Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in The Rookery

"The British Museum, founded in 1753, was originally consisting almost entirely of the collections from Sir Hans Sloane, who was a physician and scientist. Today, the Museum has a permanent collection of more that eight million items, including works and documents from every corner of the world. It is a great opportunity for kids to know more about the history and cultures of the world through the many themed departments including: Department of Ancient Egypt and Sudan, Department of Greece and Rome, Department of the Middle East, Department of Asia, Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and many others."

"You could spend several lifetimes in the British Museum, Britain’s largest museum, without running out of artifacts to ponder. The collection is one of the largest in the world, arranged by location (Ancient Egypt, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Greece and Rome), and the list of big hitters includes the Rosetta Stone and other finds from Ancient Egypt, Asia and the Middle East. Come early on a weekday for a less crowded experience, pick one gallery and stick to it (or go for a guided “Highlights” tour), and plan to hit one of the day’s free 30-minute taster talks."

"As its name suggests, The National Gallery is a government-sponsored museum that ranks, after The Louvre, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the British Museum, as the 4th most visited museum in the world. The National Gallery is particularly known for its encyclopedic art collection, with works from artists including da Vinci, van Gogh, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, El Greco, Rembrandt, Goya, Delacroix, Cézanne, Monet, and Renoir."

"The Victoria & Albert Museum, locally known as 'the V&A', is the world leader in exhibiting art and design, showcasing a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects. Go back in time to discover art through the ages, some of which dates back 5,000 years. Discover fashion, sculptures, photography, books, and more."

"In the trinity of London museums, up next comes the Victoria & Albert Museum. Also located in South Kensington, just across the street from the Natural History and Science Museums, you will find the V&A. This museum couldn’t be more different from the first two on this list."

"Founded in 1857, Science Museum London is one of the major tourist attractions in London. The major museum is located on the Exhibition Road and houses over 300,000 items and artifacts including the first jet engine and oldest surviving steam locomotive. If you are a kid between 8-11 years old, then take part in the Science Night which is an all-night extravaganza."

"From the future of space travel to asking that difficult question: "who am I?", the Science Museum makes your brain perform Olympic-standard mental gymnastics. See, touch and experience the major scientific advances of the last 300 years; and don't forget the awesome Imax cinema. Some exhibitions require tickets."

"Behind the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum amazes me with its immense size and impressive exhibits. It’s packed with everything from object galleries to interactive spaces, an IMAX Theatre, and simulators. There are places to engage in virtual reality and rooms to see airplanes suspended in mid-air."

"Set in London’s busiest open space, Trafalgar Square, this is the grandmother of galleries with more than 2,300 paintings spanning the 13th to the 19th centuries: Heavyweights include Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Velazquez's Rokeby Venus, and Constable’s six-foot long The Hay Wain. It gets packed at weekends, but its so large that you can usually find a quiet corner. You can download an audio tour covering the museum's highlights, but you can also curate your own by selecting the paintings you want to see before you arrive."

"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.)"

"Home to one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world, The National Gallery contains a “who’s who” of art icons – from Titian and Turner to Van Dyck and Van Gogh. This iconic gallery on Trafalgar Square also features blockbuster exhibitions: past shows have included Gaugin Portraits and Monet & Architecture."

"The squat buildings that surround Leicester Square seem an unlikely setting for a worthwhile rooftop restaurant, but Bourne & Hollingsworth has found a site with potential: the 10th floor of the Assembly Hotel on Charing Cross Road. Seasonal and locally sourced, the menu offers classic European dishes, covering pretty much the full gamut of dining options: breakfast, brunch, a la carte and special theatre menus are all available. For dinner, my companion and I opted for a hefty chunk of cod laden with puy lentils and salsa verde."

"This intimate, sky-high restaurant is the perfect place to get a good view of the city, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over central London. As the name suggests, this venue is known for its botanical-inspired decor which makes it a great background for your documentation of what will no doubt be an unforgettable night."

"22 Manor Road, Teddington, Richmond-upon-Thames TW11 8BG, EnglandReservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free WifiEuropean, British, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free OptionsLunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late NightHK$243 - HK$337+44 20 8977 6333"

"After lunch we stopped at Kew Palace, a 17th century building that was the summer home of King George III in the 18th century. It’s actually the oldest building in Kew Gardens and it has been turned into a museum showcasing the history and bringing to life King George and his wife Queen Charlotte and their 15 children’s lives in the palace over the three levels. There is a perfectly manicured garden out the back which gives a stunning view."

