Pawel Pawlikowski's award winning movie of 2018 is set against the backdrop of the Cold War and recounts the love story of two Polish musicians. The 88 minute film presents two individuals who make different sacrifices for their artistic careers and whose tempestuous relationship both fulfills and blights them. Composer Wiktor flees to Paris to find freedom, but he soon learns that capitalism only demands different compromises from those imposed in communist Poland. His partner, Zula, opts to make a singing career in their homeland despite the political constraints, but she eventually follows Wiktor to France where she is unhappy and dissatisfied. When she returns to Poland, he follows her, knowing that his repatriation will mean imprisonment. Their relationship mirrors the frustration and mutually debilitating reality of the international political situation. They cannot live apart and they cannot live together. Through all of this the constant is the music which reflects the spir...

Who knew that Michelangelo's David once had a fig leaf for formal occasions? The Victoria & Albert Museum is an amazing and sometimes overwhelming hodge-podge of "stuff," but here's a fun tour that offers a thread to follow through the maze while considering questions about sexual and gender identities. By looking at some familiar and some lesser known objects in the collection, visitors are invited to explore the history and myths that inform the current LGBTQ community. From representations of Zeus and Ganymede to Kylie Minogue’s dressing room via the photographs of Wilhelm von Gloeden there is lots to see and enjoy here. Each tour is designed by its own volunteer guide so every time out the itinerary will vary considerably. There is always something new to discover in the museum's amazingly eclectic exhibits, and with each guide bringing their own personal vision to the tour, one visit may not be enough. So far we've enjoyed the hidden histories ...

The amazing Wallace Collection of paintings, furniture and armour is in the spectacular setting of Hertford House decorated largely in the style of the 18th century. The collection is also rich in 17th and 18th century masterpieces by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, Watteau and others. This is the place to see Frans Hals' "Laughing Cavalier." The collection does not travel so this is a must to visit. Free tours and the Brief Encounter talks (about 20 minutes) take a maximum of 25 people. One of our favourite places in London. Reviewed by J.C.  Our Score:    ☆☆☆☆☆ WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE: Mon - Sun: 2:30 pm, Fri - Sun: 11:30 am Brief Encounters talks at scheduled times Hertford House, Manchester Square Nearest tube: Bond Street https://www.wallacecollection.org/whats-on

The National Gallery is one of the big ten for tourists and an oasis for locals. There's nothing nicer than to stop in the National Gallery on a gloomy day and soak up a bit of culture. In the summer, we tend to leave it to the tourists, but there are some great free lectures that can lure us in and always repay the investment on time that could have been spent in the sun. The Lunch Time talks are terrific introductions to exhibitions or interesting looks at specific  artists or paintings. The Ten Minute talks offer a quick insight into  a particular work. The free tours will make sure you get the most from your visit. Reviewed by J.C.  Our Score:   ☆☆☆☆☆  WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE: Daily Tours (60 mins)  - Mon - Fri:  2 pm - 3 pm Lunch Time Talks (45 mins)  Usually Mon & Wed: 1 pm, sometimes other days  Ten Minute Talks (10 mins) Mon -  Fri: 4 pm - 4:10 pm Trafalgar Square Nearest tube: Charing ...

These free walks around midtown, where EC1 meets WC1, are often seasonally themed. They happen in the late morning or early afternoon and start from the orange Bee Midtown Kiosk, just outside the Holborn tube station or from a couple of other designated points. The easiest way to learn about the walks is to pick up the brochure at the Holborn Kiosk. Walks are usually about 45 minutes and themes include "Bloomsbuy People," "The Cock Lane Ghost," "The Great War," "Suffragette City," and such literary tours as "Charles Dickens and Bleak House." There lots of different themes and the tours are always fun and informative. Reviewed by J.C.  Our score:    ☆☆☆  WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE: Various days including the weekend, usually midday Holborn Nearest tube: Holborn https://bee-midtown.com/walks

Maybe not everyone's idea of a lovely day out, but a visit to Highgate is a fascinating look at cemetery customs and a chance to see the final resting place of some major historical figures. The most visited grave might be that of Karl Marx, but George Eliot, Christina Rossetti, Radclyffe Hall, Malcolm Mclaren, Lucian Freud and Michael Faraday plus  many others are also here. S ome wonderful memorials such as that of artist, Patrick Caulfield, the Thornton granite piano and the unique Egyptian Avenue should also be part of a visit. Reviewed by J.C.  Our Score:    ☆☆☆  WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE: Open daily: Mar to Oct 10 am - 5 pm; Nov to Feb 10 am - 4 pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.  The East cemetery where Marx is buried has a £4 admission fee. The West cemetery is only accessible by guided tour: £12 for adults (no children under 8). Tours must be booked on weekdays and usually run at 11 am and 1:45 pm.  Tours are not b...

