Best Museums in Canary Wharf

"If you prefer contemporary art to classical works, head to the Tate Modern on the south bank of the River Thames instead, another of London’s top free galleries. The Tate Modern is Britain’s national gallery of international modern art, housing a huge collection of contemporary artworks from 1900 to the present day, with artists including Picasso, DalÍ­ and Warhol. You can also pop into the public restaurant and bar on floors 9 and 10 of Tate which has some of the most fantastic free views over the Londonskyline."

"Housed in an industrial power station at the foot of the River Thames, the Tate Modern is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious contemporary and modern art museums. Exhibiting British and international works dating from 1900 to today, the Tate Modern displays contemporary masters like Rothko, Matisse, Picasso, and Dali, alongside modern mavericks like Yayoi Kusama, Tracey Emin, and Marina Abramovic. The cavernous and imposing Turbine Hall plays host to temporary exhibitions of considerable scale."

"Tate Modern has been one of the top London attractions since its opening in 2000. It houses the Tate’s contemporary art collection in one of the most outstanding exhibition spaces in the world, the former Bankside Power Station. It’s also occasionally used as a concert venue, such as when German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk performed a series of shows there."

"The National Gallery has Sunday storytelling sessions on the ‘magic carpet’ aimed at under-fives, stopping in front of a different painting each time. There are also other activities for older kids, especially in holidays, plus trails to follow (although paintings do tend to be moved around so tracking them down can be more challenging than expected). Stopping to colour and draw is positively encouraged."

"With its bold Greek-style pillars, this museum is hard to miss if you’re in Trafalgar Square. Wander around the beautiful museum and you’ll find it’s full of incredible artists creations from many years ago. Portraits of important people in British history is the main theme in The National Gallery."

"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."

"Over in Westminster, Tate Britain focuses on British art from 1500 to the present day. It has everything from historic portraits to impressive sculptures on display. Tate Britain is a great place to get a feel for the UK’s domestic art scene and how it’s evolved over time."

"First opened in 1897, and funded by the sugar magnate Sir Henry Tate, this stately neoclassical institution may not be as ambitious as…"

"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 gallery houses pictures of the major (and not-so major) figures of the nation’s history from King Henry VIII to David Beckham. It makes a great introduction to British history for both kids and adults. Kid-friendly audio tours are available."

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

"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."

"While taking the kids to a museum housing toys they can’t touch may seem like a disaster, the V&A Museum of Childhood makes an extra effort to include interactive exhibits that will keep little hands busy. Adults can enjoy nostalgic displays of dolls’ houses and rag dolls dating back to the 1600s, while kids can try rocking horses and play with Lego. The museum also has free daily activities such as treasure hunts."

"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."

"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."

"Children can handle real torture devices at the world’s most notorious medieval prison at this museum in Southwark, on the original site of The Clink Prison, which dates back to 1144. You’ll find out about a day in the life of a medieval prisoner and hear tales of some of the gruesome prisoners. If you’re feeling brave, it’s a great place to spot ghosts: the prison is reputed to be one of the UK’s most haunted locations and is renowned for its ghostly sightings…"

"A rather arresting spot amongst London museums, The Clink spent some 600 years as one of the city’s most feared prisons. Far from the charming spot it is today, Southwark used to be a lawless place; prostitutes, heretics, and drunkards all graced the cells of The Clink at one point or another."

"The Clink Prison Museum was a prison in England that started in the 12th century and operated through 1780. Today, it is the oldest surviving prison in the country. Notable prisoners of The Clink include Father John Gerard, Father John Jones, Farther George Blackwell, and Edward Knott."

"Katharina Grosse, 'This Drove my Mother up the Wall', 2017|© Andy Keate. Known for its cutting-edge exhibitions, installations and live art and film events, SLG, which dates back to the 19th century, showcases established British and international figures, as well as emerging artists. In 2016, Gabriel Orozco redesigned the gallery’s rear garden, and in September 2018, SLG expanded across the road into the Fire Station, a converted Grade II-listed Victorian building that provided additional galleries, education rooms, a community kitchen and an archive space."

"With a reputation for its programme of contemporary art exhibitions, film and performance events, the South London Gallery is an internationally acclaimed contemporary art space. Over the past decade the South London Gallery has featured solo exhibitions by established international figures, as well as those by younger and mid-career artists."

"The South London Gallery was founded in London in 1891, and is a public-funded gallery of contemporary art. The SLG hosts five exhibitions each year dedicated to the art of international creators. The gallery also hosts a live art and film program."

