Get some headspace inside your favourite museum
Whether you need a quiet spot to read a book, get your creative juices flowing or simply enjoy some time to yourself, museums can take you away from the daily pressures of modern life and into an inspiring new world.
Museums and galleries can be perfect spaces for contemplation, relaxation and inspiration when you need a place for some time to unwind and recharge – whether that's on your own or with your loved ones.
With Mental Heath Awareness Week around the corner, we're spotlighting the museums, galleries and historic houses where you can reap the benefits of culture to support your wellbeing. And to help you do that, we're sharing our top tips for mindful museum visits, alongside 12 venues where you can take a break from the hectic day-to-day and step into a place of art and imagination.
From the luxurious interiors of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton to the expansive rural landscape of Bowhill House and Grounds in Scotland, get some headspace inside these inspiring spaces with an Art Pass.
Our top tips for mindful museum visits
Focus on one work of art
Unleash your creativity
Spend time in nature
Connect with history
Discover museums to visit during Mental Health Awareness Week with an Art Pass
Three museums to practice the art of slow looking
MOMA Machynlleth
Home to seven lovely contemporary galleries, MOMA Machynlleth is a bright and airy space full of work by Welsh artists. The Foyer Gallery, where many of the gallery’s major exhibitions take place, also doubles up as a café, meaning you can enjoy a slice of cake and the exhibition simultaneously, perfect for a spot of me time.
V&A South Kensington
One of the world's largest museums, the extensive collections at the V&A explore everything from decorative arts, furniture and fashion to theatre and performance. Whether you want to visit one of their sensational exhibitions, explore dozens of themed galleries, or find a quiet spot to soak up the building's beautiful features, the V&A is ideal for exploring on your own with so much to marvel at.
British Library
Towers of books line the walls of the British Library in Euston, the perfect space to catch up on some reading and feel inspired. There are several lovely cafés to grab a coffee or a bite to eat, gorgeous high ceilings and quiet corners to give yourself some space, plus countless places to immerse yourself in ideas and creativity.
Three museums to get your creative juices flowing
Dovecot Studios
Watch weavers at work from the balcony of this unique working tapestry studio in the heart of Edinburgh. Famous for their handwoven tapestries and gun-tufted rugs, Dovecot is the perfect spot to lose yourself in the tactile world of material. Plus, the charming café Pinks makes a lovely spot for a snack stop.
Tate St Ives
Striking contemporary art a stone’s throw from the beach – Tate St Ives boasts both a stunning building full of space and light, and an exquisite collection of art. Alfred Wallis’ playful paintings of ports and naval scenes are bound to bring a smile to your face, while Barbara Hepworth’s majestic sculptures could be the prefect source of inspiration. There’s even a public roof garden here where you can breathe in the sea air, plus a lovely café and a gift shop packed with beautiful treats.
Turner Contemporary
This striking seaside gallery sits at the centre of Margate, a thriving hub of creativity on the UK’s coast. From inside the gallery, you can enjoy unrivalled views out to sea plus the chance to wander round intriguing contemporary exhibitions. Turner Contemporary is built on the site that Romantic painter JMW Turner was known to visit and very much encourages you to get inspired by the same landscapes that inspired his masterful works.
Three museums to connect with history
Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe – here you can peek inside three historic reading rooms and marvel at the beauty of its classical architecture. Many notable figures are known to have studied here, and the library is still a core part of the University of Oxford. Where better to be at one with your thoughts than at one of the greatest sites for learning in the world?
The Royal Pavilion
There are few places like Brighton’s architectural icon, The Royal Pavilion. This stunning Regency palace was inspired by Indian and Chinese design and the decoration inside is one of the most lavish and opulent interiors you’re likely to find. Step inside a world of luxury, beauty and extravagance – you’ll never be bored on a solo trip here, with so much colour and sparkle to catch your eye. Experience the indulgence of the outlandish Saloon, the beauty of the exotic Long Gallery and the perfectly manicured gardens.
Museum of the Home
Take your mind off your own life by throwing yourself into someone else’s – at the Museum of the Home you can see how people live and have lived over hundreds of years. While there is a huge amount of décor, furniture and domestic objects to peruse, the museum also gives you the opportunity to ponder what home means to you and explore other perspectives. The museum is located in a quiet corner of Hoxton, perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Three museums where you can unwind in nature
Garden Museum
A gardener’s oasis in the heart of London, the Garden Museum is set inside a beautifully restored church and boasts permanent collections celebrating the British love affair with gardens. Get a quiet moment to yourself and enjoy spectacular views across the Thames from the medieval tower, or wander the Sackler Courtyard Garden – a warm and sheltered green retreat packed with rare plants.
Holkham Hall
The grounds and gardens at Holkham Hall are ideal for a breath of fresh air and herds of deer also wander the green spaces here, giving you a chance to get back to nature. Surrounded by woodland and close to the beach, there are countless tranquil spots to explore, and the house itself is packed with beautiful furniture, art and objects to peruse.
Bowhill House and Grounds
Escape to the country at this enchanting country estate in the heart of the Scottish Borders. The majestic house is surrounded by rich forests, winding glens and heathered hills. Get back to nature and explore the glorious scenery, or take a house tour and marvel at the art and artefacts inside.