Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in South Croydon

"You could spend several lifetimes in the British Museum, Britain’s largest museum, without running out of artifacts to ponder. The collection is one of the largest in the world, arranged by location (Ancient Egypt, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Greece and Rome), and the list of big hitters includes the Rosetta Stone and other finds from Ancient Egypt, Asia and the Middle East. Come early on a weekday for a less crowded experience, pick one gallery and stick to it (or go for a guided “Highlights” tour), and plan to hit one of the day’s free 30-minute taster talks."

"The mummies in the Ancient Egypt section are a particular favourite. There’s so much to explore whether you’re into the Aztecs and the Incas, the Vikings or Ancient Greece. It’s best to pick just one area to visit each time you go or it’s just too much to take in."

"Its permanent collection numbers more than 8 million pieces, spanning human history and culture from its ancient beginnings right up to modern times. The British Museum © Flickr WWarby"

"Dangling in its epic entrance foyer is a colossal blue-and-green Dale Chihuly's blown glass chandelier, and that’s just the beginning. Established in 1857, the museum’s collection spreads over seven floors and is comprised of decorative arts and design in virtually every medium from virtually every time period. Highlights include the notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci; ceramics by Picasso; a copy of the first collected edition of the works of Shakespeare; treasure troves of art from Medieval and Renaissance Europe; and one of the most comprehensive jewelry collections in the world."

"Named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the V&A wears the crown as the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. Its priceless collection includes sculptures, paintings, ceramics, fashion, drawings, and books from ancient times to present day. Like most of London’s museums, admission to the Victoria and Albert is free."

"Take a journey through 2000 years of art history with the help of more than 2 million objects. Read which highlights you should not miss. Among those you will find a plaster cast of the 38 m high Trajan's Column in Rome, a life-sized tiger attacking a man who is ...Images, Info & Tips"

"For those who prefer more contemporary art to classical works, head to the Tate Modern on the south bank of the River Thames. Located inside of the former Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern is Britain’s national gallery of international modern art, housing a huge collection of contemporary and modern artwork from 1900 to the present day, with artists including Picasso, DalÍ­, Pollock and Warhol. The Tate Modern is the most visited art museum in Britain and the second most visited museum in the UK after the British Museum."

"London's museum of modern art is located directly at the bank of river Thames. It offers besides several abstract masterpieces also the possibility to enjoy a great view over the city and there is no entrance fee. Find out which artworks you can admire here and where you have to look for the fantastic view ...Images, Info & Tips"

"Ever since the Tate Modern opened in 2000, it has quickly risen to be one of the famous places in London to visit. This art gallery generates an estimated 100 million euros annually. The Tate Modern was previously the Bankside Power Station, but it was converted into an art gallery in 1994 by Swiss architects Herzog & De Meuron."

"1824: The première of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9; the Egyptians capture Crete; ‘New Holland’ becomes ‘Australia’; some government guys in Britain bought 38 paintings. Now: Beethoven’s no longer in the charts, Australia still has an identity crisis, and The National Gallery has over 2,300 works tracing the complete development of Western European painting from virtually every European school of art."

"Day 1: Arrive in London, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, the London EyeDay 2: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Whitehall, Covent GardenDay 3: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, Tate Modern, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sky GardenDay 4: National Gallery, Greenwich, Prime Meridian, Up at the O2Day 5: British Museum, Portobello Road Market, Victoria and Albert Museum, Harrod’s"

"The National Gallery is my personal favourite gallery in the world. You’ll find some of Europe’s greatest masterpieces here, from Van Gogh, to Monet, to Rembrandt. I still remember being brought to tears by the doleful beauty of Turner’s Margate (?) from the Sea."

"Tate Britain is part of the Tate organization that includes three other museums: Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St. Ives. Tate Britain, once known as the National Gallery of British Art and the Tate Gallery, contains a huge collection of British art dating back to Tudor times. Tate Britain is one of the biggest museums in the United Kingdom, attracting more than one million guests through its doors annually."

"Over in Westminster, Tate Britain focuses on British art from 1500 to the present day. It has everything from historic portraits to impressive sculptures on display. Tate Britain is a great place to get a feel for the UK’s domestic art scene and how it’s evolved over time."

"Known as Queen’s House due to its connection with Anne, Queen of Denmark, the Queen’s House Greenwich is a spectacular backdrop for photos. The 17th century home is a stark white, which really pops against the manicured green lawns and (sometimes) blue skies. The gardens themselves are a playground if you’re looking to capture some brilliant blooms."

"Inigo Jones had recently completed Banqueting House with much success. The pristine white building was a big contrast within the darkened brick structures around Whitehall. Anne of Denmark commissioned Inigo Jones to design her new home in Greenwich (an area long associated with British monarchy)."

"Not far away you can also visit the Queen’s House, a beautiful and architecturally significant former royal residence designed by Inigo Jones. Admiral Nelson’s Trafalgar coat"

"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…"

"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."

