Things to do in Greater London, England: The Best History Museums

Croydon Airport Visitor Centre micro-museum- located in Airport House, Purley Way, Croydon CR0 0XZ. Open on the 1st Sunday of the month throughout the year. Special Open Days at other times- see website for details. Haley Sharpe designed and winner of a British Tourism Award, featuring interactive displays and storyboards. It tells the story of Britain's first major international airport through World War I, Imperial Airways and BOAC, record-breaking flights by the likes of Amy Johnson and other, the Battle of Britain and much, much more.

In 1813 England's great landscape painter J.M.W Turner built a small villa, Sandycombe Lodge, on a large plot near the Thames at Twickenham. Here, the painter became an architect. Sandycombe Lodge has been carefully restored to allow visitors to experience Turner's House as he lived in it, and to reflect on his relationship with the beautiful local landscape.

We are a small volunteer-run museum, housed in a Victorian sewage-pumping station. Displays relate to the history of transport and industry in Walthamstow and the surrounding area, and to the history of the Pumphouse site. We have two Marshall & Co horizontal steam engines dating from 1896 which are thought to be the only remaining mirrored pair in existence. They are run on compressed air on the last Sunday of the month. We are open on Sundays, 11am-4pm in summer and 11am-3pm in winter, and entry is FREE.

Always special, always different. Located on the banks of the River Cray, Hall Place was once the country residence of Sir John Champneys a wealthy Tudor Merchant. Today you can explore the 500 -year-old house and it's award winning gardens, bring a picnic or relax at the Riverside Cafe. Exciting exhibitions and events make us the perfect destination for all the family. With extra attractions from our onsite partners All About Owls - Jambs Owls, or Bexley Butterfly House & Plant Centre you will be spoilt for choice. We can also cater for Weddings, conferences and unique events.

Discover Strawberry Hill House, Horace Walpole’s magnificent 18th century ’little gothic castle’. Set back from the River Thames in Twickenham, it has captivated visitors for over 250 years. This enchanting House & Garden inspired Walpole to write the first ever gothic novel, ‘The Castle of Otranto’ and today, is internationally famous as Britain’s finest example of domestic Georgian Gothic revival architecture.

Whitehall is closed to the public from 10 April 2016 until the summer of 2017 to allow for a major refurbishment, which includes vital conservation and restoration works to the building and internal adaptations, along with a small extension for a lift to make the house more accessible. While Whitehall is closed its team will have an active presence at fetes and fairs and will visit local groups and societies. The Friends of Whitehall will also continue to run activities and events in Cheam, particularly at the Parochial Rooms and Cheam Library while Whitehall is closed. An accredited museum, Whitehall was built around 1500, though the house has undergone significant changes and alterations during its life. Remarkably, between 1741 and 1963 Whitehall was the home of one family, the Killicks and the house has held 18th and 19th-century displays reflecting different periods of its history. As well as having a Tudor hall, parlour and a Victorian kitchen, Whitehall also houses a model of Nonsuch Palace, which once stood nearby but was demolished in the 1680s. It has a designated exhibition space which will host a new programme of activities on reopening in 2017, as well as a tea room which has been voted one of the best in Surrey.

Bentley Priory Museum, previously RAF Headquarters Fighter Command, is a site of national historical importance and from where the Battle of Britain was won. We are a small private charitable trust ensuring that the legacy of 'The One, The Few and The Many' is not lost; but appreciated, celebrated and commemorated for many years to come. Throughout the year we welcome individuals, groups, schools and corporate organisations to come and explore the splendour of this amazing Sir John Soane extended property, which has hints of Italian grandeur and where many Second World War and Cold War secrets were hidden within.

The Museum of Richmond tells the story of Richmond from prehistory, through its rise in prominence as a royal residence in the medieval period to its modern status as a centre of the arts and fashion. Caring for and giving access to the rich history of Richmond. through our permanent displays, temporary exhibitions, learning and events programme. There is always something new to see and do. Check the website for what's on!