Free Museums in Basildon Close

"Another great one for name-dropping, but also for keeping your finger on the pulse. Tate Modern showcases work from 1900 onwards, which means modernist pioneers mix with work that’s happening right now. The addition of the Herzog de Meuron-designed building has made it both bigger and better, but the grand old Turbine Hall still has the power to strike awe into visitors, particularly when hosting one of its signature epic installations."

"Sitting grandly on the banks of the Thames is Tate Modern.Britain's national museum of modern and contemporary art has a unique design due to the building's previous life as a power station. Inside, you'll find temporary exhibitions by top artists from Damien Hirst to Gauguin and restaurants offering fabulous views across the city."

"The most-visited modern art gallery in the world, partly because it holds the national collection of British art from 1900 to the present day, as well as international modern and contemporary art, but mainly because the 6th floor members’ cafe has one of London’s best views. Which is like art in itself, man."

"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."

"The National Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world. Constructed in 1937, it attracts more than 4 million tourists yearly. Unlike many other museums, this one is free to enter, so you don't have to worry about paying an admission fee."

"PRACTICAL INFORMATION: The National Gallery is open every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. It closes at 9:00 pm on Fridays. It’s closed on 1 January and from 24 to 26 December."

"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."

"Explore the world's biggest collection of British art at Tate Britain. Spanning pieces by renowned artists, including JMW Turner, Lucian Freud, David Hockney and more, you can enjoy the museum independently or on a guided tour. After admiring the artworks, refuel at the Djanogly Café or pick up souvenirs from the museum shop."

"Tate Britain holds the most extensive collection of British art in the world from 1500 to the present day. Don’t miss this free museum in London. You can witness fantastic modern and contemporary art."

"London's National Portrait Gallery is a premiere art museum in the heart of the city. The National Portrait Gallery was the world's very first portrait gallery upon its 1856 opening. The gallery's collection focuses heavily on portraits of people who were important to Britain over the years; the gallery is less concerned with who produced the painting, but rather places its value on who the portrait is of."

"Tucked behind the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery is the biggest collection of portraits in the world. It’s not quite as vast as the National Gallery but it’s very much worth taking your time to see the collection. One interesting thing about this free London art museum is that the paintings are chosen for the significance of the subject, not the artist."

"Just behind the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery is another of the best museums in London. Not only was it the world’s first portrait gallery, but it also holds the most extensive collection of portraits globally. As the name implies, the National Portrait Gallery is home to a collection of portraits of historically important and renowned British people."

"One of the best London attractions for kids is the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhoodin Bethnal Green. The museum is a part of the Victoria and Albert Museum in Knightsbridge and houses an impressive collection of toys and other childhood-related objects from the 1600s to the present day. The museum holds the largest collection of dolls in the UK with dolls representing people of different nationalities, a collection of Barbie dolls, the Kammer & Reinhardt dolls (popular life-like baby dolls) and the Tiny Tears dolls (from the USA) to name a few."

"Funnily enough, the Museum of Childhood is actually first and foremost geared towards adults who want to relive their own childhoods, but don’t worry – they’ve planned ahead and know that many adults will be bringing their own children. For toddlers, there are interactive exhibits featuring toys and games at the Museum of Childhood, as well as drop-in activities including crafting and storytelling to get your toddler involved in some educational play."

"In the East end of London is the V&A satellite, the Museum of Childhood. The museum has been collecting childhood related objects since 1872 and is home to one of the world’s finest collections of children’s toys, doll’s houses, games and costumes dating back to the 1600s. There’s plenty to keep kids busy with free daily activities including arts and crafts, tours, storytelling and treasure hunts."

"It is home to Kirkaldy's giant testing machine that clocks in at more than 47 feet long, along with other smaller, modern pieces of equipment. The Kirkaldy Machine is kept in working condition at the museum. The museum is available to the public on the first Sunday of each month."

"If you’re a keen shopper, you will want to hit the shopping mecca that is Oxford Street. But also make sure you experience luxurious afternoon tea in London , take an offbeat food tour, sample street art, and hit a few alternative bars in town. Check out our Guide To London for loads of offbeat and fun ideas of things to do in London."

