The Wallace Collection is a national museum, displaying superb works of art in an historic London town house. The collection was acquired principally in the 19thC by the third and fourth Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the illegitimate son of the fourth Marquess.

This wonderful library, housed in ultramodern buildings, is divided into public and member areas. To enter the reading rooms you need to apply for a reader's card, but the public areas, including 3 exhibition galleries, are open to all. Illuminated Manuscripts Gallery, Shakespeare original folios, the Gutenburg Bible, and original author's manuscripts, as well as changing exhibits and an events program make this a must visit if you love books.

The last surviving home of Benjamin Franklin is this Georgian townhouse in Craven Street. Today the house is a living museum and education centre dedicated to this remarkable man. Explore Franklin's life in London through his own words, and see history come to life.

The Bank of England Museum is a fascinating walk through time, looking back at the history of this venerable institution from its inception by royal charter in 1694.

Britain's only museum highlighting the life of children through the centuries. This museum is closed until October 2006 for refurbishment. Future exhibitions include a retrospective on picture book cartoon Miffy, Picasso's nature prints, and a wide-ranging exploration of space...Mon - Thur and Sat 10:00 - 17:50, Sun 14:30 - 17:50

A unique museum exploring the tradions of tea and coffee in Britain, their cultural significance and social impact. Displays include a variety of ceramics and art associated with tea.

Founded in 1753 by Act of Parliament, from the collections of Sir Hans Sloane, the British Museum is one of the great museums of the world, showing the works of man from prehistoric to modern times with collections drawn from the whole world.

A harrowing vision of prisons of the past from the gaol that gave us the term 'the clink'. Mon - Sun 10:00 - 21:00

Sir Terence Conran inspired museum 'demonstrates the social, cultural and economic reasons for design'. It boasts a somewhat phenomenal array of contemporary design, with a trendy cafe and bookshop stuffed with various unique trinkets. Daily 10:00 - 17:45, last admission 17:15

Opened in 1925 as the last surviving home of Charles Dickens, the Dickens Museum continues to be a favourite of bibliophiles from all around the world. In it, he wrote Oliver Twist, whose effects have since coloured the Victorian age forever. Visitors can see paintings, rare editions, manuscripts and original furniture, plus more details about the famous author. Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 11:00 - 17:00