London's Museums and Galleries are as diverse and individual as the people that visit them. Many of the larger ones have reinvented themselves in the last few years and now provide stimulating exhibitions, hands-on activities, late night openings - sometimes with a bar and music, workshops and demonstrations, attractive on-site shops, restaurants and coffee shops.
With more to enjoy than ever before you need to plan how you will spend time in London's museums and galleries, some, such as the British Museum, the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum will need more than one visit, while other's can be seen whenever you have an hour or two to spare.
Whether your interest lies in dinosaurs or Dickens, science or Shakespeare, all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and you are ready to enjoy the treasures contained in London's museumland - and the best news of all is that many are free to enter.
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Bank of England Museum Admission free - See the oldest surviving cheque (dated 8th December 1660). Have a go on the foreign exchange computer game - you might end up feeling flush. Hear about "things that go bang in the night" in this historic building.
British Museum Admission free - national collection of antiquities - One of the finest museums in the world. A visit to this museum is a must, however, if time allows, return again and again.
Carlyle's House Admission fee charged - Famous visitors to this beautiful Queen Anne house have included, Dickens, Tennyson, George Elliot and Chopin (who played Mrs Carlyle's piano). The rooms still contain their original furniture, together with Carlyle's books and personal effects.
Charles Dickens Museum Admission fee charged - A must for Dicken's fans - original manuscripts, illustrations, Dickens editions and his well-worn writing desk.
Clink Prison Museum Admission fee charged - Situated on the site of the original prison - the museum contains authentic instruments of torture and displays depicting what life was like for those unlucky enough to be in "the clink".
Dr Johnson's House Admission fee charged - It was in this house that Dr Johnson compiled his famous Dictionary. Books, paintings and memorabilia of the great man and his circle can be found throughout the house. Don't miss the bronze sculpture of Hodge (Dr Johnson's beloved cat) outside his house in Gough Square.
Hogarth's House Admission free - The artist's country home for 15 years. William Hogarth is famous for his engravings such as "The Rake's Progress" and "The Harlot's Progress" which provided such a scathing commentary of the London of his time - copies of these and impressions from engravings, relics and paintings form the exhibition of his life and work.
Museum of London Admission free - Anyone who wishes to know about London should pay a visit to this wonderful museum, for it tells the tale of London in chronological order from pre-history to the Romans through to the beginning of WWI.
National Gallery Admission free - The national collection of Western painting from 1260 to 1900. Some of the world's most famous paintings are here. With a permanent collection of over 2,300 paintings, whether your interest lies in early Renaissance works or the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist galleries, you can be assured of a pleasurable and memorable visit.
National Maritime Museum Admission free - Containing state of the art galleries, this largest museum of its kind in the world tells the story of seafaring from prehistory to the present day. See the recreation of the Titanic wreck and its artefacts, the "Making Waves" exhibit which features a scale wave tank and a vortex, visit the permanent Nelson exhibition on Level Three and much more...
National Portrait Gallery Admission free - The Gallery has long been accused of putting the celebrity of the subject before artistic merit. Nevertheless, this is a wonderful place to find your favourites among the 10,000 portraits - and you can stare at them for as long as you like.
Natural History Museum Admission free - Covering 4 billion years of Earth's history through a vast collection of over 68 million specimens - it's still the "Dinosaur" exhibits, complete with life-sized roaring T-Rex, that both children and adults head for on arrival. For the under 7s, the Information Desk will provide a free Explorers activity pack to help them make the most of their visit.
Prince Henry's Rooms Admission free - This Jacobean House built in 1610, is where the Great Fire of London stopped. Famed as an office of King James I's son (the elder brother of King Charles I) it now houses a collection of artefacts relating to the diarist Samuel Pepys.
Queen's House Admission free - The first Palladian building in England. Built by Inigo Jones amidst the old Tudor Royal Palace of Placenta in Greenwich, it is now an integral part of the Maritime Museum. See the beautiful Tulip Staircase - the first example of a cantilevered staircase in Britain.
Royal Greenwich Observatory Admission free - Situated at the peak of Greenwich Parks highest hill, is the Observatory built by Wren in 1675 for Charles II. With the Prime Meridian here and the home of Greenwich Mean Time, the Observatory can truly claim to be at the centre of time and space. It is well worth the climb through the Park to the Observatory for the wonderful views of London to be had from the top of the hill.
Science Museum National museum of science and technology -there are galleries devoted to many subjects, including space, nuclear physics, genetics, and computing; the top floor is, appropriately, taken up with the history of flight and many historic aircraft, including a Spitfire and a Hurricane.
Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition Admission fee charged - A fantastic modern reconstruction of the Tudor period Globe Theatre, scene of some fine Shakespearian moments.
Somerset House Admission free -The magnificent 18th century building off the Strand is built on the site of a Renaissance palace. It has been recently restored and is open to the public. Inside you will find historic rooms such as the King's Barge House together with shops, a cafe and restaurant. The spectacular Fountain Court is the scene of public ice skating in winter.
Tate Britain Admission free - National collection of British art
Tate Modern Admission free - National collection of modern art
Tower Bridge Admission fee charged - One of London's most famous landmarks, the magnificent 19th century bridge is decorated with high towers and features the famous drawbridge. The Tower Bridge Experience allows you to enter the Engine Rooms and the walkways that link the North and South Towers. There are spectacular views of the river and St.Paul's Cathedral for you to capture on camera.
Tower of London Admission fee charged - Fortress and former royal residence for over 900 years, it contains the Crown Jewels, is guarded by Beefeaters,and has been designated a World Heritage site.
Victoria and Albert Museum Admission free - The World's finest museum of decorative arts.
