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

St Katharine's Way, London, England

Club Quarters Hotel London City

7 Gracechurch Street, London, England

Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's

24 Ludgate Hill, London, England

citizenM Tower of London

40 Trinity Square, London, England

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Great Windmill Street, London, England

The Ned

27 Poultry, London, England

Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

8-14 Cooper's Row, London, England

Montcalm Royal London House, London City

22-25 Finsbury Square, London, England

Apex City of London Hotel

1 Seething Lane, London, England

See all 27,644 properties in Bank of England Museum

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bank of England Museum

While visiting the Bank of England Museum, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture with nearby art galleries, theatres, and shopping venues. Consider taking an audio tour to enhance your experience, providing insights into the museum's rich history. Enjoy the numerous activities available in London, making your visit both educational and entertaining.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the Bank of England Museum, visit Borough Market, just 966m away, for vibrant food stalls. The Royal Exchange, only 161m away, offers luxury shopping and dining. If you're up for a drive, Twinings Tea Shop and Museum is located 1.6km away.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, located 6.4km from the Bank of England Museum, offers an exhilarating sports atmosphere for active enthusiasts. For music lovers, the ABBA Arena, 4.8km away, promises vibrant entertainment. Lastly, unwind at Hampstead Heath, 8.0km distant, where you can enjoy nature and relaxation amidst beautiful surroundings.

Adventure

At the Bank of England Museum, embark on an adventure with a thrilling cable car ride at IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, located 8.0km away. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill offers an exciting challenge only 1.6km away. Experience the adrenaline of karting at Oasis Go-Kart Track, 4.8km distant.

Nightlife

Experience the thrilling London Eye, a stunning ferris wheel offering adventure vibes just 3.2km away. For a touch of culture and romance, visit the Barbican Arts Centre, only 805m from the museum. Don't miss Everyman Cinemas Screen on the Green for an entertaining night out, also 3.2km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Bank of England Museum

Within and around the Bank of England Museum, you can explore a variety of popular attractions, including charming streets, picturesque piazzas, and historic churches. These points of interest offer a delightful blend of cultural experiences suitable for families and city enthusiasts alike, ensuring a memorable visit to this vibrant area of London.

Tower Bridge: A magnificent symbol of London, Tower Bridge is a historic drawbridge with stunning Victorian architecture. Visitors can explore its glass-floored walkway for panoramic views of the River Thames and the city skyline, blending culture and history seamlessly.
Tower of London: This iconic castle offers a glimpse into the nation's royal past. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is steeped in romance and intrigue, featuring the Crown Jewels and tales of its infamous prisoners, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
London Bridge: A striking modern bridge, London Bridge showcases the vibrant pulse of the city. With its contemporary design, it connects bustling areas and provides a perfect backdrop for photos, embodying the dynamic spirit of London.

Best time to go to Bank of England Museum

The best time to visit Bank of England Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Bank of England Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Bank of England Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	41.7°F (5.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	45.0°F (7.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	49.5°F (9.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
May	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
June	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	64.6°F (18.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
November	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bank of England Museum

To save on your visit to the Bank of England Museum, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking a month in advance can secure better rates, and checking Expedia for last-minute deals may yield further savings. Sundays tend to offer the best hotel prices, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by your budget and preferences, and consider bundling your hotel, flight, and activities for additional discounts. Don't miss out on free activities at the museum itself for an enriching experience without the cost.

The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bank of England Museum are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Bank of England Museum is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bank of England Museum is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Bank of England Museum is Wednesday.
Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel reservation for the Bank of England Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

See a list of all hotels in London

Unlock instant savings with Member Prices