Best Arts and Culture Places in Forest Hill

"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."

"See two million years of human history at the British Museum. From Egyptian mummies to samurai armour and the Sutton Hoo helmet, there’s something for everyone."

"This museum located in Brompton is positively regal – and not just because it was named after (and opened by) Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert. The huge Victorian Gothic building is striking enough (fittingly so for a museum dedicated to design) – but wait until you get inside. The V&A has a broad collection loosely focused around art and design, with more than two million pieces in total spread out over five acres."

"The V&A has a world-class collection of art and design objects from across the globe. Its galleries have a wealth of artefacts covering fashion, furniture, sculpture, photography, jewellery and much more. Museum entry is still free, but you will need to pre-book a timed ticket online."

"The V&A is the world’s largest collection of art and design with over 4.5 million objects. Explore 5000 years of creativity from ancient Chinese ceramics to Alexander McQueen dresses."

"The second most popular tourist attraction in the UK, Tate Modern, is a striking London structure. Originally a Power Station, Tate Modern opened in May 2000 as a home to international modern and contemporary art. Displays in Tate Modern cover themes such as Transformed Visions and Poetry and Dream, and give visitors the opportunity to see works of art such as Pablo Picasso's 'Weeping Woman,' 'Metamorphosis of Narcissus' by Salvador Dalí, and 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' by Dorothea Tanning."

"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."

"If you’re into contemporary art then Tate Modern is the place to come and the Switch House galleries are well worth a look. Best shot: from the viewing terrace on the top floor of Switch House. The views of the River Thames and the Northbank are spectacular."

"From Michelangelo to Monet and Raphael to Rembrandt, almost all of the old European masters can be found on the walls of the National Gallery, overlooking London’s famous Trafalgar Square. Crowd favorites include Van Gogh’s "Sunflowers"; Botticelli’s "Venus and Mars;" and Monet’s "The Water-Lily Pond." (If you’re short on time, you can pre-plan your trip around the gallery’s 30 must-see paintings.)"

"Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Turner, Renoir and Van Gogh—a roll call of Western European masters await you at London’s National Gallery. Boasting more than 2,000 paintings from the 13th to the 19th century, the overwhelming collection is yours to discover free of charge. And if you’re hungry for more art, stop by the National Portrait Gallery next door."

"What better way to explore London, than in this fantastic museum, devoted to the history of one of the greatest cities in the world. The exhibits span the city’s long and illustrious past from 450,000 BC (when there weren’t so many coffee shops as there are now) right up to the present day. Along the way you can experience what it was like when the city of Londinium came to life during Roman times, the turbulent Medieval era in the city, the 17th century’s war, fire and plague…"

"Where better to start your historic tour of London than at the Museum of London itself?. Based in the oldest part of the city, right by St Paul’s Cathedral, this museum is incredible for history lovers and the best part is that it’s free. Take a walk through time from prehistoric London all the way up to the city’s modern advancements, learning about the changes in social and cultural history through original artefacts and interactive displays."

"There’s education at every turn in the Museum of London, which looks over the city’s glorious, odd and sometimes dark history from the Roman origins of Londinium right up to the 2012 Olympic Cauldron. A favourite feature is, of course, the fatberg, a giant congelation of grease and refuse removed from the sewers. But there is plenty more to discover that you never knew."

"Victorian tea merchant Frederick John Horniman opened his house to visitors and it has been open ever since. His collection of objects has grown tenfold, now with internationally significant displays of natural history, anthropology and ethnomusicology. Unusually with such a museum, you can touch and try on some of these artefacts."

"More than a century old and dedicated to anthropology and natural wonders, this family-friendly south London museum delights with stunning exhibits, and is a popular venue for workshops, events and festivals. Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill is one of south London's best hidden gems. Some exhibitions require tickets."

"The Horniman Museum is one of London’s most child friendly museums set in 16 acres of landscaped gardens. It’s close to Forest Hill overground station. From central London the journey time is 30-40 minutes."

"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)."

"The Queen’s House is one of the main things to see in Greenwich, London. It’s located next to the National Maritime Museum, and close to the other Greenwich attractions including the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark. The Queen’s House is the first Classical building in Britain."

"Occupying disused bare-brick railway arches in Waterloo underground station, The Vaults is a striking space for alternative arts and immersive theatre. As well as jazz sets, indie plays, and alien-themed musicals, you can discover a continual rotation of art in its tunnels. This unique contemporary art gallery is said to feature artists who ‘have a natural affinity for the unusual, the daring, and the unknown’, and that is easy to see."

"With all there is to see at Kew Gardens, you might easily miss the attractive red brick building housing the Marianne North Gallery. But don’t hesitate to take a look inside — the exquisite interior, which incorporates different kinds of wood and stenciled floor tile, is home to more than 800 works of botanical art. Marianne North was a wealthy, single Victorian woman who traveled the world solo in pursuit of interesting plants to paint."

"Another attraction in Kew Gardens, this gallery is dedicated to the work of Marianne North, a Victorian artist who specialised in botanical paintings. The walls of the gallery are covered in her stunning and colourful designs, which show off her incredible natural talent."

"Located on Ealing Road, in the heart of Wembley’s ‘Little India’ neighbourhood, this amazing vegetarian café is a real hidden gem. Don’t be deceived by the unassuming exterior, plain decor, or lack of modern frills (it doesn’t have, or apparently need, a website) - Ashers serves some of the best Gujarati cuisine available in London. This simple, neat, family-owned café serves a delicious selection of shaaks, assorted flatbreads, rustic favourites such as khichdi and khadi, and plenty more."

"Vegetarian , Vegan ,  Middle Eastern"

"Secluded in one of the labyrinthine side streets behind Goodge Street tube station, this chic, cosy vegetarian café has tempting displays of colourful salads, hot dishes, cakes and pastries by the entrance; and a miniscule seating area at the back. Originally set up by a father and son duo, the venue shut down for a few months last year, and has recently reopened with a new owner. It’s notable for currently being the only vegetarian venue in London to showcase cooking with broadly Ottolenghi-esque Middle Eastern influences."

"From stouts to the iconic Punk IPA, BrewDog is a church to all things hop-based. First founded in Scotland, it hasn't taken long for the craft beer temple to take over the world, with plenty of keg lines and guest ales on offer. Discover one of their London locations to see what all the fuss is about."

"London’s popular Italian food halls—found in Mayfair and Elephant & Castle—are back with their brilliant street food offerings Wednesday through till Sunday, for takeaway and deliveries only. Meanwhile, MM Grocery will continue to stay open throughout the week. Hand sanitisers will be out in both venues and social-distancing measures will apply."

"Mercato Metrapolitano in Elephant & Castle is one of the biggest outdoor dining and drinking spaces in London, with over 500 seats and 40 food and drink vendors. Home to more than 40 vendors, a micro-brewery and a number of community projects. Discover flavours from Italy to Japan, Colombia to Germany, Vietnam to Argentina, and many more"

"A hub of all things eating and drinking, Mercato Metropolitano is an epic food hall in Elephant & Castle. Not only does it have a wealth of vendors catering to all your cravings, but it also has a gorgeous and expansive selection of outdoor spots to choose from."