London

Foundling Museum

Wealthy businessman Thomas Conran was horrified at the number of children abandoned on London’s streets and set up the Foundling Hospital for young children. Eventually the hospital became the country’s first public art gallery and concert hall, the Foundling Museum (www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk/). George Frederick Handel even held recitals here. Don’t miss the memento cabinets displaying small family tokens left by young mothers unable to keep their children.

Lord’s Cricket Ground Museum

If cricket is your passion then a visit to the MCC Museum (www.lords.org/mcc/about-mcc/) at Lord’s Cricket Ground (www.lords.org) is a ‘must-do’. The museum is one of the oldest in the country and although rather small it has some wonderful exhibits including the museum’s most prized attraction – the Ashes urn. When you're there also take a look at the Long Room and if you have time, the real tennis court is worth a quick look.

Percival David Foundation

The Percival David Foundation (www.pdfmuseum.org.uk/) in Gordon Square holds the finest collection of Chinese ceramics outside China. The ceramics, presented to the University of London during the 1950s, are mainly from the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. There are some 1,700 rare artefacts and pieces dating back to the 10th century.

The Brunei Gallery

An exciting venue situated in the heart of London and opposite the main entrance to the School of Oriental and African studies. The Galleries (www.soas.ac.uk/gallery/) host a wide ranging programme of changing exhibitions that reflect subjects and regions studied at this world-renowned School.

The Wernher Collection

The Wernher Collection (www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.110), located near Greenwich Park and which crosses the Meridian Line, is the lifetime collection of self-made millionaire, Julius Wernherhas. You’ll find an extensive collection of art from early religious paintings to Dutch old masters as well as one of the largest collections of Renaissance jewellery in Europe reflecting the genius of medieval craftsmen.

In Clerkenwell, the Museum of the Order of St John (www.sja.org.uk/museum/) comprises of three museums in one. The first is about the history of St John’s Gate; the second pays attention to the Order of St John founded in 1099 and the third is an interactive display on the Order’s modern role – St John’s Ambulance. You will catch them providing a valuable service at many public events.

Bramah Museum of Tea & Coffee

The Bramah Museum of Tea and Coffee (www.bramahmuseum.co.uk/) has to be one of the most eccentric museums in London illustrating the history of tea in European society some 400 years ago. Edward Bramah, its owner and curator, has donated many of the tea exhibits from his personal collection. Make sure you sample a ‘cuppa’ during your visit, and pick up some fine tea to take home with you.

Florence Nightingale Museum

Florence Nightingale will be remembered forever as someone who first advocated free healthcare and helped raise the profile of nursing care to a professional level. At the Florence Nightingale Museum (www.florence-nightingale.co.uk/) in St Thomas’ hospital you can see her personal possessions, letters and portraits on display. Check their website for talks by St Thomas’ current nursing staff.