Free Museums in Wilstone

"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."

"Along the south bank (always worth a wander), you can stop in at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern Art Gallery, and even quickly cross the Millennium bridge for a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Globe and St. Paul’s Cathedral are both included on the London Pass, whilst the Tate Modern is free to enter."

"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."

"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."

"A day is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights: Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay. Learn about Welsh history, culture, and language on a walking tour or by talking to locals. Spend the evening in Cardiff."

"Before Google or Wikipedia, the British came here to put a face to the names of famous historical figures from the country's history. As such, the paintings are prized more for their subjects rather than their artists. Highlights include portraits of Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth II, the latter courtesy of pop art sensation Andy Warhol."

"The National Portrait Gallery presents a who’s who of British history. Located just behind the National Gallery, it houses a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, miniatures and works on paper, and takes visitors on a unique journey through British history featuring Tudor kings and queens all the way up to contemporary artists and actors. Some of the masters of portraiture on display include Hans Holbein, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Paula Rego."

"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."

"In Bethnal Green, this offshoot of the popular V&A museum is dedicated to the childhood experience. Your inner child will love exploring the amazing collection of toys and games from antique dolls’ houses to 1970s action figures. Kids are sure to especially love the hands-on exhibits – little wonder it’s one of the best places to visit with kids in London."

"Technically a part of the V&A, the Museum of Childhood has gained an excellent reputation as one of the best free things to do in London. With a collection of toys spanning centuries, the museum is the perfect day out for kids, while adults will also surely find something to wake their nostalgia. Museum of Childhood © Flickr Andrea Vail"

"Spanning the 1600s to the present day—toys, clothes and interactive displays are set within a 1872 hangar with marble floor and visible cast iron frame."

"The Jack the Ripper Museum is devoted to one of London's most notorious and terrorizing serial killers. The museum recreates the setting in which the unsolved Jack the Ripper murders took place in 1888. The collection has original objects related to the crimes."

"Children and adults alike will enjoy this museum, designed to encourage an interest in science and history through Roald Dahl’s characters and stories. A visit to the gallery has often been described as walking into a giant pop-up book and it’s impossible to leave without a smile on your face. So, whether you want to climb inside a giant peach, crawl through Mr Fantastic Fox’s tunnel (not recommended unless you’re small) or simply pay homage to The Twits, this gallery is well worth a visit."

"Also known as the Temple of Mithras, this museum is centered around the remains of an ancient Roman temple in the City of London, left from the days of Roman rule, and is one of the lesser-known free museums in the capital. Named as one of the UK’s most significant archaeological sites, the museum showcases the ancient temple and a selection of interesting Roman artefacts found during excavations, including fragments of writing-tablets which feature the first known reference to London and the earliest hand-written document in Britain."

"One of London’s quirkier and lesser-known spots is literally a blend of old and new. The London Mithraeum is a museum centred around the ruins of a Roman Temple and is located, rather oddly, underneath the shiny glass Bloomberg Buildings in the middle of the city. A visit to the Mithraeum is not just looking at old artefacts, but a full on sensory experience."

"Year Built: c.240 CE Location: Modern-day Walbrook Purpose:  Temple/sanctuary Still Standing:  No – only partial ruins remain. photo source: Wikimedia Commons. The Temple of Mithras is one of the few remnants leftover from the Roman Empire’s time in the area and is one of the oldest buildings ever discovered in London."

"This neo-Gothic house built in the late 1890s for William Waldorf Astor, of hotel fame and once the richest man in America, showcases art from UK museum collections outside the capital. Visit as much to see the opulent house (it's astonishing) as the collections on display, but note it's only open for a few months each year for the Winter Exhibition Programme (see the website). Check out the bronze putti (cherubs) chatting on old telephones on the steps!"

"There are very few restaurants in London that can claim a more attractive location than Campania, which has spooled across the many rooms of a former dairy just off Columbia Road. It feels like you’re at an intimate wedding in the Italian countryside, no matter where they plant you. There’s not a single bad dish on the menu here, though the gnudi – pillowy, soft and then finished with butter and sage – stand out in a crowded field of masterpieces."

"No, we haven’t been on those lunchtime margaritas again, we just mean that even if it’s pissing it down, Campania and Jones will always give you that warm and fuzzy holiday feel. A great little Italian spot that’s all rustic furniture and excellent gnudi, they have a courtyard full of antique chairs and just enough candlelight to make you feel like you’re hundreds of miles away from Columbia Road. Get the raviolo e vongole for peak holiday feels."

