Tucked inside the Bank of England on Threadneedle Street, the Bank of England Museum tells the story of British money from the Bank’s founding in 1694 to the present day, with banknote design, forgery displays and a famously heavy gold bar you are allowed to lift.

The Bank’s own museum page states it is “Free to visit”, with no ticket needed for general admission. It is a genuinely small, quick museum – ideal if you are in the City with an hour spare.

Note the opening pattern before you travel: Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm with last entry at 4.30pm, closed at weekends and on bank holidays. On the third Thursday of each month it stays open until 8pm, and booking is recommended for those late openings.