The Bayeux Tapestry School Visit

Plan a school visit to see the Bayeux Tapestry

A rare opportunity has come to the British Museum. As part of a historic agreement between Great Britain and France, the Bayeux Tapestry will be on display at the museum in London until 11 July 2027. And the good news for schools - free tickets are available! For pupils studying medieval history, the tapestry offers a remarkable chance to see one of the most important visual sources for 1066 with your own eyes.

Image By Myrabella - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25351521

The tapestry tells the story of the events leading to the Battle of Hastings, where William of Normandy defeated the English King, Harold Godwinson. This 70 metre long embroidered scene shows the moments leading up to the  invasion, the crossing to England and the brutal fighting itself. Pupils can look for details of weapons, ships and armour, as well as lots of hidden illustrations. This document will make you think about how the battle changed who ruled England, and how it helped reshape its language, culture and society.

The Bayeux Tapestry is a fantastic example for students of history of the need to question a source. Who made it? How accurately does it account for particular events? Who might have commissioned it? And what has been left out of the retelling of this monumental event in British history?

How to see the Bayeux Tapestry

Plan ahead: book through the Museum's Box Office, check the latest information for school groups, and explore the Museum's free learning resources before your visit. A self-led trip can be tailored to your class, with time to study the tapestry and connect it to your curriculum.

Want to see it without a trip to London?

If your class are not able to visit London, or you aren't lucky in the ticket lottery, have a look at the live broadcast on 14 October 2026. This event is available for school children aged 7 to 14 years old, and is an excellent opportunity to find out more about the story of 1066. This expert led, curriculum aligned online session examines how the Tapestry shapes our understanding of the Norman Conquest, including questions of perspective and bias. This would be a fantastic event for a school assembly!

Bayeax Tapestry Live Broadcast [external link]