• V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum - The tour begins in the lobby, where visitors are greeted by a magnificent bust of the museum’s founders, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Gazing upwards, the stunning glass structure of the Chihuly Dale chandelier captivates the eye. As the tour progresses through the museum, it becomes evident that the collection is ever-evolving, with modern pieces being added regularly. This chandelier, installed in 2001, posed significant challenges during its installation.

Next, the tour proceeds upstairs to the British galleries, offering a glimpse into life in England during the Tudor and Stuart periods. Visitors should not miss the Great Bed of Ware and can guess how many people it could accommodate. Despite 500 years having passed, it is clear that our ancestors shared a love for comfort.

• V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum - Moving past the wooden carvings of Royal Beasts, visitors enter a remarkable room filled with Raphael Cartoons. As they wander, they can listen to stories and admire these paintings, which served as patterns for tapestries commissioned by Pope Leo X for the Sistine Chapel.

The tour then delves into historical fashion, exploring various clothing styles from the 17th century to 1960, showcasing the world’s most comprehensive collection of dresses.

From Europe, the tour transitions to Asia. The guide ensures visitors arrive in time to see the Ardabil carpet fully lit, allowing them to appreciate its intricate design. Next, they encounter Tipu’s Tiger, a life-sized wooden carving that also functions as a musical instrument.

Returning upstairs, the museum’s atmosphere shifts slightly. The large, spacious rooms give way to smaller galleries filled with diverse items, including the Silver Galleries, a Jewellery room, and more.

• V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum - The Cast Courts are another highlight. Visitors can first enjoy a view from above before walking among these incredible casts of famous structures, primarily of Italian and Spanish origin. They can learn why there are so many and discover their purpose. Inside the Trajan column, they can find the three Davids and determine which one is the most famous.

Back in England, there is a brief stop to learn about the history of fire insurance following the Great Fire of London in 1666. Visitors also have the opportunity to discover what homes in London looked like during the 17th century.

The tour concludes in the final gallery, covering the Medieval and Renaissance periods. Here, visitors will be amazed by the size of one of Da Vinci’s notebooks, admire the beautiful decoration on the Becket casket, and learn about hunting culture while viewing the Bear Hunt tapestry.

• Experienced Blue Badge guide

• Food and drinks
• Gratuities

Join this exclusive tour of The Victoria and Albert Museum, renowned as the world’s premier museum of Art, Design, and Performance. A professional Blue Badge Guide will lead the tour, ensuring no significant artefacts are overlooked and showcasing the highlights of this magnificent collection. With over 2 million objects, there is much to explore, from British galleries and European connections to Islamic art and Asian artefacts. The guide is brimming with facts, details, and stories, not only about the individual pieces but also about the broader history surrounding them. This is a remarkable collection and a highlights tour that should not be missed!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.