Best Museums in The Clachan

"Another gem by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, Bankside B power station was a beacon of modernity when it was constructed in the 1940s as the first oil-fired power station in Britain. The imposing chimney, its defining feature, was restricted to a height of 99m (325ft) so as not to outdo its illustrious neighbour opposite, St Paul’s. After shutting in the 1980s, the power station was resurrected by the relatively unknown Herzog & de Meuron, who won a competition to transform its crumbling shell into the new Tate Modern, which opened in May 2000."

"Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the vast collection includes works by Picasso, Warhol, Dalí, and Matisse. For a decidedly British take on modern art (1500 AD to the present day, that is), Tate Britain will be your cup of tea. Located up the Thames from Tate Modern (there’s a boat that ferries passengers between the two galleries every 40 minutes), Tate Britain is where you’ll find pieces by Turner, Hirst, and Bacon."

"Explore Tate Modern’s world-famous collection of modern and contemporary art from Picasso to Warhol. 🧑‍🎨 Like London’s other national museums, entrance is free!"

"One of the most famous and indeed most prestigious art galleries in the world, the National Gallery rightfully commands a domineering position overlooking Trafalgar Square. Home to a huge collection of paintings, it is a marvelous place to visit. An almost endless array of stupendous artworks greet you from every conceivable wall space."

"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…"

"A temple to the work of British artists over the past 500 years, with a vast collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, two rooms of Henry Moore sculptures, a free picture library filled with rare and fragile sketches from major artists, and a restaurant with a mural by Rex Whistler. Late at Tate Britain: On the first Friday of every month, Tate Collective Producers curate an evening exploring a different abstract theme, with a little help from DJs, activists, artists and more. Details: Millbank, SW1P 4RG | Free entry | Find out more and book–"

"Founded by sugar merchant Sir Henry Tate – who also founded the other Tate galleries – the Tate Britain is a wonderful museum to visit, with lots of fantastic British artwork on show. With a huge catalog of work from contemporary times all the way back to the 1500’s, the Tate Britain’s masterpieces include works by William Blake, Francis Bacon, and J.M.W. Turner, among others. Housed on the banks of the Thames, wandering around the exhibitions and galleries is a lovely way to spend the day."

"On the site of the former Millbank Penitentiary, the older and more venerable of the two Tate siblings opened in 1892 and celebrates British art from 1500 to the present, including pieces from William Blake, William Hogarth, Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable, as well as vibrant modern and contemporary pieces from Lucian Freud, Barbara Hepworth, Francis Bacon and Henry Moore. The stars of the show are, undoubtedly, the light-infused visions of JMW Turner in the Clore Gallery."

"London’s West End is pretty good for celeb spotting, but the easiest place to do it is probably at the National Portrait Gallery. It’s home to kings, queens, cultural juggernauts and sporting heroes – all in portrait form, of course – with a collection spanning over five hundred years of painting history. You can find Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in the Tudor galleries, Mary Jane Seacole and the Bronte sisters in the Victorian galleries, right up to Amy Winehouse and the Queen in the contemporary galleries."

"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."

"Located in an adjoining building to the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery houses a collection of historic portraits of important and famous British people. Nearest tube station: Charing Cross."

"One of the branches of Victoria and Albert Museum, the Museum of Childhood was founded in 1872, but only in the 1920s began to concentrate primarily on children. With an enormous collection of childhood objects, the Museum successfully fulfils its mission of giving everyone the opportunity to explore the wonderful ways of the designated world. The unique exhibitions, galleries of toys (older and newer) and the entertainment programs prepared for children will definitely get them prancing around."

"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."

"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"

"With all there is to see at Kew Gardens, you might easily miss the attractive red brick building housing the Marianne North Gallery. But don’t hesitate to take a look inside — the exquisite interior, which incorporates different kinds of wood and stenciled floor tile, is home to more than 800 works of botanical art. Marianne North was a wealthy, single Victorian woman who traveled the world solo in pursuit of interesting plants to paint."

"Another attraction in Kew Gardens, this gallery is dedicated to the work of Marianne North, a Victorian artist who specialised in botanical paintings. The walls of the gallery are covered in her stunning and colourful designs, which show off her incredible natural talent."

"Fronted by a pair of intimidating 15in naval guns and a piece of the Berlin Wall, this riveting museum is housed in what was the Bethlem Royal Hospital, a psychiatric hospital also known as Bedlam. Although the museum’s focus is on military action involving British or Commonwealth troops largely during the 20th century, it covers war in the wider sense. Must-see exhibits include the state-of-the-art First World War Galleries and Witnesses to War in the forecourt and atrium above."

