Best Museums in Swanley

"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."

"London’s best contemporary art gallery has plenty of interactive activities for kids. It’s inside the former Bankside Power Station and younger kids can run around the vast Turbine Hall. Kids aged 3 and older can sketch their own masterpieces at the Bloomberg digital drawing bar and then have their art projected onto the gallery’s walls."

"The Tate Modern is London’s centre for modern and contemporary art. It showcases world-class paintings, photographs and performance art – and it offers stunning views of the River Thames. You can experience all of this completely free."

"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."

"The National Gallery is an art museum in Trafalgar Square, Central London that houses paintings from the 13th to 20th century. The building was designed by William Wilkins between 1832 and 1838. In 1991 Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown designed the Sainsbury Wing, an extension to the west."

"The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous attractions in London. It houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dated from the mid-13th century to 1900. If you’re an art lover, it’s a must-visit."

"The Tate Modern’s older sister focuses on British art and holds pieces from heavyweights including Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon and William Hogarth within its imposing Pimlico building. The museum hosts regular Lates, which fall on the last Friday of the month and have a different theme each time: LGBTQ art, perhaps, or creative learning, with licensed bars in the galleries and a live DJ. Address: Tate Britain, Millbank, Westminster, London SW1P 4RGTelephone: +44 20 7887 8888Website:tate.org.ukEntry fee: admission is free, exhibitions cost extra"

"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."

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

"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."

"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."

"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."

"The Bankside Gallery in London was opened in 1980 by Her Majesty, the Queen. The public gallery, located near the Thames, houses the Royal Watercolour Society and Royal Society of Painter Printmakers. The gallery displays rotating exhibits focused on modern watercolours and prints."

"A terrace opposite Kings Cross station may not sound that appealing, but that's because you've not been to Double Standard...yet. Tucked behind the towering beauty of The Standard hotel, this terrace is one of the most lovely secrets in London, complete with inventive cocktails and a menu of comfort food. Festoon lights, a chiminea and abundance of plants create the most lovely atmosphere to while away some hours."

"In a railway arch in Bethnal Green, this New York-inspired tap room and shop stocks an impressive array of beers brewed in the capital and across the globe. The menu of beers available on tap changes regularly and there are 19 taps serving all sorts of different styles, including limited edition brews. Sharing plates are available and street food vendors congregate outside every weekend."

"Six of them, shoulder to shoulder, shelves full of anything from Amundsen to Wild Beer Co. Pair that with 23 taps on constant rotation, and it’s fair to say this tap room has one of the most extensive beer ranges in London."

"At the opposite end of the spectrum from the first London casinos on our list, The Empire Casino in bustling Leicester Square is open to everyone from high rollers to students. It spans 55,000 square feet and hosts 127 slots machines and 50 table games. Whether you want to bet £20 or a few grand, you’ll be welcome at this former ballroom and theatre, which was turned into a casino by Caesars Entertainment in 2007."

"The Empire is very much the Manchester United of London casinos; it’s the Coca Cola of London casinos, the MCU of London casinos. An unashamedly populist behemoth that caters to everyone from the high rollers to students looking to spin a cheeky £20. Those who had gaming experience only at online casinos, will be amazed by the luxury gambling venue."

"Enjoy live sports games on wall-to-wall giant screens, 24 hours a day, in the Carlsberg Sports bar at this Leicester Square casino in London's West End. The on-site restaurant creates exciting Asian fusion food; while the Empire Casino also usually hosts DJ sets until 3am every Friday and Saturday night."

"Family-run businesses always know what's good, and this one is no different. With three London locations, the newest sitting in the heart of Notting Hill, Cinquecento is one of the best pizza joints in the city. What to expect: Big flavours and excellent topping choices (aubergine parmigiana with mozzarella, buffalo ricotta and 'nduja, San Daniele ham, wild rocket and rich creamy burrata pugliese et al), with a budget-friendly price points."

"Most people are familiar with the assertion that the world's best pizza can be found in Naples, but since foreign travel is not yet advisable, we shall have to settle for the next best thing: Cinquecento, the Neapolitan pizzeria that benevolently rules west London. And conveniently, outdoor seating is available at its Chelsea and Notting Hil branches."

"Restaurants Bistros Brick Lane. A naughty-but-nice East End sibling of Blanchette in Soho, this trendy-luxe bistro is not only a solid-gold date night option but a shoo-in for weekend brunch (served from 11am). Boulangerie, croques, fluffy buttermilk pancakes and granola bowls are the standards, but don’t ignore the cooked dishes – from eggs Florentine to full English."

"An on-trend, small plates bistro that has backing from the Salt Yard Group, Blanchette sits on a Soho side street. Bare brick walls and mismatched furniture add a slice of obligatory cool, while scatterings of homely knick-knacks add warmth to the space. Highlights of the menu include well-priced cheese and charcuterie offerings as well the opportunity to mix and match several French dishes, tapas-style."

"Blanchette is more of a pas de deux, for there are two restaurants to choose from. The Soho joint heads straight down the Parisian route, whilst their Brick Lane restaurant incorporates North African influences."

" Retro in the best sense, this French ‘bistrot' wedged into Teddington High Street turns out hearty French cooking for a hungry local crowd. It's an ..." Read our full review"

"Showcasing seasonal ingredients and robust French dishes with a fresh Mediterranean twist, Michelin-starred The Ninth has introduced a delivery service. Alongside a choice of seasonal menus available for delivery via Supper (within 3.5 miles of the restaurant), The Ninth has also launched a DIY kit to make chef Jun Tanaka’s conchiglie truffle pasta at home. Further information can be found at theninthlondon.com."

"Chef Jun Tanaka’s French Mediterranean-style restaurant in buzzy Fitzrovia has quietly impressed in the five years it’s been open. The ninth restaurant Tanaka has worked in, hence the name (previous includes Le Gavroche and a stint with Marco Pierre White), is big on raw and cured dishes, and vegetables, and is one of the most affordable Michelin-star restaurants in London."

"Featuring a covered cosy 8 seater, The Ninth offers one of the best outdoor terraces for the perfect al fresco meal. Awarded a Michelin Star, the Mediterranean style restaurant offers specialities including a variety of house cured meats and vegetarian dishes made from the best seasonal produce. The Orecchiette with egg and truffle is a must!"