London highlights- beyond the obvious

[TheGander]

My French cousin is visiting in a week. Im
looking for new places to take him as over the years we’ve done all the obvious things- the big museums, the parks, a lot of the concert halls. He’s into art, music, traditional architecture, history. Not so interested in science, modern architecture . I’m thinking of taking him to a museum of Italian modern art in North London for a change b it would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you!

Have you been to the Museum of London ?
Or how about a guided walk ?

No we haven’t done the museum of London, I’ve taken kids there, that might be an option.

I think his contrary French nature might rebel against a guided tour, but could suggest that to him.

We did a "Jack the Ripper" tour a few years ago, Whitechapel is not an obvious tourist destination !

Museum of the Home in Hackney might fit the bill. Can walk to it along the canal from Angel Islington which is a bit different.

Could do a combo visit to Dulwich Picture Gallery (train from Victoria to West Dulwich) and then catch the bus from outside Dulwich College and go to the Horniman Museum.

Not wishing to be rude, but I couldn’t face that for many reasons. I’m sure it’s educational but it would probably leave me depressed for a week.

That was about the Jack the Ripper tour. Dulwich picture gallery is a good idea. I’ll check what they have on.

Hampton Court?
Wallace Collection.

Done both of those, both big hits. Foreigners always appreciate the free museums here. It’s now €48 to visit the Musee d’Orsay!

John Soanes museum is lovely too,

You can go to a free opera performance at the Royal Opera House in Covent garden on Friday lunchtimes I think it is. They have a nice cafe too. Details on their website.

What about Dennis Severs House in Spitalfields?

Have you been to Strawberry Hill House? It’s fascinating although not free.
www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk/

That’s a good shout, I’ve always wanted to go there.

Amazing! He loves opera, I’ll look into that, thanks.

Museum of London is closed while they build new premises for it.

Do you mean the Estorick Collection in Highbury? It's not very big. Has a small permanent collection and a changing temporary exhibition.

Some ideas:

Museum of London in Docklands
V&A East at Stratford
Denis Severs House in Spitalfields
Leighton House in Holland Park/Kensington

Commercial art galleries: look on https://www.galleriesnow.net/ at galleries in Mayfair and do a route round some of them. It'll be an eclectic mix but also good for exploring Mayfair, eg finding White Cube gallery near the back of Fortnum & Mason. Plus the Christmas lights and window displays will be up.

The Roman temple of Mithras under the Bloomberg building in the City? It's pretty impressive, and free to visit. I'd also second the Museum of London. Also the John Soanes museum.

Sir John soames museum, dickens museum, st martins in the fields (concert). And if he likes wine, Gordon’s wine bar, embankment tube (think you can book these days)

there's a wonderful exhibition of period costumes at the Fashion Museum but you do need to be either big on period drama or fascinated by clothes and costumes to appreciate that one. I thought it was fantastic and I hate going into London - but that was well worth the trip. my friend is not particularly a period drama person but she loved just seeing the costumes and learning about the designer.

Fenton House in Hampstead, not a lot going on there but very sweet. I've only been in summer though, so it's nice to sit in the garden.

Could combine with Keats House down the road if your friend likes Keats poetry at all

If you can get a time where the guide is there, they are very knowledgeable and will answer all your questions.

I know you are asking us for suggestions, but since you have already done the obvious things, why not ask HIM if he has any ideas of what he'd like to see/do. He could just want to hang about and eat out, visit Borough Market maybe or just wander. Sometimes visitors groan is there is too much "organised" for them, just saying. One thing I'd suggest though is the Uber Boat along the Thames.

Thank you Plexie, god shout re Museum of London. Didn’t know there was a V&A east, will look into that. He’s been to Leighton house twice, he loved it that much. Maybe Stawberry Hill would offer something similar.
I was thinking the Estorick collection as he’s half Italian he might like it. Plus Islington is nice for a wander.
Didn’t know there was a Roman temple in London, I might go an check that out, thanks @AgentPidge

Oh, and the art gallery at the Guildhall is really lovely.

Salt beef bagel at brick lane.

He loves wine, but is quite happy with a bottle of AustralianShiraz from Tesco @mamagogo1 ! We have some Theo ther 3 things you mention. Thanks for the suggestion of uber boat down the Thames, that could work well @wantom

Love that!