Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Norbiton

"With nearly 6 million visitors a year, the British Museum, is the UK's most popular tourist attraction, and provides visitors to London with free public access to important objects from human history and culture. Founded in 1753, The British Museum was the first national public museum in the world. The immense building is dominated by the round, domed Reading Room and airy Great Court, which opened in 2000."

"The British Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts from around the world. Among its treasures, you’ve got bits of the Greek Acropolis, the Rosetta Stone, a burial helmet from Sutton Hoo and an Easter Island statute. There is so much to see among the permanent collections but there are also excellent temporary exhibits."

"The Victoria and Albert Museum (aka the V&A) is part of a South Kensington-based group of museums that includes the Natural History Museum and Science Museum. Founded in 1852, the V&A covers close to 13 acres and contains 145 galleries spanning some 5,000 years of art and related artifacts. Exhibits include ceramics and glass, textiles and costumes, silver and jewelry, ironwork, sculpture, prints, and photos, and are conveniently arranged into four main categories: Asia; Furniture, Textiles, and Fashion; Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics, and Glass; and Word and Image."

"Not just one of the best museums in London but also the world’s largest collection of decorative arts and design, the V&A is comprised of more than 150 separate galleries over seven floors of furniture, ceramics, sculpture, paintings, posters, jewellery, metalwork, glass, textiles, dress, architecture and photography spanning several centuries. Plus it’s home to the beautiful William Morris tearoom and a water-filled courtyard; both excellent spots for a scone break."

"The Victoria and Albert Museum, commonly called the V&A, is a collection of decorative arts and ornate objects from around the world, housed within one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. The Victoria & Albert Flickr © Tony Hisgett"

"If you prefer contemporary art to classical works, head to the Tate Modern on the south bank of the River Thames instead, another of London’s top free galleries. The Tate Modern is Britain’s national gallery of international modern art, housing a huge collection of contemporary artworks from 1900 to the present day, with artists including Picasso, DalÍ­ and Warhol. You can also pop into the public restaurant and bar on floors 9 and 10 of Tate which has some of the most fantastic free views over the Londonskyline."

"Along the south bank (always worth a wander), you can stop in at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern Art Gallery, and even quickly cross the Millennium bridge for a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Globe and St. Paul’s Cathedral are both included on the London Pass, whilst the Tate Modern is free to enter."

"PRACTICAL INFORMATION: The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Time slots must be booked in advance on the museum’s website here. Admission to the general exhibit is free."

"Housing masterpieces by painters including van Gogh, Renoir, da Vinci and Michelangelo, the National Gallery is home to one of the world’s most impressive art collections, and sees over six million visitors every year. Avoid the hordes by visiting on weekday mornings or Friday evenings. Whatever time you go, the permanent collections are always free."

"It’s worth battling past the floating Yodas to get to the crown jewel of Trafalgar Square; the National Gallery. The formidable building sits resplendently behind the Fourth Plinth - always a talking point for art lovers - and contains some of the most famous paintings in the world. Here you’ll find works by Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Botticelli and Van Gogh - and you won’t be charged a penny to enjoy them."

"The oldest of the country’s network of Tate galleries, and one of two in London, the Tate Britain is the home of British Art from 1500 to present day. Its miraculous dome and grand, porticoed entranceway set the scene for what is sure to be a splendid afternoon exploring British history through art. And you’ll often find this beautiful building boasting works of art inside and out – see its most recent transformation into a beautiful winter temple!"

"Sister gallery to the Tate Modern is the Tate Britain, a bastion of British art. Sporting old-world marble floors, spiral staircases, and Grecian columns, the Tate Britain is a veritable temple of British art from 1500 to today. Get swept away by the world’s largest collection of stormy and atmospheric Turner oil paintings and a considerable assemblage of the most ethereal and romantic Pre-Raphaelite portraits of mythical and literary characters."

"Another member of the Tate group, Tate Britain is actually older than the larger and better-known Tate Modern, dating all the way back to 1897. While the Tate Modern holds international modern artwork, Tate Britain is now dedicated to historical and contemporary British art. Nearest tube station: Pimlico."

"While certainly known within London’s gallery scene, the Saatchi Gallery, located in London’s posh Chelsea neighborhood, is not usually featured among London’s top gallery recommendations. However, I absolutely loved this place when I visited on my most recent trip to London. The building itself is gorgeous, and I appreciate that the Saatchi Gallery takes special pride in jump-starting the careers of otherwise little-known modern artists."

