The Bayeux Tapestry

This is the closest most of us will get to seeing the 70-metre embroidered chronicle of 1066 in the flesh — its first trip to Britain since it was made nearly a millennium ago. It's a genuinely significant loan rather than a gimmick exhibition, and the museum has built proper context around it rather than just hanging the tapestry and hoping.

Demand has been enormous, with tickets released in tranches — book as early as you can and take the off-peak or super-off-peak slots if you want a better price and a calmer room.