London - East End

Eltham Palace is one of England's most stylish 1930's country houses. It was built by millionaire Stephen Courtauld and his wife Virginia. This English Art Deco house is built on a site the former 14th Century palace inhabited by Edward IV and Henry VIII, although little remains apart from a large medieval hall.

Eltham Palace will impress anyone with an interest in Art Deco and the interior is beautifully decorated. Also of note are the extraordinary gardens which surround the palace. Even the moat has been planted with waterlilies and is home to carp.

The Geffrye Museum presents furniture and household objects of the 17th-20th centuries in the former poorhouses of the Ironmongers' Company.

Each room is furnished in period representing different English styles according to time period. The collections represent middle class homes complete with furniture, textiles, paintings, decorative arts, and other household items.There are also period gardens, and an excellent walled herb garden.

The Geffrye Museum's Domestic Interiors Study Centre contains a library on relevant subject matter.

The museum presents a variety of programs and workshops.

Sutton House is a rare example of a Tudor red brick house in the East End. This National Trust property was built in 1535 in London's east end. There have been many 18th C alterations and additions to the house but many early details are on display in the rooms. One of the main highlights is the Linenfold Parlour, with Tudor oak panelled walls carved to mimic cloth.

The house was at one time abandoned and in the 1980s fell to squatters. Fortunately it has since been rescued and restored by the National Trust.

Tudor Barn was completed in the 16th century and is all that stands of the country mansion built for Margate Roper. It also served as a hotel location for Edith Nesbitt, author of many books such as Railway Children. It is currently undergoing restoration.

Modern and contemporary art is on display at the Whitechapel Art Gallery.

The gallery was designed by Charles Harrison Townsend and opened in 1901. It has developed an international reputation as one of the key galleries of modern art. Lectures and films are offered free of charge.