"A charming French restaurant on the Kings Road, Medlar has wowed critics over the years. It’s a bit of a medley, with British ingredients and French cooking married to some distinctly international influences."

"Restaurants French Bermondsey. For breakfast/brunch, read ‘petit déjeuner’ at this deliciously traditional French eatery within a mock-Tudor outhouse on the fringes of Tanner Street Park. Pique-Nique is from the people behind Casse-Croûte, which means it’s ‘parlez français’ all the way when it comes to the food and service – so brush up on your lingo before ordering chausson aux pommes, croque monsieur or an omelette nature."

"If the name of this restaurant gives you flashbacks to every time you’ve attempted to speak French, then same. This little charmer is in Bermondsey and as well as an outdoor patio, you’ll find lots of meat dripping in butter - just the way we like it. On their blackboard - see, we told you it was charming - there are starters like gazpacho and grilled squid, but the mains are rich, sharing situations."

"Restaurants French Bermondsey. From the folks behind Casse-Croûte, this quirky mock-Tudor pavilion on the edge of Tanner Street Park is affably French, right down to its untranslated old-school menu. Flavours are traditional to the core, with the kids’ menu promising rotisserie chicken plus potatoes and ice cream for £10."

"The seasonal menu at La Ferme London is a delicious example of modern French dining, removed from snobbish settings and strict prerequisites. Head chef Guillaume Dunos isn’t afraid to be inventive, with combinations like skate wing with pickled seaweed and creme brulée with matcha tea on the menu. Sourcing artisan ingredients from small local producers in France is also important at La Ferme, and their charcuterie and fromage platters are absolutely top notch."

"Restaurants Chinese Brixton. Inspired by the Beijing stall run by owner Ning Ma’s grandparents, deliciously ramshackle Mama Lan serves hearty northern-Chinese street food – in particular, dumplings. Brown-bottomed beef and pork pot-stickers fly out of the kitchen at an impressive rate, although veggie alternatives filled with wood-ear mushrooms and spinach are also good."

"In bustling Brixton Village, Mamalan specialises in northern-Chinese street food inspired by the owner's experience of watching her mother run a market stall in Beijing - the restaurant is even named after her. Huddle into the crowded restaurant for beef and pork potstickers, veggie dumplings and hearty noodle soups."

"Address: Unit 18, Coldharbour Lane, London, SW9 8PR/ 8 The Pavement, London, SW4 0HY/ Pergola, Level Five Rooftop, Olympia Car Park, Olympia Way, W14 8UX. Nearest train station: Brixton/ Clapham Common/ Kensington Olympia. Two words: handmade dumplings."

"Pizza Pilgrims is offering a new "pizza playground" to city workers in need of blowing off steam. What to expect: This three-floor, Grade I listed building is gigantic, seating 190 across three floors. As well as the dining tables, you'll also find a bocce ball court, table football and a private area for playing Mario Kart on a 65-inch TV."

"Spawned from a three-wheeler food van, Pizza Pilgrims now has bricks-and-mortar sites across town – all dealing in Neapolitan-style sourdough pizzas with thick bases and on-trend toppings. Gelupo provide the ice creams, and there are gluggable wines by the carafe to match the retro vibe. Flagship site: 11 Dean Street, W1D 3RP"

"We’ll take a slice of Pizza Pilgrims N’Djua pizza any day, you can’t really go wrong. It’s basically heaven. Once just a pizza van and now a little cult, Pizza Pilgrims has got some loyal followers and their quick expansion has been impressive, damn good reason for that too."

"For those who love adorable décor and amazing ice cream, they’ll find both at Dyce. Although the focus at Dyce is ice cream and milkshakes, they also serve up bubble tea and fresh crepes. Whatever you end up choosing, you’re sure to deem it one of the best desserts in London!"

"The Desert Factory is so serious about desserts, they've travelled far and wide to bring you the very best flavours and combos. Their sweet-induced menu is packed with firm favorites, rotational specials and some good cake. If you're a fan of nuts, their Ferrero Dream crepe is for you but for a fruity flavour, their Banoffee combo will leave you wanting more."

"Bad Brownies are brownie a company serving up lots of different flavors of brownies. they have lots of different locations, as they are in lots of different London markets including Greenwich market on Saturday. Some of the brownie flavors are triple cholate, peanut butter brownies, salted caramel, and Ferrero to name a few."