Best Museums in Hyde Park

"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."

"Over on the South Bank, Tate Modern is not only one of the best museums in London, but also one of the most visited museums in the world. Tate Modern focuses on international modern and contemporary art. It also houses the national collection of British art from 1900 to the present day."

"Housing the UK’s national collection of international modern and contemporary art, the Tate Modern is undoubtedly London’s most iconic modern art gallery. The gallery has been considered the mover and shaker of the contemporary art world ever since it opened in 2000."

"Home to more than 2,000 paintings from the Middle Ages through to the 20th Century, the National Gallery is another museum that’s free to enter. The gallery is open daily between 11am and 6pm, and booking is required in order to limit numbers in the building. Booking can only be done online and in advance."

"The National Gallery is the jewel in the crown of London’s Trafalgar Square. This impressive neoclassical building houses paintings from the mid-13th century to 1900. There’s art from all over Europe here, and every period from the Italian Renaissance to the Impressionist era is well represented."

"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."

"While the Tate Modern focuses on more recent art, Tate Britain is all about the past with a big collection of historical British art."

"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."

":  A fun blast from the past, this museum will take you back to your childhood with it’s collection of children’s toys, clothes and games. Be warned though, don’t fall into the trap that many others have and assume it on the same site as the original V&A, otherwise you will have a very long trip across London!. The Museum of Childhood is one of the most popular on our list, receiving almost 500,000 visitors a year."

"The V&A Museum of Childhood, part of the Victoria & Albert Museum, is a London museum dedicated to housing collections by and for children. The museum's collection includes costumes, toys, and objects dedicated to celebrating childhood. In addition to its permanent collection, the V&A Museum of Childhood regularly hosts temporary exhibits."

"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."

"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."

"Can you truly understand a culture without knowing what makes its people laugh?. The Museum of Comedy is on a mission to acquaint us all with the ingredients that, when combined, make up the British sense of humour, one Ronnie at a time. More reference library then proper museum, it's a repository of seemingly every book, DVD, VHS and LP that could possibly make you laugh - literally hours and hours of non-stop silliness."

"The Museum of Comedy in London is housed in the crypt of St George's Church. The space was initially converted to be an art gallery before the Museum of Comedy moved in. The museum's collection highlights British comedic history with posters, props, outfits, costumes, films, scripts, and photographs."

"Well, for me, topping the poll of London restaurants with a view has to be Butler’s Wharf Chop House Bar & Grill. Situated in the fashionable Shad Thames area, right by Tower Bridge, with the full length of the restaurant opening out onto the terrace in good weather, you can really soak up the riverside views. Best of all, despite its fabulous location, it won’t even cost you an arm and a leg."

"Restaurants British Tower Bridge. This Butler’s Wharf spot boasts some cracking views - Tower Bridge is merely the hurl of a meat-cleaver away. And if you need further proof of its proximity to the Thames?"

"Butlers Wharf Chop House – the relaxed riverside destination, with its famous view of Tower Bridge, is the ideal terrace destination to enjoy their menu of meaty dishes and expertly curated wine list."

"Offering sleek interiors with industrial elements, the Union Street Cafe looks at first glimpse like one very sexy restaurant. But delve a little deeper and you'll find their gorgeous Olive Grove area where foliage, vines and rustic furnishings make up an even more beautiful area of the venue."

"A short walk from Borough Market, this chic bar and restaurant brings you an authentic taste of Northern Italy. With a seasonally-changing menu of delicious dishes, not to mention some stunning wines and cocktails, it's one of London's best Italian restaurants."

"Offering chic interiors that mix rustic features with contemporary styling, Horvada is one of the prettiest restaurants in London. Interiors aside, they've got some gorgeous plates of food to boot, and a selection of cocktails that were made for the gram."

"This dog-friendly east London café is certainly one to add to your London vegan food roster. Not only is there a full vegan English breakfast, complete with crispy hash browns, roasted plum tomatoes and grilled sourdough dripping in creamy vegan butter, they also serve seriously generous portions, leaving even the hungriest of customers full. There’s far more than fry ups on offer, though: the spicy coconut ramen is a delightful winter warmer, served with silky tofu, shiitake mushrooms and thick udon noodles deliciously slurped up when drizzled in hot chilli oil."

"If you’re a big fan of croissants, then the Pasty Parlour is a must for your Little Black Book. One of London’s best bakeries, everything is baked fresh on-site daily and their pastries are said to rival the originals from across the channel. 8 Piazza Walk, London E1 8FU; thepastryparlour.co.uk"