"Passo is a lively and effortlessly cool restaurant, with authentic hand-made pasta and Neapolitan-style pizzas bringing a taste of Italy to the bustling streets of London. Led by Head Chef Joe Howley, the menu returns with a new revamp, framing the traditional and familiar Italian flavours and styles with a modern setting. The tempting selection of small plates include a creamy burrata with artichoke salad and basil pesto, mozzarella, lardo and garlic bread pizetta and rustic short rib arancini with puttanesca sauce – ideal for sharing with friends among free-flowing glasses of wine."

"When it comes to Italian food in Shoreditch, you just can't go wrong with hearty dishes, freshly made pasta and perfectly cooked pizza. Offering all that and more, Passo brings a rustic charm to the table, with the dishes and drinks and a cool concrete interior to match."

"Franco Manca, the sourdough pizza place, opened in Brixton Market way before it was cool to do so; and it now has more than 25 branches across London. It's still one of the best pizzas in town, with an enviable chewy base and toppings that benefit from high-quality ingredients. The main attraction is backed up by selections of Italian cheeses, cured meats and gutsy salads."

"Perfect for those on budget, Franco Manca offers some of London’s finest pizzas at discount prices at some of the most vibrant venues across London. With a selection of just six stonebaked pizzas, the chefs at Franco Manca know exactly what they like, and more importantly, they know what their customers like."

"Wood-fired sourdough pizzas with serious artisan credentials guarantee queues at this cult-status mini chain. Prices are rock bottom, the pizzas are served up super-quickly, and kids can watch the pizzaiolo doing ‘messy play’ in the open kitchen. Arguably the best of its kind in town."

"One of the prettiest restaurants in London is sorting you out with the ultimate alfresco dining experience this spring and summer. Head over to Southbank where Ping Pong are taking their bottomless brunch into the great outdoors with free-flowing cocktails and delicious dim sum."

"Duck and Waffle is a luxury and internationally-renowned British restaurant located on the 40th floor of one of London’s tallest buildings – the Heron Tower – with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking panoramic views out across the city. It is also the highest 24 hour restaurant in London, serving everything from breakfast and brunch to late-night dinner, midnight snacks and cocktails. Duck & Waffle’s menu consists of modern British and European cuisine, with different dishes available depending on the time of day but all featuring one main item; the restaurant’s signature crispy duck leg confit served on a waffle with a fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup."

"Head to the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate for 24 hour views of London. Open seven days a week, this all-day dining spot takes British cuisine and gives it a playful twist, with waffles taking focus. Book one of the squidgy leather window booths for the best views, and tuck into waffles topped with caramelised banana, hazelnut chocolate spread, vanilla ice cream and peanut crunch, or, go for the signature savoury one with crispy duck let confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup."

"There are great restaurants in London and then there are great restaurants in London with views that will take your breath away, and that’s why we recommend Duck & Waffle. Open 24 hours a day all year long, duck and waffle serves everything from breakfast to lunch to brunch to late-night bites. We recommend trying the breakfast or brunch for your first meal here- easier on the wallet but still just as delicious as ever."

"While from south of the Thames you can see Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and all the jazzy buildings of the City, from the north side you can snap a shot of Tower Bridge with the Shard right behind it. If that doesn’t have Instagram written all over it I don’t know what does. Bonus points if you get the Girl with a Dolphin fountain and a red bus driving on the bridge in the shot too."

"Number 9 on my list is a great location to capture Tower Bridge with some foreground and background interest. The Girl and the Dolphin fountain creates a great focal point and if you stand in the right place, you can use the statue to frame the iconic bridge. If you are lucky and the clouds are moving towards you then this can make a great long exposure photo as seen below."

"On the north side of the River Thames close to The Tower Hotel is where you will find this stunning statue created by artist David Wynne. This may be one of my favourite angles to take photographs of Tower Bridge. Visit this Instagrammable place around sunset for great light and into the blue hour."

"It is believed that the first St Magnus The Martyr Church in London was built in 1128-33. Several wooden London Bridges were constructed during the early years of the building, but they never seemed to last. Finally, in 1209, the Old Medieval London Bridge opened."

"This church near London Bridge on the north side was founded around 1067 and stood at the foot of the old London Bridge. (In the churchyard lie some of the old stones from the bridge. ). As such, it was an important meeting place in medieval times."

"This church used to stand at one end of the legendary London Bridge and has a stone from it outside, plus a model of it inside the door 2"