"This inventively redesigned museum vibrantly relates the history of the British Army, from the perspective of its servicemen and servicewomen. The museum reopened with a big bang in 2017, with five brand-new state-of-the-art galleries, including the Soldier Gallery, the Army Gallery, the Society Gallery (exploring society's relationship with the army), the Battle Gallery (the army at war) and the Insight Gallery (on the impact of the British Army through the world). Free talks, workshops and tours are also hosted: see the website for details."

"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"

"Restaurants British King’s Road. Given its name, you’d expect this horticulturally themed venue to tick all the alfresco boxes, and the Ivy’s terrace doesn’t disappoint. By day, its leafy trellises, bloom-filled terracotta pots, water feature and velvet chairs will put you in an off-duty mood faster than you can order an Ivy Garden Royale; at night, fire pits, roaring hearths and lap blankets keep diners toasty and the vibe as chic as can be."

"An Instagrammer's dream spot (and popular with the Made in Chelsea crew too) the Ivy Group brought in an award-winning designer to create the space at their King's Road restaurant. There's a covered upper terrace and a cosy firepit when the weather's not all that, but really it's just an evergreen dream out here."

"Located on the desirable King’s Road, The Ivy Chelsea Garden brings sophisticated all-day dining to the heart of Chelsea. This outpost comes complete with an abundance of verdant foliage, as well as a pergola and water feature.theivychelseagarden.com"

"He's worked with the likes of Rene Redzepi at Noma, and with Tom Aikens, Adam Byatt and Thomas Keller. Now Tom Sellers has his own restaurant in London called Story. They set out their stall as serving humble ingredients but thrown together in a creative, inspired way - including beef dripping candles that you can eat."

"As the name of the restaurant suggests, the food here tells a beautiful story, or many stories. And these stories have earned the restaurant two Michelin stars this year. Chef Tom Sellers uses luxurious ingredients and refined techniques to create modern dishes that are both imaginative and delightful."

"If following a, well, story, is what you’re looking for alongside your dinner, then look no further than Restaurant Story in Bermondsey. A Michelin star after five months of opening really tells a, erm… you get the picture. Restaurant Story199 Tooley StreetLondon SE1 2JXVisit website: Restaurant Story"

"It turns out The Ritz is not only a place for adults, children are welcome too. Enjoy the beautiful interior of one of London's most prestigious hotels alongside your children, but be prepared to pay a bot more for your meal- it is The Ritz after all. Reviews say: "Beautiful surroundings, efficient and charming service and imaginative food perfectly cooked."

"John Williams' Michelin-starred cooking is great any time, but we can't think of a more beautiful spot for a lunch than overlooking the gardens at The Ritz. If you're after something a little more casual, head to the hotel's Secret Garden bar where they serve up club sandwiches alongside caviar and champagne."

"We are ready to welcome you for lunch today in the Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant. #ritzreveals #michelinstar #lunchtime. A post shared by The Ritz London (@theritzlondon) on Sep 15, 2017 at 4:58am PDT"

"Restaurants Japanese Great Portland Street. When to go: when it’s just you and a pal – or a date – and you’re after fish, fusion, fashion and fun. What to have: anything that’s getting the blow-torch treatment."

"Allow the chefs here to make their choice for you and go for one of their omakase platters. Alternatively, if you’re in the DIY mood, they also do a DIY handroll party kit. Follow them on Instagram: @sushiatelierlondon."

"30 York Street, Twickenham TW1 3LJ EnglandJapanese, Sushi, AsianLunch, Dinner, BrunchTakeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service+44 20 8892 2976http://www.facebook.com/pages/Umi-Japanese-Restaurant/155056908245450"

"We’ve been going here for some time and it’s always a great personal service from Bobby. Currently available for collection. 31/01/2021: Delicious and beautifully presented takeaway this evening - as good as previous dine-in visits in less challenging times!"

"Answering vegan prayers everywhere, Stem + Glory is all about the plant-based plates with their mix of dinnertime feasting and luxurious weekend brunching. Utilising fresh, wholesome ingredients, they knock up some of the city's best vegan comfort food with organic wine to pair."