Full of paintings - who would have thought it...?

Full of paintings - who would have thought it...?

Actually I jest. The National Gallery is one of the jewels in London's crown. A source of culture and of constant surprises - you turn a corner and suddenly realise you are a foot away from a work of art you are familiar with from textbooks, magazines and TV.

And it's free, the staff are knowledgeable and friendly and I didn't have to sell a kidney to afford a single espresso. What's not to like?