"This historic warship, operated today by Imperial War Museums, will definitely be of interest to military buffs, or anyone with an interest in boats. Launched just before the outbreak of World War 2, this Royal Navy Light Cruiser saw action in both World War 2 and the Korean War, before being decommissioned in 1963."

"Despite its name, the cultural venue formerly known as the Imperial War Museum (one of five IWM branches around the country) does not…"

"Avenue in the heart of St James’s is always buzzing with the chatter of London’s trendy set, and never more so than at weekends during the brunch service. Choose from two or three courses, sit back and enjoy a catch-up with friends as your Prosecco is constantly topped up by waiters on stand-by – and trust us, the drinks are top-notch. Standout dishes include the Avenue Cheeseburger, Native Lobster Roll, and the Caramelised ‘Eggy Bread’ if you still have space for dessert."

"An elegant brasserie serving up modern European food in the heart of St James’ offering lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Diners can expect a menu filled with contemporary dishes in a relaxed environment."

"When it comes to British meats, the Jugged Hare is ahead of the game. This Barbican pub can pull a pint, but it’ll also pluck you a pheasant too, possessing an ardent passion for game meat. British game season – late summer through to early spring – is the prime time to make a pitstop: at this time of year, the menu features roasted whole red grouse with liver pâté en croute, buttermilk fried partridge, braised venison leg with venison salami, and its namesake dish of 24-hour marinated, juniper-infused hare meat made to an 18th century recipe."

"This stylish City pub is attached to the old Grade II listed Whitbread Brewery, making it the perfect spot for enjoying great drinks and delicious gastro pub food. Watch the chefs cook in the state of the art open kitchen and have a stroll through the walk-in wine room to choose your favourite bottle."

"Sure, it's in the heart of The City, but prepared to be surprised by the level of countryside cuteness going on at The Jugged Hare. Tuck into this taxidermy-filled, cosy spot for an afternoon of classic British dining - with their namesake signature always worth a try."

"Aiming to make vegan cuisine mainstream, you’ll find an extensive plant-based pizza menu, plus Vegan Express's popular “tofish” (vegan fish and chips) served with mushy peas, at this Tooting restaurant. Add in a range of smoothies, desserts and even a vegan cheeseboard for a full-on vegan feast."

"‘Interactive oriental fusion’ is the deal at this futuristic, neon-lit restaurant, which has silenced those naysayers who claimed the “gimmicky” idea of ordering your meal through a table touchpad would soon wear thin. Instead, diners love this “great concept” with its entertaining novelty – you can even order a taxi home from your table. The food is an accessible pan-Asian mixed bag with new dishes such as scallop tartare, Malaysian beef rendang and Japanese tofu salad ‘hiyayakko’ alongside soft-shell crab maki rolls, delicate squid and spring onion dumplings, Peking duck and a “winning version” of the ubiquitous black cod."

"Long before we all had devices chock-full of apps on the go 24/7, there was Inamo. Its touch-screen table menus still offer a dose of fun, especially for kids – you can view and order dishes electronically, alter the restaurant’s playlist, and even book a cab home. Check out the Asian-leaning fusion dishes such as sizzling chilli tofu – perfect candidates for a bit of bragging on Instagram."

"This Asian fusion restaurant in Covent Garden boasts a pioneering interactive ordering system projected onto the table, making it one of the coolest restaurants in London. At Inamo, you can place orders via a 3D menu, choose from a selection of virtual tablecloths, find out about the local neighbourhood and even order a taxi home, all from the comfort of your seat."

"Relax and unwind in the sophisticated environs of the Flesh and Buns izakaya restaurant, located near Covent Garden. The restaurant invites guests to ‘drink booze, eat buns [and] come often’, a nod towards its convivial, laid back approach and the many great value food and drink combinations on offer. Every Sunday, Flesh & Buns offers its very own ‘bottomless brunch’, where guests pay £34 to £42 for a cocktail on arrival; chips, dips and edamame; unlimited hot and cold dishes; unlimited Prosecco, red or white wine and a dessert for the table."

"One of the most indulgent desserts in London, the s’mores (£8.20) at Flesh and Buns need no introduction. Swapping campfires for swish interiors and an Insta-worthy table-top flame, the Fitzrovia favourite offers passion fruit marshmallows that you can toast to perfection before smothering with almond chocolate and sandwiching between graham crackers. All fired up and ready to go."

"Hailing all the way from the US, the marshmallowy sensation ‘S’mores’ are really having a moment in London and one of the best can be found at quirky Japanese restaurant Flesh and Buns."