"Dulwich Picture Gallery opened in 1817 in Southwark, southeast London. It is the first purpose-built and London’s oldest art gallery. Nowadays besides the permanent collection of Old Master paintings, the gallery offers a program of temporary exhibitions, as well as public events that engage the community."

"Head to pretty Dulwich in south London, where you’ll find works by the likes of Rembrandt, Gainsborough and Canaletto at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Alongside its collection of Baroque masterpieces, England’s first purpose-built gallery hosts regular exhibitions spanning many art movements and mediums."

"If you find yourself with boisterous kids after insisting on an exhibition at the excellent Courtauld Gallery, simply pop outside and strip off. The courtyard, surrounded by 19th century buildings, contains a lively fountain featuring 55 jets, a terraced cafe and a glorious restaurant if you are feeling flash. Bring the baby and let him/her have a splash around in what can turn into a small paddling pool."

"Every winter, skating at the ice rink in Somerset House is one of the most fun things to do in London. There are several other ice rinks around London (including at the Tower of London and Natural History Museum) but it’s pretty hard to top Somerset House. The courtyard is a great place to spend time in summer too, when th fountains in the courtyard are a great place to splash and cool off."

"London is bursting at the seams with historic architecture, but the neo-classical Somerset House is a true standout. Built in the late 1770s, it’s home to art exhibitions, open-air concerts, and 55 sparking fountains. It’s worth a visit in the winter, too: the courtyard hosts one of the world’s best skating rinks."

"If French, American, British or even Dutch pancakes are not for you, then let us tempt you with a Taiwanese option. Head down to Peckham for a savoury pancake with a twist. We can't get enough of 'The Full Taiwanese' featuring Taiwanese sausage, a spring onion pancake, Flock + Herd smoked bacon with a Bao Bun, asian beans and spiced eggs."

"Restaurants Taiwanese Peckham. Bao buns for brunch?. Now there’s an idea!"

"In a nutshell: "Asian Grill and drinking house" in Bermondsey Where is it?. 171-173 Bermondsey St, Bermondsey, London SE1 3TQ Why should you care?. This takes over the space that until recently held Loyal Tavern, Inside is a new Asian grill - with a focus on skewers - as well as a tropical cocktail bar called Mala Madre."

"The Last Talisman is home to one of London's best brunches, putting an Asian-inspired twist on the classic weekend feast. Join them on a Saturday for unlimited cocktails and dishes such as the egg and bacon bao, nasi lemak with fried chicken or classic baked eggs."

"While their opening date might have been delayed due to lockdown, The Last Talisman have flung the doors wide open, and they're ready to serve you. Expect everything from world-class cocktails to a menu of skewers, snacks and sides."

"Rayon heir Stephen Courtauld (of Courtauld Gallery fame) and his wife Virginia (Ginie) built an art-deco mansion next to a 15th-century medieval hall between 1933 and 1937. From the impressive entrance hall with its dome, African black-bean-panelled walls and huge circular carpet with geometric shapes, to the black-marble dining room with silver-foil ceiling and heavy black doors decorated with lacquered animal figures, it appears the couple had taste as well as money."

"Once a favorite getaway for Henry VIII (who liked to spend Christmas here), Eltham Palace has been drastically remodeled twice in its…"

"The tower of St Mary Somerset stands forlorn in a heavily blitzed stretch of the City. However, it was not a victim of the second world war but was demolished by an Act of Parliament in 1874. Only the efforts of an architect, Ewan Christian, managed to save the tower for posterity."

"Three summers ago, a group of friends somewhat inexplicably sailed a traditional Dutch Barge from Holland to Hackney Wick and converted her into a floating restaurant and bar. The riverside views across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and seasonal British menu quickly caught on, and the barge became something of a destination. They've now sprawled into a giant beer garden which seats 300, one of the largest outdoor dining areas in East London."

"Located along the River Lee, Barge East is a great outdoor restaurant in London. Housed in an old Dutch boat, the kitchen also has an extensive canalside terrace with heaters and an indoor ceramic BBQ which give a delicious smoky flavour to dishes."

"Moored along the River Lee in Hackney Wick is the De Hoop, a 100-tonne barge that sailed from Holland to offer seasonal fare and delicious drinks with waterside views. Small plates like nduja scotch eggs with... Top ChoiceIsraeli in The West End"

"Sunday roasts are just one of this lovely neighbourhood bars’ strings to its culinary bow. Offering all day dining from breakfast chia pots through to evening steaks, No. 1a Duke Street is one of our favourite all-day Sunday hangouts, serving up both fantastic roast dinners and arguably the best brunch in Richmond. Everything is cooked from scratch in line with the bar’s coveted 3* award from the Sustainable Restaurant Association and it shows in the flavour."

"If you're searching for beautiful places to eat outside in London, look no further than No 1 Duke Street. The Richmond restaurant is dishing up sustainably-sourced scran and house cocktails on their gorgeous courtyard."