10 Great Cultural Attractions To Visit With A National Art Pass

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10 Great Cultural Attractions To Visit With A National Art Pass

This is a sponsored article on behalf of the Art Fund.

Step aboard and explore the iconic HMS Belfast.

One of the many benefits of a National Art Pass is free or half price entry to some of London's top cultural attractions. Here are 10 of the best.

1. HMS Belfast

Imperiously moored up on the Thames, HMS Belfast is a true London icon. But what's it like on board? Get lost in this labyrinthine vessel as you explore what life was like living at sea; listen to veterans tell their stories; and find out what it takes to run a ship, thanks to interactive displays. A great day out both for the family and solo explorers. 50% off entry with National Art Pass.

2. Chiswick House and Gardens

Did you know that the gardens of Chiswick House were the inspiration for Central Park in New York? Or that the gardens are where the landscape movement started out? Two great facts — and that's before we even get to the house. Keep your eyes peeled for paintings by the likes of Dutch artist Pieter Andreas Rysbrack. And don't forget to look up: the ceilings are stunning. Free entry with National Art Pass.

3. Fashion & Textile Museum

This Bermondsey gem may be small, but it likes to think big; case in point, its superb Missoni exhibition. It's great to have a museum dedicated to fashion, jewellery and textiles — themes that deserve to be held up alongside fine art, design and historical exhibitions. 50% off entry with National Art Pass.

A great view of the fantastic Kensington Palace

4. Kensington Palace

Everybody loves a good palace, especially one inhabited by real life royals, as is Kensington. William Kent's Trompe-l'œil King's Staircase and the beautiful sunken gardens make this a palace to remember. Some of the rooms remain largely unchanged from almost 300 years ago too. Free entry with National Art Pass.

5. Design Museum

This museum is moving home to Kensington and we can't wait to see what it looks like when it re-opens in November. The new incarnation will have over three times the space of the old one, meaning it can present bigger and better displays on design and architecture. The Design Museum reopens on 24 November. 50% off exhibitions with National Art Pass.

6. Cutty Sark

She was the fastest ship of her time and is the sole surviving tea clipper. Discover what it takes to sail such a vessel and get right underneath the boat to marvel at its hull. It's a remarkable feat to have raised the ship like this, so that visitors can get so close to a piece of maritime history. 50% off entry with National Art Pass.

Explore the origins of the universe in the Royal Observatory's planetarium.

7. Royal Observatory

Climbing up the hill to the Royal Observatory affords spectacular views across London, but the fun's only just begun. Once inside the Royal Observatory, get hands on with a meteorite as old as our planet, experience our universe in the planetarium and see the origin of Greenwich Mean Time. Plus every year, the venue hosts the out of this world Astronomy Photographer of the Year. 50% off entry with National Art Pass.

8. Leighton House Museum

A favourite West London treasure of ours. It's the former home of the Victorian artist Lord Frederic Leighton, and his fascination with Asia is exemplified by the gorgeous Arab hall — mosaics and Islamic tiling making for a meditative space. But there's so much more here, including a collection of works by the Pre-Raphaelites. Free entry with National Art Pass and 50% off exhibition ticket prices.

9. Charles Dickens Museum

London was the biggest inspiration for Dickens and it's only fitting that his 'house in town' has been preserved as a museum to the legacy of the great storyteller. It's where two of his daughters were born and where he penned many novels including Oliver Twist. The museum contains thousands of items including Dickens' personal effect, photographs, correspondence and manuscripts. A must visit for anyone who's ever read a book. Free entry with National Art Pass.

10. Keats House

"Beauty is truth, truth beauty" the immortal words of John Keats, one of Britain's greatest poets. This house affords visitors the opportunity to explore his life and works through manuscripts, a video about his life, and by listening to his poetry. As Keats said himself "A thing of beauty is a joy forever". This place is certainly beautiful. Free entry with National Art Pass.

Buy your National Art Pass today for £62 (or just £46.50 if you're paying by Direct Debit).

Last Updated 23 August 2016