"Former adman Charles Saatchi initially opened a gallery in a disused paint factory in St John’s Wood in 1985 to show off his impressive personal art collection. However, by the early ’90s, Saatchi was championing Young British Artists (YBAs) such as Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin and knew he needed extra room. His gallery can now be found in the enormous Neoclassical Duke of York’s HQ just off the Kings Road."

"Alternatives: There are many other things to see in the area (mostly in Chelsea), including the Chelsea Physic Garden (fee*), Leighton House Museum (fee), Design Museum, Portobello Road Market, Chelsea Football Club Stadium Tour & Museum (fee*), and the recently renovated National Army Museum. London Itinerary Day 6 – Greenwich or Free Day"

"Leading Victorian artist Frederic (Lord) Leighton lived and worked in this building on the edge of Holland Park, spending 30 years (and…"

"The House of Dreams Museum is the vision of London art director Steven Wright, who has lived in the East Dulwich home since 1982. He began to turn it into a museum in the late 90s. It serves as a shrine to his dead parents and partner."

": A veritable treasure trove of artwork and antiques, collected in the 18th and 19th century. Spread over 25 galleries, this historic London townhouse is home to some of the best examples of painting, sculpture, furniture and porcelain from that era, as well as a world-class armoury. The house also hosts several free talks during the day, check out the website for details."

"Wallace collection displays magnificent artworks in the historic London town. It has some of the most amazing old paintings, decorative arts, and world-class armouries. This stunning London museum is free and also has a glazed courtyard restaurant."

"With its Great Gallery stunningly refurbished, there's even more reason to visit this exquisite gem of an art gallery—although housing…"

"London's Dulwich Picture Gallery is the oldest public art gallery in the country, opening its doors in 1817. The gallery was designed by architect Sir John Soane and is a Grade II listing on England's National Heritage List for its design. Today, the Dulwich Picture Gallery has one of England's best collections of Old Masters."

"Completed in 1729 by the 3rd earl of Burlington (also known for Burlington House—home of the Royal Academy—and Burlington Arcade…"

"The Ragged School Museum in London opened in 1990 at the former Dr Barnardo's Copperfield Road Ragged School. The school opened in 1877 to provide the children in the area with a basic education, making it the biggest school of its kind for the period. By 1908, the government had taken over public education and the school was closed."

"Have a luxurious stay at London’s very first elevated deluxe hotel with sweeping views of the city. It sprawls over the 34th to 52nd floor of the iconic Shard building – a masterpiece by architect Renzo Piano. With a closeness to the Tower of London and London Bridge railway and tube station, you can easily get around the city and enjoy the best attractions."

"The United Kingdom’s tallest building dominates the London skyline, and offers incredible views from its three-storey viewing platform, The View at the Shard. Book your ticket online, or perhaps grab some cocktails in one of their charming bars. Read Next: Using the London Pass – The Most Cost-Effective Way to See London’s Biggest Sights"

"Given that it’s the tallest building in the United Kingdom, it’s only natural that the Shard is also one of the most incredible viewpoints in London. There are the viewing decks of the View from The Shard where you can go and take epic photos from. However I always personally recommend having drinks at the bar in the Shard instead."

"Taj opened its first Jiva spa in Europe last year in the heart of London’s Westminster - so it still feels brand-spanking new. The spa takes inspiration from ancient Indian wellness philosophies, offering a menu of body rituals and facials which blend traditional healing techniques and use luxurious Temple Spa products. Unwind in between treatments in the atmospheric vitality pool or break a sweat in the fitness suite."

"He was the 5th century Bishop of Arras who converted Clovis. “Foster” is an English bastardisation of his name. This was Wren’s cheapest church, as he was able to re-use some of the earlier walls."

"St Etheldreda’s Church is the oldest church in London, and one of only two in the city which have survived since the reign of Edward I. The exact date in which the building was constructed is unknown but is expected to be between 1250 and 1290. Dedicated to the Anglo-Saxon saint Etheldreda who founded the monastery at Ely back in 673 the church was purchased by the Catholic Church in 1874 and opened in 1878. As such it’s now one of the oldest operational churches in England owned by the Catholic Church."

"St Ethelreda Ely is a fragment of a medieval ecclesiastical palace belonging to the Bishop of Ely. It used to be the chapel and dates from 1293. The crypt incorporates older walls that may have been part of the Roman basilica."

"Dating from the reign of Edward I, this is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country and was the private chapel of the Bishops of Ely"