For such a small art gallery, the Dulwich Picture Gallery does feel like a giant in the art world. Within the rooms, the walls are graced with paintings by Rembrandt, Watteau, Poussin, Gainsborough and Canaletto. I often find the gallery's intimate and relaxed setting gives me more permission to enjoy the paintings. The natural lighting and unobtrusive curators also adds to the peaceful walk through the gallery.
The Dulwich Picture Gallery was England's first art gallery purposely built for public enjoyment. Sir Francis Bourgeois and Noël Desenfans were instrumental in putting together the collection about two hundred years ago. You can thank them yourself - they are buried in a mausoleum in the centre of the museum!
The added bonus of visiting the gallery is seeing the village of Dulwich itself. Although it is only a 15 minute train ride from Victoria station and London Bridge, I feel like I am in village straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. Tiny churchyards, a village hall and many quaint shops will greet you as you make your way to the gallery.
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In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
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They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.
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Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.
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The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.
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With connections to the local skate scene, it's a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from art unis head for a big night.
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"Hackney Wick Canal" in London once a quasi-industrial wasteland, now a prime hipster hangout... I like sitting at the canal side with a beer.
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"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!
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"The Thames Clipper" is an efficient machine, designed for London commuters. It's the perfect way to get on a boat on the Thames on a sunny evening!
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"Canopy Brewery", just below the railway tracks, is another perfect spot to sample some of London's finest brews, directly from the source!
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"Tayyabs" in London is a legendary Punjabi run. I'll go weak at the knees at the aroma of their sizzling platters of marinated lamb chops & shami kebabs...
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"Sambrook's Brewery" in London is tucked among housing and insustrial estates; it's off the beaten track but should be on every beer lover's map...
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202 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 202 Insider Tips from our local Spotters