LONDON WEEKEND BREAKS - Museums and Galleries

A Britain's cultural centre, it is not surprising that London has more galleries and museums than any other UK city. To make matters even better, entry into these bastions of art and heritage is generally free, the exceptions being a couple of private galleries and any special exhibitions or displays for which there is usually a charge.

For a list of London's main galleries and museums, go to the bottom of the page, or to get a couple of general suggestions, read on.


London weekend breaks what to see

Which museums and galleries (if any) you choose to see is down to personal preference and interest, but if you have no ideas or exhibits in mind, we would suggest the following for your London weekend break visit.

The Natural History Museum rarely fails to impress. The building itself is monumental and imposing and the multi-storey lobby area gives you an indication of what is in store. With everything from dinosaurs to butterflies, the Natural History Museum will keep singles, couples and families, with children of all ages, occupied for hours.

The Science Museum, only a short walk from the Natural History Museum, is a second big recommendation for anyone who has not been there before. When combined with the Natural History Museum, it is quite possible to spend over half a day at these two museums. You may even choose to go back again.

If you want culture, but accessible culture, then the National Gallery (which sits to the side of Trafalgar Square) is a building that you will almost certainly pass at some point – so why not call in. Admission is free and the gallery holds art exhibits from the medieval period through to the present day.

The National Gallery really is accessible to all ages and all levels of interest in art. It does not bore you by offering vast displays of repeating artist or themes and most visitors, on appreciating the shear size of the gallery, make more than one visit. If you have never been in an art gallery, then this is probably the best one in the world.

A second art gallery worth consideration is the Tate Modern. This gallery is sited in a former power station, but don't let that fool you. The Tate Modern has the largest collection of modern art in the world and although it notoriously features all of the silly attention grabbing art, like piles of rubble, some of the exhibits are very interesting and in some cases amusing. This gallery is free, but does get busy and is one that you will love or hate.

Do remember that London weekend breaks offer an opportunity to see displays and exhibits that are not available outside of England's capital city, so take advantage of your time in London and take in some culture.

Museums

Below is a list of London museums, although it is not exhaustive and some of the smaller and more personal museums are not included. Any and all of these museums can become busy at weekends, but not to the point of detracting from the enjoyment of visiting them.

Galleries

Below you will find a list of London's main (or at least most famous) art galleries. If art is your passion, then visit as many of them as you can. If your interest in art is limited, or untested, then try out one like the National Gallery and see what you think.



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