Things to do in South East England, England: The Best Art Museums

Rose Cottage is a museum displaying memorabilia of Sheppey and Sheerness. It is the focus for Sheppey Promenade activities and is open to local artists and performers to display their work. One of the remaining early cottages, Rose Cottage is part of the heritage of Sheerness' naval and military background.

Art gallery based at Christ Church College, Oxford University, contains an impressive collection of Old Masters paintings and drawing, with an emphasis on Italian art from the 14th to the 18th century.The internationally renowned drawings collection in the Picture Gallery at Christ Church is regarded as one of the most important private collections of Old Master drawings in the country and includes work by the masters; Leonardo, Michelangelo, Dürer, Raphael and Rubens. For reasons of conservation the entire drawings collection cannot be permanently on show, but a selection of drawings is always on view. These small in-house exhibitions are changed about every three months to enable the public to see a varied selection from this part of the collection. Please refer to website for opening hours.

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is an Art Gallery, Library and Visitor Information Centre situated in the heart of historic Canterbury. This award winning facility provides state-of-the-art exhibition galleries, excellent educational facilities and a varied programme of events for all ages. The building takes its name from its benefactor, Dr James George Beaney, a Canterbury-born man of modest background who studied medicine before emigrating to Australia, where he found his success. Upon his death in 1891, Dr Beaney left money in his will to the city of Canterbury to build an ‘Institute for Working Men’ with amenities for men from poor backgrounds such as his own. His patronage was fundamental in building the Beaney Institute: a new home for the Canterbury Royal Museum and Free Library, now known as The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge. A cultural hub in East Kent, praised for its welcoming atmosphere, providing a range of services under one roof, uniting art, heritage, books, ideas, information and collections. Whether you are a frequent Library user, a teacher on a Schools Workshop, a parent enjoying the perfect cup of coffee in our Cafe or an inquisitive explorer studying our treasures from the Ancient worlds; The Beaney is a building for everyone.

This magnificent Cathedral has stood at the centre of Chichester for over 900 years. With unique architecture from each century of its life, this Cathedral is both ancient and modern, where original medieval features sit alongside world famous contemporary artworks. Chichester Cathedral is open every day from 10.00am - 4.00pm. We have made a number of changes to ensure that you can visit our historic site safely. Measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 include the provision of hand sanitiser stations, an enhanced cleaning regime and all Cathedral staff and volunteers will be wearing face masks. We are also delivering a revised schedule of services. Further details about attending for public worship can be found on our website.

Pre-booking is required. Please visit https://wtam.uk/whats-on/art-heritage/ to book in advance, thank you. If you have a passion for the very best in Regency and Victorian fashion, want to be inspired by artists such as Stanley Spencer, William Holman-Hunt and Philip Jackson, or are looking to discover why Worthing residents take such quiet pride in 55,000 years of their achievements, then Worthing Museum and Art Gallery is the place to visit. A variety of events throughout the year link to many of the exhibitions. The Museum Team also offer curator-led talks, object handling workshops, and educational visits (including dressing up days). The elegant Edwardian building also houses a shop, has disabled access and toilets and free entry. Opening hours: Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm

Maidstone Museum a local authority-run museum located in Maidstone, Kent. Featuring internationally important collections including fine art, natural history, and human history. The museum is one of three operated by Maidstone Borough Council. The building is Grade II* listed. Maidstone Museum is Free, with some paid events and exhibitions. From May 19th Wednesday-Saturday 10:00-16:00 ( last entry at 15:30) . School Holidays Excluding Bank Holidays : Monday - Saturday 10:00-16:00 Last Entry at 15:30 Seasonal Closures Apply. Currently operating in accordance with Government Guidelines : A One Way System Face masks are compulsory when entering, Test and Trace/ Check in before visiting , Some Galleries have remained closed due to social distancing