Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Epsom

"One of the world’s greatest collections covering human history, art and culture, the museum has around eight million artefacts (only a tenth are ever on display) in almost 100 galleries. I’ve been visiting the British Museum since I was a child myself, fascinated by the Egyptian galleries – and the sheer scale of items on display, the variety and the fascinating stories behind so many artefacts mean that kids are likely to be just as enthralled, whether it’s by the mummified crocodile, the Easter Island Moai or something else. This is one I’d personally avoid during the early toddler years: preschoolers are old enough to be interested, babies young enough to snooze around, but chasing after enthusiastic 18-month-olds in a gallery of priceless artefacts makes me shiver."

"One of the world’s oldest museums of history and culture, grown from the collection of one man who was interested in everything. Exhibitions include abstractions like life and death and showcases of Ancient Iran, the prehistory of Europe, the Middle East, the Rosetta Stone, Lindow Man, the Lewis Chessmen and the Sutton Hoo ship burial."

"Heralded as “the world’s greatest museum of art and design,” the Victoria and Albert Museum can easily boast the claim to being one of London’s most iconic locations. With upcoming exhibitions on wedding dresses and the savage beauty of Alexander McQueen’s gothic fashion, the museum’s expertly curated collections create strong reactionary responses. “The show that made me cry was the incredible retrospective of Diane Arbus, showing her life’s work in images and how she tragically came to kill herself,” recalls Matthew of one of the more stirring of exhibitions."

"No design nerd’s visit to London would be complete without a trip to the V&A Museum. You could potentially spend a week roaming its 145 galleries and still not see everything; the permanent collection alone includes over 2.3 million objects spanning some 5,000 years. Those visiting in the month of September are in for an additional treat, as the museum becomes a hub for the London Design Festival and plays host to installations by both established and emerging designers."

"The V&A focuses on art and design as well as sculpture, housing a permanent collection of over 2.27 million objects. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. For teens who are interested in fashion, and particularly the design and creative side of things is a must-see."

"Another of the best free museums in London, and one of my personal favourites, is South Kenisngton’s Science Museum, covering various aspects of science and human achievement, from the exploration of space to the invention of modern digital technologies. Spanning multiple floors, the museum has a collection of over 300,000 items, including some amazing world-famous objects such as the Apollo 10 command capsule, Helen Sharman’s spacesuit(the first Briton in Space) and Puffing Billy (world’s oldest surviving steam locomotive). There are also a number of interactive exhibits such as a 3D IMAX cinema showing science and nature documentaries throughout the day."

"The Science Museum in South Kensington is one of the best London museums for kids, and our top choice for interactive exhibits and amazing educational experiences. There are seven floors of exhibits across award-winning exhibitions and permanent galleries. With so much to do, visiting the Science Museum is also one of the best free things to do in London with kids."

"Everything marvelous man has ever made is here in the Science Museum. Countless mind-bending exhibits, many of which are interactive, are arranged in a minefield of galleries across seven floors, and kids with eyes the size of dinner plates are scattered throughout. Expect delighted squeals and children racing each other to the virtual reality space descent."

"It’s worth battling past the floating Yodas to get to the crown jewel of Trafalgar Square; the National Gallery. The formidable building sits resplendently behind the Fourth Plinth - always a talking point for art lovers - and contains some of the most famous paintings in the world. Here you’ll find works by Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Botticelli and Van Gogh - and you won’t be charged a penny to enjoy them."

"From Michelangelo to Monet and Raphael to Rembrandt, almost all of the old European masters can be found on the walls of the National Gallery, overlooking London’s famous Trafalgar Square. Crowd favorites include Van Gogh’s "Sunflowers"; Botticelli’s "Venus and Mars;" and Monet’s "The Water-Lily Pond." (If you’re short on time, you can pre-plan your trip around the gallery’s 30 must-see paintings.)"

"A day is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights: Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay. Learn about Welsh history, culture, and language on a walking tour or by talking to locals. Spend the evening in Cardiff."

"From fresh burrata topped with red peppers to agnolotti stuffed with slow-cooked veal and dessert in the form of Amalfi lemon tart, ricotta cheesecakes and raspberry pannacotta, Theo Randall Restaurant is serving up a mouthwatering selection of Italian food in London."