If you come to London, visiting the British Museum is on everyone's top ten list. The Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Frieze, and all the other amazing wonders... it is impossible to see and appreciate everything on a single visit, but there is help and it's free. The Daily eye-opener tours are our favourites. There are also the Spotlight tours and excellent lunch time talks by guest lecturers or the curators. Reviewed by J.C.  Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆  WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE: Eye-opener tours (30 - 40 mins)  Daily: 11:00 Japan, Room 92 11:15 Roman Britain, Room 49 11:30 Ancient Greece, Room 17 11:45 Ancient Iraq, Room 56 12:00 Africa, Room 24 12:15 China, Room 33 12:30 The Enlightenment Gallery, Room 1 12:45 Mexico, Room 27 13:00 South Asia, Room 33 2:15 World of Money, Room 68 2:30 Ancient Egypt, Room 64 2:45 Medieval Europe, Room 41 3:15 Ancient Rome, Room 70 3:45 Assyrian Reliefs, Room 6 Spotlight tours (20 mins) Friday:  5:00 & 5:30 The Parthenon 5...

This is one of our favourite museums in London. The quirky and crammed home of John Soane, architect of the Bank of England. It has some wonderful treasures, including Hogarth's "The Election" and "The Rake's Progress." The sarcophagus of Seti I is in the basement along with the parlour of his imaginary friend, Brother John. Don't miss the opening of the display walls in the gallery now done on the hour and half hour. Also, try to be there for the free Private Apartments tour, limited to 8 people and requiring  sign up on site. Reviewed by J.C.  Our Score:    ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆   WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE: Wed - Sun: 10 am - 5 pm (l ast entry at 4:30 pm) Closed: Dec 24, 25, 26, 31 & Jan 1 Private Apartments Tours: 1:15 pm & 2:00 pm Sir John Soane's museum, Lincoln's Inn Fields Nearest tube: Holborn https://www.soane.org

There are three  types of free tour at Tate Britain. The Free Guided Tours focus on some highlights of the collection, while the Archive tours explore some lesser known of over a million items relating to British art that are  held by the Tate Britain. The Social Class Tours encourage an examination of  how social class is represented and explored in the collection,  emphasizing underrepresented perspectives. The theme of these tours changes every 4 months. There are also 15 minutes talks about specific works. A different work is featured every month. Depending on your time they are all worthwhile, but the most popular is, of course, the Turner tour.  Our Score:   ☆☆☆☆☆  WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE: Free Guided tours (45 mins)  Daily Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2018 11:00 - 11:45 The Growth of British Art     12:00 - 12:45 People and Places of the 19th Century  2:00 - 2:45  Becoming Modern: Art to the Present Day ...

Most of us have been to an event in the courtyard of Somerset house, outdoor films in summer or skating in the winter. We've also enjoyed some great exhibitions. Indeed, there is always something happening here. But how much do you know about the house's history? The former home to a young Elizabeth I and three Catholic queens of the Stuart dynasty the edifice was re-built in the 18th century, and it is a fascinating place. This tour is a pleasant way to discover another aspect of London's rich history and includes a visit to the odd and slightly creepy Strand Lane Baths. Reviewed by J.C.  Our Score:  ☆☆☆  WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE: Every Tues 12:45 pm & 2:15 pm. Free tickets available at the Information Desk in Seaman's Hall (6 per person max). Tours meet there and last about an hour. Nearest tube: Temple https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/old-palace-tour?

There are two types of free tours at the Victoria & Albert Museum. The daily introductory tours allow a visitor to  learn about the history of the V&A and to see a selection of items in the eclectic collection. Specialized tours give a more in-depth look at some of the pieces and provide insight into the museum's processes and conservation efforts. This is such a wonderful jumble of a collection. There is always a new treasure or oddity to be found, from the Leonardo da Vinci notebooks to the Great bed of Ware to some amazing theatrical costumes, this museum is like rummaging through the fascinating attic of an eccentric uncle. Always something new to discover and wonder at.  Our Score:   ☆☆☆☆☆  WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE: Daily Introductory Tours ( 60 mins) 10:30, 12:30, 1:00 & 3:00 Daily Specialized Tours (60 mins) 11:30 Medieval and Renaissance   12:00 Treasures of Europe 1600 - 1815   2:00 Theatre and Performance  ...

Opened in 2008 and refurbished in 2019, this wonderful gallery in the V&A appeals to all ages. With the recent updating of the displays and the addition of many new exhibits, now including Queen Victoria's sapphire and diamond coronet designed by Prince Albert and Beyoncé's papillon ring, it is even more intriguing. Jewellery is a particularly intimate and personal form of art which is often the source for fascinating stories about the creators and wearers. This is a special area of the V&A and it is well worth exploring. The rooms are beautifully designed to show off their treasures in a way that charms but does not overwhelm. The fascination of jewellery dates from prehistoric times and the tracing of its design through various periods is quite captivating. We were particularly struck by some of the lovely art nouveau and art deco pieces. Don't miss the beautiful collection of art deco vanity cases lent to the gallery by Kashmira Busara in memory of brother F...