London Attractions Familiar Attractions British MuseumThe British Museum - Inns of Court
The British Museum was founded 250 years ago as an encyclopædia of nature and art. Today it no longer houses collections of natural history (which were housed in their own purpose built museum in South Kensington), and the books and manuscripts it once held now form part of the independent British Library. The British Museum however still contains the most extensive collections of artefacts anywhere - representing the cultures of the world, ancient and 
modern. The original 1753 collection has grown to over thirteen million objects at The British Museum, 70 million at the Natural History Museum and 150 million at the British Library.
The Round Reading Room, which was designed by the architect Sydney Smirke, opened in 1857. For almost 150 years researchers came here to consult the British Museum's vast library. The Reading Room closed in 1997 when the national library (the British Library) moved to a new building at St. Pancras. Visitors still walk around it, as it's the centrepiece of the Great Court - the huge atrium space in the middle of the museum (pictured). Light, spacious and a popular place to take the weight off, as you work your way around the exhibits.
To say that The British Museum has a lot on show - is to severely flirt with understatement. It's more or less impossible to take in more than a few areas in any depth, so it's advisable to pick a broad area (e.g. The Romans, or Egyptians) and perhaps explore one culture in detail. During the summer it's especially busy, but with additions like the Great Court, it has expansive enclosed spaces, to prevent visitors feeling claustrophobic.
After visiting the museum, head south to Holborn, then east until you reach Kingsway (where Holborn Tube station is). The first exit on the left past the Tube station will lead to Lincoln's Inn Fields, a large and peaceful green space, which follows on to Lincoln's Inn itself. A place of exceptional architecture and one of the four historical Inns of Court which have existed since the 1300s as professional bodies for the recruitment and training of barristers. With no through roads and plenty of greenery - during the summer the sound of birdsong swamps the traffic din and it's hard to believe you're in the centre of a large city.
The Inns are private property, but allow visitors to visit the gardens and central spaces. If you see a sign saying 'Private' - best not go any further.
The British Museum Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG.
Great Russell Street Tube.
Call: 020 7323 8299
Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP (approximately).
Holborn Tube.