"A trip here offers more than just plants, as you can also visit art galleries, the Great Pagoda, and tour Kew Palace, a former royal residence located within the gardens. You can explore at your own pace or join one of the garden’s guided walk tours that come free with entry. This is a must-see for any garden lover. Kew Gardens are located in outer London and can be reached by public transportation."

"One of London’s Historic Royal Palaces, Kew Palace is located within the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s not open in the winter months, but in the spring and summer, it’s worth entering this intimate royal family retreat. You can also access The Great Pagoda and climb its 235 steps for stunning views across London."

"The Lyndhurst can be found just on the outskirts of town, and I have it on good authority that it is a popular haunt of the hospital staff based around the corner. It’s no surprise, what with the great selection of beers and wines, and the intimate old school decor. The menu also has something to suit all tastes, including plenty of vegetarian dishes."

"The Lyndhurst closed down in March, only to be reopened in July under new ownership. Chef and restaurateur Sheldon Fernandes announced plans to source foods locally in a new era for the pub. The Lyndhurst has a varied menu offering everything from gourmet burgers and fresh fish to pies and traditional roast dinners."

"A few of the family favourites but lots of more elegant dishes that require a bit more skill to prepare. And they are prepared very well with real finesse. Don’t let the humble surroundings fool you."

"Dee Rettali and Jorge Fernandez set at least some of the templates for London’s approach to coffee and baked goods at Fernandez and Wells. The emphasis here is on slow-fermented doughs with wild yeasts, and unlike many, excellent bakeries, that extends to sweet buns and even cakes affably named “Blocks,” rather than sticking to sourdough. There’s also something called a beef and onion roll, which is what would happen if a sausage roll went to the gym; stuffed with a huge hunk of stickily caramelised, slow-braised meat."

"Bakes, buns, bread, and coffee – that’s what you can get from Fortitude Bakehouse and, honestly, what more could you possibly ask for from life?. Fortitude’s sourdough loaves are complex creations, blessed with just the right amount of satisfying chew and tang; the sticky buns are wonderfully light and sweet; and the hefty slices of cake, which are also made from sourdough, sit somewhere in-between. Whatever carbohydrate you’re in the mood for, Fortitude Bakehouse is guaranteed to satisfy your desire."

"A small but perfectly formed bakery tucked away on a quiet mews. Fortitude’s speciality is sourdough cakes that are baked with alternate flours using a slow fermented baking process. Stop by for a morning bun, a cuppa tea and a look at all the other pastries and treats they have."

"The Davies Alpine House is a somewhat different greenhouse, it is quite long (16m) and high (10m) and was designed to provide ideal conditions, fresh with natural wind for the best conditions the mountain plants. The collection features a wide range of campanulas, dianthus, small ferns, helichrysum, small lavenders, primulas, saxifrage, thymus, tulips and verbascums along with lesser known species."

"Many of the plants at Kew couldn't survive in Britain's grey, damp climate. The Davies Alpine House supports those that thrive in dry, cool, windy conditions of mountainous areas such as succulents and campanulas,"

"Fulham Palace is a site dedicated to tracing its own history. Items found on the palace's grounds date all the way back to prehistoric times; the archaeological finds are part of the museum's impressive collection of artifacts and objects. The site has been a residence of the Bishops of London since 704 and played a major role as a hospital during World War I and a refugee spot during World War II."

"A beautiful open garden, glasshouses, flowers in bloom, and brick walls, all in a place less visited by tourists which make for one great location for a photo shoot or a private event. And if you’re looking for some diversity, just walk a few steps out of Fulham Palaceand you’re right on the shore of river Thames."

"Alternatives: There are many other things to see in the area (mostly in Chelsea), including the Chelsea Physic Garden (fee*), Leighton House Museum (fee), Design Museum, Portobello Road Market, Chelsea Football Club Stadium Tour & Museum (fee*), and the recently renovated National Army Museum. London Itinerary Day 6 – Greenwich or Free Day"

"A post shared by Hackney Church Brew Co. (@hackneychurchbrewco). It’s worth heading down to Hackney Church Brew Co. just for the beauty of the industrial building. But while you’re there, sample the range of beers made by its expert brewing team and sit in the beautiful courtyard to enjoy your tipple alfresco."

"Long Arm Pub and Brewery are changing the game when it comes to pubs in East London. Brewing all their beer on-site, the pub changes their choices daily, rotating between six freshly brewed pints."

"The Farmer’s Boy is a family run tastefully refurbished bay-windowed pub with a passion for Live Music. We have an extensive range of Craft Beers, both on tap and in cans, with probably the best selection of cans in town."