Dulwich Picture Gallery

Lending weight to the idea that the best things come in small packages, this bijou gallery - the first to be purpose-built in the UK - was designed by Sir John Soane in 1811. It's a beautiful space that shows off Soane's ingenuity with and interest in lighting effects. Dulwich displays a small but outstanding collection of work by Old Masters, offering a fine introduction to the baroque era through works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Gainsborough. It also has a fine programme of temporary exhibitions and live events and an appealing café.