Museums and Galleries
Britain's museums and galleries are among the best anywhere. The buildings themselves are often major attractions in their own right. They are a wonderful way of absorbing Britain's heritage, culture and sense of fun. Many are completely free to visit. So step inside.
Culture vultures
Art lovers are spoiled for choice in London. The National Gallery (www.nationalgallery.org.uk) houses thousands of the world’s best-loved paintings! Among the Da Vincis, Michelangelos and Rembrandts you’ll find Botticelli’s Venus and Mars, Monet’s The Water-Lily Pond and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Next door at the National Portrait Gallery (www.npg.org.uk) study a self-portrait by Thomas Gainsborough or admire a photograph of Sixties’ model Twiggy, taken by Cecil Beaton.
Tate Britain houses the national collection of British art. Or for world-class modern art, head for Tate Modern on the South Bank. Prefer the decorative arts? Cartoons by Raphael and Elizabethan dresses are just some of the exhibits that make The Victoria & Albert Museum (www.vam.ac.uk/) so special.
Outside London
The Burrel Collection (www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=1) set in beautiful woodland just outside Glasgow includes medieval art, tapestries, stained glass and European paintings. The National Gallery of Wales (www.nmgw.ac.uk/) in Cardiff has the best impressionist collection outside France. Tate Liverpool boasts one of Britain's largest collections of contemporary art. For visitors to Birmingham, the Art Gallery has the largest collection of pre-Raphelite art in the world and a stunning Edwardian tearoom providing refreshments in magnificent surroundings.