Best Museums in Matching Green

"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."

"The former power station converted into a museum features the very best of contemporary and modern art from Picasso to Warhol as well as sculpture and photography. Highlight include the drawing bar on level one, the Turbine hall where kids can run, the viewing platform on level 10 and many interactive family trails and activities. TIP: look for some yellow shirts as they are special family guides and check Tate website as there are always family event that come up."

"The Tate Modern is a modern art gallery located on the south bank of the River Thames. They have a permanent free exhibition, as well as seasonal ones that you will have to pay for if you want to see them. Personally I found the permanent free exhibition more than enough to occupy a full afternoon."

"The crowning glory of Trafalgar Square, London's National Gallery is a vast space filled with western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Find works by masters such as Van Gogh, da Vinci, Botticelli, Constable, Renoir, Titian and Stubbs. Some exhibitions require tickets."

"One of London’s most iconic galleries takes centre stage in London’s most iconic square!. While The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world, this 200-year old building also stands as a work of art and piece of history itself."

"Quick Tip: Get here about 20 minutes before the National Gallery opens as it can get quite busy later in the morning. National Gallery(free to the public)"

"Not to be confused with the preceding listing, this gallery does what it says on the tin: housing a huge collection of portraits that depict important and famous British people from throughout history. It was the first portrait gallery in the whole world when it opened in 1856, so this place really is the OG. The gallery is set to close for three years, so if you want to see it before 2023, you better get there sharp-ish."

"Where else but the National Portrait Gallery can you find oils of the Brontë sisters and William Shakespeare alongside black and white photographs of the Spice Girls and a mixed media portrait of J.K."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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…"

"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!"

"Restaurants Bakeries St James’s. Go Danish with the kids at this London outpost of the renowned Scandi bakery chain – a sophisticated super-slick set-up dealing in perfect nibbles for small hands including open sandwiches, blueberry swirls, cinnamon buns etc., plus the odd plate of savoury stuff for lunch. Get a ticket from the machine at the door and wait for your number to be called."

"Bread Ahead, one of London’s most beloved independent bakeries, got their start in the foodie haven of Borough Market. Great news - they’re now selling their flaky pastries, gorgeous sourdough bread, and world-famous filled doughnuts at their Wembley Park location. Did we mention that they serve up a great cup of coffee?"

"Coffee in the sun or lunch looking over the arch, Bread Ahead Wembley Park is back in action. Whether you just want a quick bite or to tuck into one of their delicious pizzas, their outdoor dining offers amazing food and even better views. Don't forget to try one of their famous filled doughnuts whilst you are there."

"Visitors dropping in for chocobanana waffles, homemade granola or sourdough bread piled high with Gruyere scrambled eggs and crispy pancetta. If you’re watching your weight, it’s best to avert your eyes upon entering – the counter groans under the weight of colourful, freshly baked cakes, biscuits and macaroons. Gold Digger brownies or a slice of Pimm’s O’ Clock loaf go best with a cup of tea, but if you’re really celebrating we recommend a rather large slice of Peach Melba Chiffon cake."

"Stop the World Cafe has a small, covered outdoor seating area on thriving Leigh-on-Sea Broadway. This relaxed venue has some delightful breakfast and lunch options, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. There’s also afternoon tea on offer, including sandwiches, sweet and savoury scones and homemade cakes."

"Eggslut opened their first London restaurant in Notting Hill and it was a huge hit. This sees them expanding to Fitzrovia where they'll be serving up more of their eggy buns to Londoners."

"Il Primo is the only independently run Italian Restaurant in Belsize Park. They offer a selection of traditional Italian dishes and wine in a cosy but classic looking restaurant. The prices are slightly higher than many other Italian Restaurants near Hampstead, but they do offer amazing service and tasteful food!"

"32-34 Hans Crescent, Knightsbridge, London SW1X Why should you care?. This is the second Crazy Pizza to hit London, coming from ex-Formula One boss, Flavio Briatore. Expect similar pizzas to the original, just around the corner from Harrods."