Best & Cool Science and Space Museums in Nine Elms

"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."

"A futuristic museum that is spread across seven floors of interactive and entertaining exhibits and explores everything from space travel to the Industrial Revolution. There’s something here for kids of all ages, including toddlers. Highlights include the giant telescope in the Exploring Space section, flying machines in the Flight Gallery – from hot air balloons to vintage planes, and the IMAX cinema shows on deep space and the underwater world."

"The highly informative and entertaining Science Museum fills five floors with interactive exhibits. The Energy Hall highlights the first steam locomotives, which date from the early 19th century, while the third-floor exhibits, which include old gliders, hot-air balloons and flight simulators, are popular with kids."

"Kings College London only recently opened this permanent site for the Science Gallery, a dedicated space for showing contemporary artwork that explores scientific questions. Its inaugural exhibition is all about addiction, called Hooked, and previous shows in its travelling days have investigated blood, food and orifices. Think of it as looking at science through the eyes of an artist."

"Science Gallery London is an art-science-and-health inspired gallery in London. The free museum has been open since 2018 in London Bridge after a series of pop-up exhibits across London. The gallery aims to bring together scientists, artists, and communities with three themed seasons every year."

": Row upon row of glass jars, with everything from tiny organisms, to strange two-headed beasts, to examples of gross diseases, this museum can be very creepy at times, especially when it’s quiet. However, it’s so much more than the freakshow that it is sometimes made out to be, offering a unique insight into the history of surgery and advances in modern medicine. The next few months are your last chance to see the museum before it closes in 2017 for refurbishment, so get going!"

"This ancient expanse of common land straddling a high ridge between Hampstead and Highgate is, perhaps, London’s most beloved open space. Its rolling hills and meadows, copses and glades, glittering ponds and views conjure a deep sense of the rural that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere. A summer’s picnic in the long grass, kite-flying on Parliament Hill or tobogganing down it in the snow, a splash in the bathing ponds, a Sunday ramble to emerge muddy-booted at a village pub or Kenwood (no.3) – these are sacred institutions for many, many Londoners, who would probably lay down their lives for the Heath if they had to."

"Easily one the most cherished green spaces in London, this is a very popular and much-loved area of London which can be found in the well-heeled area of Hampstead. The ‘Heath’ is a natural-looking park with a variety of landscapes including hills, ponds, woodlands and open grassy places. For the more active visitors the area is home to eight playgrounds running tracks, three swimming pools, grassland, woodlands, ponds and sports areas."

"This is a very popular park/green area, as it’s a particularly beautiful spot in London that offers you stunning views of the city. There is a lovely lido too that your children will love swimming in before you find a spot to have the perfect picnic."

"If you’re a keen shopper, you will want to hit the shopping mecca that is Oxford Street. But also make sure you experience luxurious afternoon tea in London , take an offbeat food tour, sample street art, and hit a few alternative bars in town. Check out our Guide To London for loads of offbeat and fun ideas of things to do in London."

"Portobello Road is the jewel in Notting Hill – the world’s largest antiques market has retained its sense of charm and friendliness, even as the surrounding area has scaled the ladder of exclusivity. The market, which wends its way along the sinuous Portobello Road is actually five interconnecting markets – with separate sections for fresh produce, clothing, second hand goods, household stuff, a flea market and antiques. The antiques section, always sizable, really comes into its own on Saturdays – cementing Portobello’s position as one of the go-to Saturday markets in London."

"Located on a colourful street in Notting Hill, Portobello Road is the world’s largest antique market. The famous market has over 1,000 traders selling a huge range of amazing antiques and collectables. And for those who aren’t interested in antiques, the market (which runs Monday to Saturday) also has a variety of other traders selling clothes, jewellery, tourist nicknacks, household goods and plenty of food."

"There are lots of colourful streets around Notting Hill which make for wonderful pictures. Your best bet is to get off at Notting Hill Gate station and then walk towards (and along) Portobello Road. Another aesthetic place in London is on the other side of the city around Hillgate Place and Campden Hill Road."

"This arcade is pretty lush with beautiful shops lining the sides. During the main opening hours it can be quite busy, but if you are patient or go at night you should be able to get a clean shot. Best time for pics: Morning or eveningCost: FreeLocation: Burlington Arcade, Mayfair, London W1J"

"With ceilings and lights now restored to how they would have looked when it was built in 1819, Burlington Arcade is the finest of Mayfair's…"

"Borough Market is the oldest food market in the capital with a history dating back some 1,000 years. Located at London Bridge, today the market is foodie heaven welcoming some 4.5 million visitors every year. There are over 100 different stalls selling everything from oysters and sausage sandwiches to Thai street food and giant, steaming vats of paella."

"Though several of these markets are very well known, Borough Market is arguably the most famous of them all….and for good reason!. Borough Market originally opened in 1014 and thus celebrated its 1,000 year birthday in 2014. Originally called Southwark, Borough Market currently resides in its original location — just south of London Bridge."

"Borough Market has been partially open throughout lockdown, as it’s been supplying fresh produce to local residents. You can’t get the full complement of street food or sit about and watch the world go by just yet, but some hot food and coffee is available to take away."