'The UK is home to some of the world's most famous art pieces, artefacts and collections. From classical sculpture to ground-breaking modernism, UK art galleries and musuems are not to be missed.'
The UK is full of art galleries, museums, exhibition spaces and installations. From the smallest of villages with pop-up art events, to multi-million pound buildings which host famous collections - the UK's art scene is a thriving hub of creativity.
No matter where you are in the UK, there are plenty of galleries and museums to visit – and many of them are free. Lots are based around city or town centres but there are also plenty of places off the beaten track.
Museums and history
Those that live in the north of England can enjoy a glimpse of history, by visiting one of the area's many themed museums. The Merseyside Maritime Museum in Liverpool attracts nearly one million visitors a year, as does the the National Railway Museum in York. In Scotland, visitors to The National Museum can uncover the fascinating history of the country, while the National Museum of Cardiff explores Wales' past.
Heading south, The British Museum in London is home to some of the world's most famous artefacts, including over 2 million objects from Africa, the Middle East, Ancient Egypt and Asia. Other popular London museums include the Natural History Museum, home to spectacular prehistoric skeletons, and the historical National Maritime Museum.
The nearby Science Museum is also well worth a visit, especially during one of the monthly open evenings known as 'lates'. Designed with big kids in mind, these evenings take visitors on a scientific journey around the building - all with a party atmosphere and a sneak peek of special collections.
For those in Northern Ireland, the Titanic Belfast, is a newly opened world famous exhibition and museum built on the site where the ill-fated liner was made. The UK also has many options for budding historians; explore the Jorvik Viking Centre in York or head to the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley to see what life was like in the UK hundreds of years ago.
Art galleries
If you're keen to explore art galleries, then you'll find lots to keep you busy in the UK. From iconic towering buildings, to quirky pop-up shows, there are plenty of ways to see national and international art collections.
London's Tate Modern and the National Gallery are two of the UK's most famous art spaces. The Tate often hosts sell-out shows and also has an impressive permanent collection, while the National Gallery is home to paintings dating from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
If you are planning on studying in Scotland, then you may want to visit Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Over the years, the gallery has showcased a range of shows - from art that depicts Glaswegian life, to Italian sketchings. The gallery is the most visited in Scotland and is ideal for those studying in arty Glasgow.
For those in northern England, a trip to the Lowry in Salford is a must. The gallery, which specialises in modern and contemporary art, exhibits many mediums, including photography, design and prints.
Remember, many galleries and exhibitions are free to visit and even if you do have to pay, it's usually only to view special collections. There are also student discounts available for paying exhibits – a valid student or NUS card is all you'll need to qualify.
You can find out more about museums and galleries (including ones with free entry) in the Visit Britain art and galleries section.
Discover different regions in the UK using the interactive map and find out more about special shows and events using the interactive calendar.
