Best Arts and Culture Places in Beckenham

"The British Museum is one of the world’s largest and most important museums of human history and culture. The building’s courtyard features an impressive glass-and-steel roof, which manages to respect the classical architecture of the building but also provide a modern touch. Our photographer duo recommends to make sure to visit early in morning or in the late hours to avoid the crowds and harsh lighting."

"The British Museum, founded in 1753, is a history, arts, and culture museum in London. With more than eight million objects in its collection, the British Museum has one of the world's biggest museum collections. Much of the collection is focused on human culture as it dates back to the earliest times."

"London has lots of top class museums and galleries, so picking one out is difficult. The British Museum stands out from a photography perspective. That’s because of the photo you can take there juxtaposing the new modern roofing against the older buildings."

"A lovely museum to visit, the V&A is located alongside a number of other museums in South Kensington and is home to a huge art and design collection. Set in a beautiful red-brick palace, delightful sculptures and statues are featured, and there are galleries dedicated to different parts of the world as well as varied themes. With Islamic and Asian art on show and exhibits on fashion, furniture, theater and more, this wonderful museum is the perfect place to stop by and spend a pleasant afternoon."

"The V&A can be found in South Kensington close to the Natural History Museum and Science Museum. With free entry, the large gallery is the world’s leading museum of art and design. The museum houses a permanent collection of over 2.27 million objects spanning 5,000 years of art, design and sculpture from cultures all around the world, with exhibitions on textiles, costumes, jewellery, furniture, drawings, printing, photography, ironwork, ceramics and more."

"The Tate Modern displays modern and contemporary art from 1900 to the present. It’s an absolute must-see in London, even if you're not an art lover. The newly opened Tanks and Switch House tower opens up the gallery for further exhibits and is well worth a visit on its architectural merit alone."

"The Tate Modern is free to enter and is home to an extensive collection of modern art dating from the 1900s to present day. Quick Tip: The restaurant at the Tate Modern offers a beautiful view of London. The museum is also open later on Fridays and Saturdays."

"At almost 200 years old, not only does the UK’s most-visited gallery hold one of the most valuable European art collections in the world, The National Gallery also holds a position as one of London’s most treasured pieces of architecture. Priceless artworks, like ‘Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers’ by Van Gogh and ‘Virgin of the Rocks’ by di Vinci, are surrounded by impressive marble pillars, golf-leaf arches, frescoed ceilings, and Victorian glass roofing. With over 2,300 paintings dating from the 13th to the 19th century, it is an eden for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike."

"One of the most famous and indeed most prestigious art galleries in the world, the National Gallery rightfully commands a domineering position overlooking Trafalgar Square. Home to a huge collection of paintings, it is a marvelous place to visit. An almost endless array of stupendous artworks greet you from every conceivable wall space."

"The National Gallery is the jewel in the crown of London’s Trafalgar Square. This impressive neoclassical building houses paintings from the mid-13th century to 1900. There’s art from all over Europe here, and every period from the Italian Renaissance to the Impressionist era is well represented."

"Away from the frenzy of the Kensington museums and a stone’s throw from St Paul’s, is the Museum of London. Here you can travel on a journey through the capital’s turbulent past. Across nine galleries starting with prehistoric London, see how the city changed under the Romans and Saxons, see the wonders of medieval London before examining the years when London was ravaged by civil wars, plague and fire."

"Experience science and technology advancements in the famous Science Museum. Being the most visited science and technology museum in Europe, it houses some of the world’s famous objects like Stephens rocket and Apollo 10 command capsule. You cannot miss the splendid space travel and experience what it’s like to fly with the Red Arrows."

"If there's one place to absorb the history of London, from 450,000 BC to the present day, it's here. There are 7,000 objects to wonder…"

"The David GIll Gallery exhibits work by internationally renowned artists working in design and art, many of whom cross over between disciplines. Artist works include: Zaha Hadid, Fredrikson Stallard, Jorge Pardo, Michele Oka Doner, Barnaby Barford, Yves Klein, Mattia Bonetti, David Chipperfield, Campana Brothers, José Yaque, Garouste & Bonetti, Lena Peters & Sebastian ErraZuriz."

"One Paved Court is an artist-run space in the heart of Richmond upon Thames that houses an exciting programme of innovative, serious and stimulating work and allows visitors the opportunity to engage directly with artists working in a range of media."

"By far the most extensive and sophisticated exhibitions of photography can be found at the dedicated Photographers’ Gallery, which is perhaps more aptly described as a museum of photography, spread over five floors. There is no permanent collection, but exhibitions are carefully curated with an educational and historic focus. The gallery also hosts a bookshop, a café, and a lively series of educational and social events, making it a premier yet relatively underappreciated attraction for anyone out and about in the city."

