With its two millennia long history and plenty of stories to tell before the Romans even arrived, London has long been a hub for archaeologists and historians. With a tumultuous mediaeval era and plenty of 20th century history, London museums chart not only the past of the English capital city, but that of British expansionism, discovery and entertainment too. Guests at London hotels near Oxford Street are well placed to make some startling discoveries of their own during a stay in London, and many of these will begin with the city’s museum scene.
If you can think of a subject, London probably has a museum or it. Whether it eb farming, Victorian interior design or international photography, the English capital offers a wealth of choice when it comes to cultural and educational centres. This blog will outline some of the best museums in London for guests at bed and breakfasts in Bayswater to visit, providing family, boutique and niche topics that represent the diversity and character of London as an historic city. What’s more, all of these museums are free to visit!
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is probably best known for its affiliations with Charles Darwin, one of the leading thinkers and trail blazers in the world of evolutionary theory. The Natural History Museum is one of three museums on Exhibition Row and displays not only the skeletons, stuffed animals and discoveries of Darwin but prehistoric fossils, moon rocks and much much more within its gothic spired, 149 year old building.
V&A
Another beautiful addition to South Kensington’s museum scene, the V&A is easy to reach for guests of the Bayswater Inn Hotel and hosts one of the largest collections of decorative arts in the world. Conceived by Prince Albert, husband to Victoria, the museum was opened in 1852 and explores the world of decorative arts from an international perspective. You can also catch leading temporary exhibitions here which have a ticket price attached but have in the past showcased the works of Frida Kahlo and Alexander McQueen.
British Museum
The British Museum is situated in the Holborn district near Russell Square and is a testament to the exploratory instincts of the British people. With many discoveries from British expeditions through the years, the British Museum houses 80,000 objects in its free-to-visit galleries, and that’s just one percent of the items they’ve collected since 1759!
Wallace Collection
Another one that’s easy to reach from Bayswater Central London hotels with triple rooms, the Wallace Collection is housed within a manor on Manchester Square and provides not only a large and lavish collection of painted and decorative arts from between the mediaeval period and the 19th century, but also a look into the home and lavish lifestyle of the Marquess of Hereford. This stunning house and art collection were bequeathed by Sir Richard Wallace’s widow in 1897 to provide entertainment and education to the people of London. It’s safe to say that the Wallace Collection still succeeds in the endeavour to this day!
