Image via Tom Patterson (The National Gallery)

As London is simply overflowing with places to see and things to do, it can be overwhelming to pick and choose which ones to include when you are visiting for a few days. There are red bus tours, the Thames to wander along and the London Eye to queue for. There are West End shows to see and hatted restaurants to visit, and amidst the bustle and busyness there are also galleries and museums to see! If you only have a short time in London, here are three gorgeous classic galleries worth the visit!

National Portrait Gallery
Being one of London’s few free tourist spots is just one of the many perks of visiting The Portrait Gallery in London’s St Martin Place. If you are a history buff, or are merely interested in different characters throughout history (British, in particular), this is the place for you. With clear information and stunning canvasses, the gallery offers the world’s largest collection of portraits – so you may be there for some time! The gallery is open late on a Thursday and Friday, and there is a well stocked book store and gift shop. Pop into the highly recommended cafe to rest your feet and sip a cup of tea, before carrying on exploring fascinating people throughout time.

Image via Sarah Woo

The Tate Britain
Hosting the largest collection of Turner works as a free exhibition is a huge draw card for this Gallery which first opened in 1897. Also hosting popular exhibitions including contemporary art, of which you may need to book a ticket (they can sell out, so be quick!), The Tate Britain is known for its British art, spanning hundreds of years. With a lovely cafe to revive flagging muscles and a gift shop to perk up those who enjoy the shopping side of galleries, enjoy as long as you can spare here. And if you love Tennyson, hunt down The Lady of Shalott by John William Waterhouse, she is poetry personified!

Image via Britta Jaschinski (Time Out)

The National Gallery
Standing proudly in Trafalgar Square, you can not miss this stunning gallery! Another free entry, The National Gallery boasts an astounding wealth of artwork, assuring you will find something you absolutely love. With ever changing exhibitions, do some research ahead of time to find out if there’s something that really takes your fancy. Give yourself as much time as you can to wander through the varied and well known canvasses, all well laid out and with clear information on hand. The gallery is open late on a Friday, hosts several options for delicious food, and a gift shop for those looking for some keepsakes.

Image via Astrid Athen (The National Gallery)

There are many more galleries in London which hold hidden gems just waiting to be discovered! However, these three classic galleries are guaranteed to fill you with a wealth of knowledge of art, inspire you with their varying exhibitions, and perhaps even cement a new favourite artist or artwork!

Ms Chinoiserie Says: The National Portrait Gallery is one of my favourites – you could literally spend days immersing yourself in history and art!

About Ms Honeycomb  – Hi, I’m Nicola, the florist and crafter behind rubyandjoy. I’m a gardening, fabric loving, mint tea drinking, brownie baking, book obsessed maker! I love a good adventure having just moved back from five years in Scotland (with my lovely Scottish husband).