Best Arts and Culture Places in Istead Rise

"The British Museum has been offering free admission to ‘studious and curious persons’ since it was first founded in 1753. It’s the most popular museum in the country, with over 6 million visitors a year but don’t worry, it’s big – very big, so there’s room for everyone. Where to start with this magnificent, overwhelming place, dedicated to human history, art and culture?"

"The British Museum is the world’s oldest public national museum, dating back to 1753. It is also home to the largest covered public square in Europe; the Great Court. This two-acre space is enclosed by a spectacular roof of glass and steel and comprised of 3312 panes of glass."

"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"

"Enjoy high-quality craft activities and then cool off in the courtyard before taking a dip into the paddling pool. The V & A has changing facilities on-site, making it a great place to spend the day."

"Located in what was once Bankside Power Station on the south bank of the Thames, Tate Modern is one of the city's most loved attractions. You can enjoy the permanent collection, which includes works by Pollock, Warhol, Matisse and Picasso, for free. The 10th-floor viewing deck of the Blavatnik Building offers wonderful panoramic views over the Thames and beyond, and the building itself is amazing."

"Now you can cross the Millennium Bridge, a popular pedestrian bridge, to reach the Tate Modern, the largest international modern art gallery in the UK. The museum’s location is unusual as it is based in a former power station building. The museum displays both a permanent collection as well as several temporary exhibitions throughout the year."

"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."

"Nearly 6 million people visited the National Gallery in 2015 – and small wonder. Right in the heart of London, overlooking Trafalgar Square, room upon room contain masterworks by the likes of Cézanne, Monet, Gainsborough, Rubens, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Constable. It’s a quite extraordinary collection, and there’s so much to see, you might want to follow this guide to 30 must see paintings to guide you through."

"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.)"

"One of the best free things to do in London at night is exploring the city’s many world-class museums after dark at the special Museum Lates. Take a step back in time and walk with dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum(last Friday of every month), attend fascinating themed evenings at the Science Museum (last Wednesday of the month), stroll around the impressive covered square at the British Museum(every Friday) or see one of London’s largest art collections after hours at the Tate Modern(last Friday of the month), at their free evening events. Many of the Museum Lates also have pop-up bars where you can grab a drink to take around with you and other free events such as special lectures and workshops, live music and of course the Science Museum’s famous silent disco."

"Having celebrated its 1000th birthday in 2014, it’s fair to say Borough Market is one of London’s more established haunts. Located under a maze of Victorian railway arches and open Monday to Saturday, Borough Market is stuffed with lovely food and food-lovers, featuring cuisine from all corners of the world. It offers everything you need for a memorable grab-and-go breakfast or lunch, but is also a good place for a simple wander."

"The greatest stories from the greatest city are spread across nine permanent galleries, taking you on a huge journey from London before London, through Roman and Medieval London, to key historic moments such as The Great Fire, and the evolution of London as the People’s City and a World City. Keeping with the theme of London education, guest exhibitions include Beast of London, which explores the fascinating role animals have played in shaping the capital, and The Clash: London Calling, where over 150 items showcase the history of London’s most iconic band."

"This institute is devoted to expanding cultural histories, in order to protect the legacies of British artists of mainly Black or Asian descent and help marginalised artistic societies gain the appreciation they deserve. It was contributory in the early careers of famous modern artists such as Yinka Shonibare MBE, Steve McQueen, Idris Khan and Sonia Boyce. It also holds the Stuart Hall Library, titled after the pioneering scholar who established the organisation back in 1994."

"The prize for the most surreal gallery experience in London goes to The Crypt Gallery, which operates from the hauntingly beautiful 200-year-old crypts beneath St Pancras Parish Church. The gallery specialises in exhibiting contemporary art, which creates a striking juxtaposition to the historic arching walls that encase visitors. Its exhibitions and events are so well-curated, you almost forget you’re walking beside 557 bodies, all of whom were buried there between 1822 and 1854."

