Hard to believe that in 1941, the museum pieces were moved to the Manod Quarry, a slate mine in the mountains above the village of Ffestiniog, to protect the collection from the Germans. A great effort that was well worth it. Housed in a magestic buiding in front of Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery of London hose an exceptional collection of western paintings. Visit to the permanent collection is free, but you may get charge for special exhibitions. No pictures or video are allowed (but you may sketch if you want). Inside, masterpieces like Monet's Water lily pond, Van Gogh's Sunflowers, Rembrandt's portraits, and the spectacular Da Vinci's 'Virgin of the Rocks' and Raphael's 'Madonna of the Pinks' to name few of the masterpieces in the museum. The Van Gogh room is out of this world and may bring tears to your eyes.

Okay, so I'm an art nerd but I promise that a trip to the National Gallery is well worth it. You'll recognise the works on display and there are guided tours as well as audio guides. The shop is small but nice. Lots of nice books!

Went to the National Gallery for a couple of hours on a Sunday morning, before heading back to the airport, and what a wonderful way to spend those hours! The staff were well-informed and very friendly, and we found the displays beautifully laid out and with lots of room for everyone. The building itself is a delight and so light and airy.
What I found absolutely amazing is how close you can actually get to all of the works - it really does take your breath away when you are within a arms length of a masterpiece - and there is something for everyone here.
There was a great cafe downstairs, with a mouthwatering array of cakes, along with a large bank of computers, where you could sit with your coffee and peruse the digitally-stored collection of artworks. Kids would enjoy this bit particularly, as it was fun but educational at the same time.
There was also a really good shop, with not the usual tourist tat, but some really beautiful art books, as well as postcards, interesting things for kids (kits, books, toys, etc), and copies of the pictures.
Altogether it wasn't at all stuffy or formal as I had thought it would be, and it was a really nice way to spend a few hours.

Excellent collections, superbly arranged, easy to navigate, good opening times, reasonable entry cost (donation suggested) and the best restaurant ever.

The restaurant is a must if you, like me, have always had trouble finding a decent meal in London without mortgaging the house. If you get a chance, order the afternoon tea, the scones are the most wonderful I've ever eaten anywhere in England.

Don't miss this when you're in London.