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Sightseers keen to see the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum faced a mad rush when tickets went on general sale again at 10am – with a reported 269,000 people queuing before lunchtime.
This next installment of tickets, from January to March, seems to be experiencing the same demand.
Frustrated users took to X to voice the difficulties they faced trying to secure the much-coveted tickets.
One woman wrote: “My history student daughter asked me to get Bayeux tickets when they were released today. We were both in the queue. Absolute bloody chaos as usual. Thanks for wasting my time British Museum.”
Another added: “Can the 160,000 people ahead of me in the Bayeux Tapestry queue hurry xxxx.”
The rush for tickets generated more than £2.5 million in revenue for the British Museum, making it the biggest ticket day for any exhibition in the museum’s history.
But the exhibit has faced backlash from visitors since it opened last month.
Concerns have been raised about the long waiting time, despite allocated slots, and overcrowding in the exhibition space.
The museum has since issued an apology and made changes to address the issues, including extending opening hours.
What is the Bayeux Tapestry?
The Bayeux Tapestry was probably commissioned by a Norman patron and was made by English embroiderers in the 11th century.
It depicts 58 scenes leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
Written in Latin and Old English, it bears witness to several people depicted in the tapestry, including King Edward, Queen Edith, Archbishop Stigand, Earl Harold and Harold’s brother Gyrth, both of whom are shown in the tapestry, killed during the battle.
The exhibition at the British Museum also includes digital displays and other treasures from the Norman Conquest.
When will the tickets go back on sale?
Tickets to see the embroidery went back on sale for members of the British Museum on 6 October.
Non-members can purchase tickets from October 21.
Prices range from £25 to £33 depending on the date and time of visit.
Dedicated times are also used for school visits and under 16s can visit for free if accompanied by an adult.
There is no cheat code to secure tickets to see the Bayeux Tapestry, but joining the museum as a member offers advance booking options.
Membership starts at £82 a year. Whether you choose to become a member or not, you should ensure that you have created a registered account on the British Museum website before purchasing your tickets.
If you are booking for the second tranche of tickets, you should start queuing for online tickets as soon as they become available at 10am.
You should be aware that there is a 10-minute cart timeout. Once you enter the online queue and the website, you have just 10 minutes to choose your slots and complete your booking. There is a strict limit of ten tickets per booking.
People come to a 10-month long exhibition in London
Getty
Online queues are expected to reach tens of thousands of people, with some traveling from around the world to catch a glimpse of the embroidery.
If you don’t manage to get a ticket this time, there will be a third and final release in January 2027 for viewing between April and July.
There is another option for those who like to see the tapestry. Some hotels in the capital offer ticket and stay packages.
One Aldwych has a corporate partnership with the British Museum, meaning those who book an overnight stay at the hotel can also upgrade their package to include a view of the tapestry, a cocktail and a full English breakfast.
Be warned – hotel stays can cost as much as £1,000 per night – significantly higher than the ticket price.
What are the changes made to the British Museum?
The British Museum has faced complaints from customers since it opened its Bayeux Tapestry exhibition last month.
Visitors claimed their experiences were marred by overcrowding, queuing for hours, and being rushed through exhibits by museum staff.
The museum has responded with a series of changes to improve customer experience. These include longer opening hours, an additional audio guide and more signage.
Additional seating is also provided for those who need breaks.
A spokesman for the British Museum said: “The response to the Bayeux Tapestry has been extraordinary, and we are delighted by the excitement and interest it has generated.
“We also know that some visitors have been queuing longer than we wanted, so we are introducing a series of measures – including an audio guide, clearer signage, additional seating and longer opening hours – to make the experience smoother and give more people the time they need to enjoy the tapestry.
