Dulwich Picture Galley

Another attraction located way out of London's bustling centre, this south London gallery became the first public gallery in Britain when it opened in 1811, and is housed in another building designed by Sir John Soane.

The gallery's collection was originally amassed by two art dealers, Noel Desenfans and Sir Francis Bourgeois , who had gathered pieces on behalf of the King of Poland. However, after the King was forced to abdicate in 1795, the would-be royal collection could not be sold, so was bestowed to Dulwich College to be put on display to the public.

The gallery is housed in a stunning building and its permanent collection features works by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Poussin, Gainsborough and Rubens .