Best Museums in Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames

"If you prefer contemporary art to classical works, head to the Tate Modern on the south bank of the River Thames instead, another of London’s top free galleries. The Tate Modern is Britain’s national gallery of international modern art, housing a huge collection of contemporary artworks from 1900 to the present day, with artists including Picasso, DalÍ­ and Warhol. You can also pop into the public restaurant and bar on floors 9 and 10 of Tate which has some of the most fantastic free views over the Londonskyline."

"4,700,000 visitors went to Tate Modern in 2015, an enormous gallery on the edge of the River Thames in a converted power station. The awe-inspiring Turbine Hall (which has hosted works by Anish Kapoor, Rachel Whiteread and Ai Weiwei) leads to mutiple floor of contemporary art, with eight areas divided into different themes. As well as the art, there are events and screenings, a fantastic bookshop, and a restaurant and cafe, the latter with a fabulous balcony view over the city."

"» National Gallery in London exhibits about 2,300 paintings, representing the European art from the mid-13th to the early 20th century in chronological order. Here are all the best artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Van Gogh, Turner, Cezanne and others. » National Gallery was established in May 1824."

"The National Gallery is an art museum located in London's Trafalgar Square. The museum has more than 2,300 paintings, with some reaching back to the 1200s. The National Gallery sees some five million visitors each year."

"Quick Tip: Get here about 20 minutes before the National Gallery opens as it can get quite busy later in the morning. National Gallery(free to the public)"

"Tate Britain focuses primarily on historic and contemporary British art. The pieces on display are always changing, but you can expect to see famous masterpieces from artists like J.M.W. Turner and William Hogarth. The gallery’s Rotunda staircase is one of the most impressive sights inside the building."

"First opened in 1897, and funded by the sugar magnate Sir Henry Tate, this stately neoclassical institution may not be as ambitious as…"

"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."

"The gallery houses pictures of the major (and not-so major) figures of the nation’s history from King Henry VIII to David Beckham. It makes a great introduction to British history for both kids and adults. Kid-friendly audio tours are available."

"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."

"In Bethnal Green, this offshoot of the popular V&A museum is dedicated to the childhood experience. Your inner child will love exploring the amazing collection of toys and games from antique dolls’ houses to 1970s action figures. Kids are sure to especially love the hands-on exhibits – little wonder it’s one of the best places to visit with kids in London."

"The Museum of Childhood is a branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum which specialises in objected designed by and for children such as toys, clothes and more. Nearest tube station: Bethnal Green."

"The Brunel museum is situated above the Thames Tunnel, Brunel's amazing feat of engineering which saw him construct the oldest tunnel under water in the oldest metro system in the world. A visit to the museum tells visitors how he built the tunnel, which took 18 long years and cost many lives, and if you book a guided tour, you can climb down in to the shaft which used to serve the tunnel, and listen to an actor guide recreate the conditions that Brunel and his workers faced more than 185 years ago when they started construction. It is a fascinating piece of history and the museum is simply but fascinatingly done."

"It’s time to get physical with this museum, which is dedicated to the Industrial Revolution’s biggest engineering science don, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The museum is actually housed inside one of Brunel’s extraordinary creations: the Thames Tunnel, which is the oldest tunnel to run under a river in the world. Discover how the tunnel was constructed and explore the chamber where Brunel nearly drowned trying to build it."

"Children can handle real torture devices at the world’s most notorious medieval prison at this museum in Southwark, on the original site of The Clink Prison, which dates back to 1144. You’ll find out about a day in the life of a medieval prisoner and hear tales of some of the gruesome prisoners. If you’re feeling brave, it’s a great place to spot ghosts: the prison is reputed to be one of the UK’s most haunted locations and is renowned for its ghostly sightings…"

"A rather arresting spot amongst London museums, The Clink spent some 600 years as one of the city’s most feared prisons. Far from the charming spot it is today, Southwark used to be a lawless place; prostitutes, heretics, and drunkards all graced the cells of The Clink at one point or another."

"The Clink Prison Museum was a prison in England that started in the 12th century and operated through 1780. Today, it is the oldest surviving prison in the country. Notable prisoners of The Clink include Father John Gerard, Father John Jones, Farther George Blackwell, and Edward Knott."

"Seafood takes centre-stage at The Hyde Restaurant & Bar, where Executive Chef Christos Siomadis has created a bespoke Mediterranean-inspired menu that's bursting with exciting dishes. Expect innovative plates such as the scallop ceviche with avocado sorbet, which will blow you away."

"The Hyde showcases the very best of sophisticated modern European cuisine, with its menu of classic flavours and unique twists. Dishes like the scallop ceviche with avocado sorbet, or halibut with black ravoli are perfect examples of this innovative fine dining restaurant."

"In a nutshell: Behind the scenes in London Fields Where is it?. 20 Sidworth Street, London E8 3SD Why should you care?. Andy Beynon, former development chef for Jason Atherton, has opened his own restaurant in London Fields which is all centred around the workings of the kitchen."

"This 18-seat chef’s table restaurant had traded for less than 100 days before earning its first Michelin star. Expect a seasonally changing menu of sustainable British produce so good it will blow your socks off."

"Andy Beynon's London Fields restaurant is all about opening up the kitchen experience. That starts with a huge counter that you gather around for a truly unique tasting menu experience (with a focus on seafood)."

"She is a wonderful waitress for someone who is new to the role. Will come here again for her great service."

"Recently refurbished by its new owners, the Columbo Group, with a fresh look and a lot more than a lick of paint, the Jazz Cafe is everything a jazz bar should be – intimate, unperturbed and in love with music. What’s more, there’s a decent-sized dance floor, meaning it’s not the usual table-dwelling and head-bobbing that you’d expect at your average jazz night. Address: 5 Parkway, London NW1 7PGContact: 020 7485 6834Website:thejazzcafelondon.com"

"Wild by Tart offers a relaxed, all day dining menu serving food with big flavours and seasonal ingredients, sustainably sourced where possible. They will be open with a scaled back menu, offering diners courtyard seating in Eccleston Yards for Monday – Saturday dinner, and Wednesday Lunch. The area is covered, providing a roof and insulation from the unpredictable British weather to ensure an enjoyable dining experience."

"Wild by Tart’s menu focuses on big flavours and seasonal, sustainably-sourced ingredients, often from the founders’ respective family farms in Northumberland and Somerset. Their outdoor courtyard serves food cooked on the wood-fired oven and charcoal grill, with dishes such as grilled mackerel with pickled red cabbage, horseradish crème fraiche and watercress."

"Drink, dine and relax at this imposing former power station eatery. Founded by the team behind Tart London, the restaurant's stunning pared-back interiors are matched with innovative and sustainably-sourced dishes."

"1 Lombard Street Brasserie is found in an impressive former bank building, complete with lavish interiors and a central domed skylight. Menus are designed by Mark Hix, and showcase his love of robust, seasonal flavours."