"This showroom in Walthamstow is the late neon artist Chris Bracey's personal collection of work. Walk around the small space taking in the vibrant displays of neon signs. It really does contain all sorts of goodies, from Soho club signs to ones that have featured in Hollywood films - there's even a cute little cafe for taking a pit stop."

"God’s Own Junkyard is an art store that’s anything but ordinary. It’s packed full of bright neon signs and displays, including plenty of vintage items. It’s all very vibrant and fun to see, and it makes for very unique and eclectic Instagram photos."

"Based on a quiet street in Chelsea’s upmarket district, the Michael Hoppen Gallery has been specialising in all forms of photography for over 20 years. The ground floor showcases exhibitions from world-renowned contemporary photographers chosen or represented by Michael Hoppen, such as William Klein’s striking photojournalism and editorial pieces which frame the open space. The staircase up to the second floor gallery is wallpapered with nostalgic features and reviews of celebrated exhibitions over the years, leading to a reading room displaying exhibits from the likes of Peter Beard around a well-stocked reference library."

"In spite of their best efforts not to categorise the work they show, StolenSpace has quite a name for showcasing the best street art in the city. This unique artist-run area lies in the famous Truman Brewery building on Osborn Street and has a history of entertaining energetic and high-profile programs. Over the years, the likes of Shepherd Fairey, D*Face and David Bray have all exhibited here at some time."

"Starting just east of Chalkwell Station, this beach is the choice of people who value peace for winter walks or sunbathing hot summer days. Chalkwell Beach is removed from Southend’s bustling arcades and entertainment, and has a vast belt of pebbles and sand tracked by a quiet, residential esplanade. And even if Chalkwell Beach has a more restrained atmosphere, there are shops selling beach paraphernalia and amenities like cafes just behind."

"Out of the way of the hustle and bustle of Southend’s central seaside, Chalkwell beach offers a quieter beach area for relaxation."

"Restaurants Cafés Old Street. Whether you’re on two wheels, on four wheels or on foot, this friendly hangout attached to a bicycle repair shop is a terrific pitstop. Solid fuel comes from burgers, meze plates, toasties and the like, although the hottest ticket is breakfast."

"Coffee is essential for any sort of physical activity (like, for example, getting out of bed) but it’s especially essential if you’re the sort of person whose favourite physical activity is donning lycra and going for an inordinately long bike ride."

"Describing itself as a cafe/bar/bicycle workshop, Look Mum No Hands!. is an eclectic east London entry. Coffee is from local roasters Square Mile, plus a rotating guest espresso for when you fancy a change."

"Be sure while you’re here to stop into Choccywoccydoodah – one of the coolest chocolate shops in London!. Check out the wedding cake alternatives, the huge eggs, and many other items ready to be devoured by even the shyest of chocolate enthusiasts."

"And with toppings like chili beans, sautéed veggies, and barbecued chicken, jacket potatoes are an ideal option for vegetarian and vegan budget travelers. There are actually a few speciality baked potato shops across the city, like Soho’s Potato Project. It’s one of the best cheap and cheerful restaurants in London!"

"Cuisine: SteakhouseHalal Options: Separate Halal menu with various Halal meatsAddress: Ariel Way, White City, London W12 7GAWebsite: https://www.themeatco.com/westfield-londonNearest Tube Stop: Shepherds Bush"

"The real American experience doesn’t involve words like ‘artisan’ or ‘brioche bun’. As authenticity is all the rage today in London’s culinary experience, why not extend the sentiment to the cuisine of our transatlantic cousins?. Perched by the river in the financial district, just down the road from Canary Wharf, sits a white and red metal trailer housing Fatboy’s Diner."

"Mind you, I wouldn’t recommend you going here if you are in fact watching your weight. Like its No Nonsense moniker Fatboy’s does what it says on the tin: Serves up cholesterol heightening, deep fried goodness that as long as you move your body a bit the rest of the time, it’s fine to indulge in occasionally. Let’s dive straight into their repertoire of devilish delights!"