Free Museums in Ware

"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."

"Art soothes the soul and London has the luxury of accommodating some exceptional exhibitions. However, aside from ever-changing exhibitions from the likes of Louise Bourgeois, Sarah Lucas and Ai Weiwei, Tate Modern harbours another breathtaking element – the viewing level. The 360ᵒ views across central London coupled with stunning exhibitions makes the Tate Modern one of my favourite romantic places in London."

"The Tate Modern is London’s centre for modern and contemporary art. It showcases world-class paintings, photographs and performance art – and it offers stunning views of the River Thames. You can experience all of this completely free."

"If you only make time to visit a few museums during your London trip, The National Gallery should be at the top of your list. The gallery sits proudly overlooking Trafalgar Square and features an impressive collection with more than 2,300 pieces from the mid 1200s to 1900. It’s certainly one of the best free art museums in London, and a must see."

"Housing a collection of over 2,000 Western European paintings from the middle ages to the 20th century, the National Gallery is a must-see for art lovers."

"Anyone with even a passing interest in art will want to put this near the top of their to-do lists while visiting London, for it is truly…"

"Art-lovers can spend hours inside the Tate Modern and the National Portrait Gallery, while theater-goers will want to buy tickets for Shakespeare’s Globe or the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Walking through one of London’s numerous parks is also an option, and so is admiring the architecture of Tower Bridge, the Gherkin, or St. Paul’s Cathedral. In the evenings, have some fish and chips in a pub or enjoy London’s multicultural dining options. You will stay in the city until the morning of Day 3."

"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."

"The National Portrait Gallery was founded in 1856 with a single aim: to gather together portraits of famous (and infamous) Britons throughout…"

"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."

"Located in a beautiful redbrick building in Bethnal Green, this museum is the largest of its kind in the world. It’s not just for kids, though – it provides a delightful, nostalgic trip back to more innocent times, with a fascinating collection of toys and games from yesteryear. The current temporary exhibition is dedicated to board games and it’s an absolute treat."

"A treat for children of all ages, this East London outpost of the Victoria & Albert Museum—in an iron, glass, and brown-brick building…"

"One of London's most beloved art collections, the Courtauld is to your right as you pass through the archway into the grounds of the…"

"Toddlers can let their imaginations run wild at the UK’s first Story Centre. A day pass includes entry to the Story World and Story Garden where you see tales like The Gruffalo brought to life by Story Builders. There are also storytelling sessions and family exhibitions which you can book onto."

"For the gastronomists among you, Borough Market is your sure fire stop for delicious and authentic London food and drink. One of the oldest markets in London, Borough operates on a wholesale level on weekday mornings and is open to the public for commercial trade on weekday lunchtimes and all day on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Located under beautifully architected structures dating from the 19th century to the 1930s, Borough can be found in Southwark, just below the River Thames."

"Just moments from London Bridge, this food market is one of London’s most visited gastronomic haunts, and rightly so, with its outstanding offering of local produce. Try the UK and Europe’s finest dairy and charcuterie, eye-up the extraordinary selection of fresh seafood, and select some handmade preserves. Borough Market: Monday to Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-6pm, and Saturday 8am-5pm."

"Located on a colourful street in Notting Hill, Portobello Road is the world’s largest antique market. The famous market has over 1,000 traders selling a huge range of amazing antiques and collectables. And for those who aren’t interested in antiques, the market (which runs Monday to Saturday) also has a variety of other traders selling clothes, jewellery, tourist nicknacks, household goods and plenty of food."

"Just round the corner from the beautiful white houses of Notting Hill you will find the cute coloured houses of Portobello. Portobello is famous for its vintage and street food market, with the coloured houses coming up close after it. It’s not quite as fancy as Notting Hill with the white columns and houses, but if like me you love colourful places Portobello is a more fun photo location."

"There are lots of colourful streets around Notting Hill which make for wonderful pictures. Your best bet is to get off at Notting Hill Gate station and then walk towards (and along) Portobello Road. Another aesthetic place in London is on the other side of the city around Hillgate Place and Campden Hill Road."

"Sopwell House Hotel is a grand affair, with more than 100 rooms, two restaurants, a spa and 12 acres of grounds to its name. Among all of that the best place to relax is in the cocktail lounge, where afternoon tea is served. It’s a long, breezy room that begins with a marble-topped bar and stretches all the way to a library, with little alcoves and giant sash windows along the way."

"Following all Soho House group traditions, The Ned’s spa offers a range of deeply relaxing Cowshed treatments, mani-pedis and the chance to get your back and sides done at Ned’s Barber. Built around a 20-metre pool, surrounded by marble columns, and featuring a traditional Moroccan hammam, the space is a welcome - and rather grand - retreat in the centre of The City. While non-members are welcome for treatments, spa facilities are currently restricted to Ned Club members and hotel guests only."

"Offering the fresh, bold flavours typical of a Yotam Ottolenghi restaurant but with an unlikely marble and gold interior, Nopi in Soho is a sophisticated spot for weekend brunch, which is served until 11:30 on Saturday and Sunday. Once you’ve navigated yourself out of the restaurant’s striking mirror maze bathrooms (they’re worthy of a visit alone), tuck into dishes such as Shakshuka-braised eggs with piquante tomato sauce and smoked labneh, brown butter egg salad, and chickpea & herb pancake with rose harrisa tempeh and courgette salad. 21-22 Warwick Street, W1B, ottolenghi.co.uk"

"As a recent Desert Island Discs appearance confirmed, the Israeli-born chef is now at national treasure status in the UK, thanks to his service to making vegetables great again. Back in 2002, he made salads a thing of desire with then mostly unheard-of Middle Eastern ingredients at his small Ottolenghi deli in Notting Hill. He then went on to expand his empire with seven cookbooks and four more restaurants, with our favourite being Nopi, a grown-up brasserie in Soho."

"The philosophy at Momo Canteen is simple: authentic Asian flavours without any compromise. And since 2010 that's exactly what they've delivered. As well as China, their influences stretch to Korea, Vietnam and Thailand, serving some of the best street-food delights this side of South-East Asia."