"The Photographers' Gallery opened in 1971 as the first public photography-dedicated gallery in the UK, and still maintains a sterling reputation. Its 2019 programme will feature German photographer Arno Schidlowski and four artists shortlisted for the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2019. 16-18 Ramillies Street, Soho, W1F 7LW; thephotographersgallery.org.uk"

"The Photographers’ Gallery was founded in London by Sue Davies opening on 14 January 1971, as the first public gallery in the United Kingdom devoted solely to photography in a converted Tea Bar in London’s Covent Garden. In 1980 the gallery extended to a neighboring building."

"This museum is one of the most atmospheric and fascinating in London. The Georgian building was the beautiful, bewitching home of architect Sir John Soane (1753–1837), which he bequeathed to the nation through an Act of Parliament on condition that it remain untouched after his death and free to visit. It's brimming with Soane's vast collection of art and archaeological purchases, as well as intriguing personal effects and curiosities. The house-museum represents his exquisite and eccentric tastes, persuasions and proclivities."

"Sir John (1753–1837), architect of the Bank of England, bequeathed his eccentric house to the nation on one condition: that nothing…"

"Railway Fields was first established as a nature park in 1986. Originally, the area functioned as a goods yard, or a freight station, on the Tottenham and Hampstead Junction Railway. It was declared a local nature reserve in 1990 and, since then, it has become an open space area where children can learn directly about nature; there is even a classroom in the centre."

"The Monument to the Great Fire of London is a structure that commemorates one of the famous events that occurred in London's history. The renowned event is the Great Fire of London, which affected the city. This monument serves as a way of remembering how the city survived the effects of the fire."

"Monument to the Great Fire of London After your visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, walk east to the Monument of the Great Fire of London. This is a permanent reminder of the Great Fire of 1666 that destroyed the city of London. Christopher Wren was also the architect for this monument."

"Alternatives (or additional spots) in the area to the above attractions: Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market (one of London’s most famous food markets), The Old Operating Theatre Museum (fee*), The Monument (fee*), and The View from the Shard (fee*)."

"The saying goes that to be a true cockney you have to be within earshot of the famous Bow bells. This church is a pivotal landmark in the middle of Cheapside, London near the Bank underground station which is situated on the Northern, Central and Waterloo lines. Another result of the famous Christopher Wrens creations following the Great Fire of 1666, St Mary Le Bow Church is a fully functioning Christian place of worship and this Norman crypt is the oldest parochial chapel still in use in London."

"St Mary-Le-Bow Church, in Cheapside, was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It used to house the Great Bell of Bow, of the nursery rhyme “Oranges and Lemons”, and it is claimed that when Whittington ran away from London he heard the bells ringing out and returned to the city. Traditionally, anyone born within the sounds of the Bow bells is said to be a true cockney or Londoner."

"True Cockneys need to be born within earshot of the Bow bells, which were said to have turned back Dick Whittington when on his way to Highgate 2"

"Built in 2000, Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Thames River. It has been featured in several movies, including Harry Potter and Guardians of the Galaxy. Walk across Millennium Bridge and continue on to St. Paul’s Cathedral."

"Stroll a little further down the river, via South Bank or Victoria Embankment, until you reach the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge. Running between Tate Modern and St Paul's Cathedral, the bridge offers magnificent shots of both."

"20 Chesham Pl, Belgravia, London SW1X 8HQAlready a beloved staple of the Belgravia restaurant scene, il Pampero has been ushered into a new era under the expert guidance of a new Head Chef – the acclaimed Matteo D’Elia. And his new menu does not disappoint. Settle into the restaurant’s glamorous surroundings to enjoy a stylish, modern take on traditional southern Italian fare, made from the finest seasonal ingredients."

"Il Pampero is an absolute must for Italian fine dining in London, serving a menu of authentic classics with a modern twist. Get your fill of homemade pasta, fresh seafood and succulent meat dishes washed down with fine wine in an exquisite setting."

"Il Pampero is a sleek Italian restaurant in London's Belgravia neighbourhood. Offering a luxurious drinking and dining experience, this place serves exceptional, authentic bites with a modern twist from its home in the Hari Hotel."

"Luxx club has a very impressive location in the heart of Mayfair on the prominent Berkeley Street. The finest restaurants and casinos of the area surround the club. This makes it an excellent spot for some late night fun and partying."

"A covetable back garden with picnic tables and an outstanding array of cask and keg beers is joined by some top Sunday roasts and sunny drinking food at this Brentford pub, including a smoked aubergine flatbread, loaded fries, and an extremely serious menu of conservas from Spain and Portugal ready to fork on to toast."