by Jenny Underhill

Very few nations, if any, have an many museums and galleries as Great Britain. Every town and city really does have something to suit all tastes and interests. Hundreds of exhibitions deserve a mention but we've selected a handful of our favourites:

Imperial War Museum Duxford

Things to do in Cambridgeshire

Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester

Manchester Art Gallery is home to arguably one of the finest collections of artwork in Europe. You will need several hours to make your way around the vast number of exhibits and paintings. Admission is free and the gallery opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. For more information call 0161 2358888 or go to www.manchestergalleries.org

Days out in Manchester

Modern Art Oxford, Oxford

Modern Art Oxford is a terrific museum dedicated to contemporary and experimental art with works by Yoko Ono an Tracey Emin on display. Admission is free for everyone from Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. On Sundays the gallery opens from midday to 5pm. For more information call 01865 722733 or go to www.moderartoxford.org.uk

Things to do in Oxfordshire

Tate, St Ives

Set right above the beach, The wonderful art in the Tate St Ives is well matched by the beautiful location of the gallery itself. Sitting above the glorious beach at St Ives, this is a great place to visit. Entry to the Tate is £5.50 for adults but kids go free! Opening times are 10am to 5.30pm March through to October and 10am to 4.30pm during the rest of the year. For further details call 01626 890243 or go to www.tate.org.uk/stives

Days out in Cornwall

Military Aviation Museum, Chichester

Things to do in West Sussex

Victoria & Albert Museum, South Kensington

With a phenomenal collection of treasures gathered from the four corners of the world, the Victoria and Albert can proudly claim to be one of the greatest museums on the planet. Entry to the V & A is free although you may have to pay for certain exhibitions. Opening times are from 10am to 5.45om every day of the week. On Wednesdays and the last Friday of each month, doors stay open until 10pm. For further details call 0207 9422000 or go to www.vam.co.uk

Things to do in London

National Space Centre, Leicester

Things to do in Leicestershire

Tate Modern, South Bank

Standing right by the River Thames, the Tate Modern is a delight both inside and out. Admission is free for everyone although donations are most welcome. Some exhibitions may have a small charge. The museum opens every day from 10am to 6pm. On Fridays and Saturdays doors stay open until 10pm. For further details call 020 7887 8000 or go to www.tate.org.uk

Days out in London

Open Air Museum, Beamish

Things to do in Durham

Urbis, Manchester

Urbis is a unique museums that explores the different cities that make up our world. The building Admission to Urbis is free although entry to the temporary exhibitions is £5 for adults and £3 for kids. Urbis opens from 10am to 6pm every day of the week. For further details call 0161 6058200 or go to www.urbis.org.uk

Things to do in Manchester

National Railway Museum, York

Things to do in Yorkshire

National Maritime Museum, Falmouth

Sitting right by the water, the National Maritime explores the world of small boats and Cornish maritime history. It may not be as high-tech as many other museums but it has an undeniable charm that will appeal to all ages. Admission is £6.50 for adults and £4.30 for children every day from 10am till 5pm. For more information call 01326 313388 or go to www.nmmc.co.uk

Days out in Cornwall

Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Telford

Ironbridge is a group of ten industrial based museums in a stunning setting. Without doubt one of Shropshire's best attractions. Admission is £12.95 for adults and £8.25 children although you can pay for the museums individually. The area opens daily from 10am to 5pm every day of the year although some activities close in the winter months. For more information call 01952 884391 or go to www.ironbridge.org.uk

Things to do in Shropshire