"When it comes to fine dining in London, you can't go wrong with Mayfair. Check out Theo Randall Restaurant for finger-licking Italian eats in the form of wood-roasted veal, linguine con funghi, espresso-soaked affogato and more."

"InterContinental London, 1 Hamilton Place, W1J 7QYTheo Randall, one the nicest chefs you'll ever meet, closed his restaurant for a total refurb last year."

"The Churchill Arms is also known as the most photogenic pub in London. With a facade covered in plants and flags like that one, how could it not be?. The decorations aren’t limited to the outside, the pub is decorated with a number of Churchill memorabilia on the inside, while it might not be quite as Instagrammable the inside of the pub is also definitely worth a visit!"

"Last but not least — a very delightful type of architecture — the pub. The Churchill Arms is more than a pretty face, it’s been here and used for the same purposes since 1750, making it one of the most historical pubs in the capital. Public Houses or Pubs were a place where people would eat and drink and also spend the night."

"Probably the most decorated pub in London, this pub makes for an awesome photo (or drink). As it’s located close to Notting Hill Gate you could pop here before, or after, exploring the other areas. For an image such as below it’s best to visit in the warmer months when it has all the plants and flowers seen below."

"At the Thomas Cubitt in Victoria, they like to keep things light. Don’t get us wrong, the pub menu is chock full of hearty classics – from haddock and chips to sausage and mash – but floor to ceiling French windows that open out onto the street in summer debunk the myth that pubs need to be cosy to be comfortable. Head back into the dining room for a more refined setting in which to enjoy rare breed White Park beef and Dorset game, or go the whole hog and book one of their two decidedly homely private rooms."

"The Salt Yard Group run not only this namesake restaurant, tapas and charcuterie bar on Goodge Street, but also Dehesa, Opera Tavern, Ember Yard and Veneta. This entry is for all their spots which meld Spanish and Italian foods and cultures to create buzzy small-plate eateries that serve up as tempting an atmosphere as they do food. From their signature deep-fried courgette flower stuffed with goat cheese and drizzled in honey to grilled octopus, cheese platters and croqueta-style fritters, this is food you want to keep eating and eating."

"When I moved to London from the US, I was surprised by the number of pizza places I saw. The city has a ton of chains and standalone shops, and most of them serve Neapolitan-style pizza. Hilariously, the American pizza chains that hopped across the pond–Domino’s and Papa John’s–charge insane prices."

"Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza has been mainly serving pizzas in the north but they've now headed south, straight into Soho with pizzas made fresh daily from 24-hour fermented dough with ingredients imported twice weekly from Naples."

"Many of the greatest stage performers have appeared on the boards at the Theatre Royal in Windsor since it opened for business in 1910. This intimate performance venue often puts on preview performances for new productions before they move on to the famous venues of the West End. The Theatre Royal pantomime is a regular fixture on the calendar – one that is popular with local people and visitors to the town."

"A post shared by Theatre Royal Windsor (@theatrewindsor) on Aug 4, 2017 at 9:18am PDT. For year-round entertainment, ranging from musicals to comedy, snag tickets to a show at this stunning historic theatre, located near Windsor Castle. Looking for a performance the whole family will enjoy?"

"As part of one of the biggest arts centre’s in Europe, the Barbican’s art gallery is known for pushing the boundaries with brilliant shows. As well as this kudos, it has a reputation for bringing artists and subjects on the outskirts of modern art history to a wider audience through incisive exhibitions. Recent shows have included retrospectives on Dorothea Lange, Lee Krasner, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and an exploration of artistic couples."

"Although it only opened in 1982, the Barbican is regarded as a home of London arts, showcasing the best in dance, film, music, theatre and visual arts. When the building first opened, it was labelled a “concrete pyramid” due to its looks, but was renovated with statues and decorations to look prettier and stand out from buildings around it. See a show at the Barbican"

"From acclaimed architects to Turner prize-winning artists, as well as stars of design and photography, the Barbican Art Gallery presents major exhibitions by leading international figures. You should also check out the Barbican's Curve, home to an exciting series of new art commissions created for the space."