London is a captivating city offering visitors a multitude of places to visit and things to do. The city is home to some of the finest cultural gems, world-class shopping venues, the best in entertainment and much more.

Travellers to the city must enjoy the experience of staying at a luxury property in the heart of the city like The Chilworth London boutique hotel located at Paddington.

Guests can enjoy getting a relaxing massage at Paddington’s finest spa at the hotel and also indulge themselves in one of the best afternoon teas in London at the Chilworth’s classy restaurant. When on holiday in the British capital it must include a tour of some of London’s finest parks.

There of the best parks to explore in London include:

Hyde Park: Once the hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, Hyde Park is easily the most well-known and visited of the eight Royal Parks in the city. Spread over 142 hectares the park was opened to the public in the 1700s. There is a wide variety of activities that take place in the park including cycling, skating, jogging, walking, sunbathing and even boating on the Serpentine Lake. While locals mainly visit the park to stay active, travellers drop in to visit the many attractions installed in the park. It is a fabulous place to spend some time away from the noise and crowds of the city. During the summer there are plenty of open-air events including music festivals held at Hyde Park. During Christmas the famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland takes centre stage.     

Kensington Gardens: Adjoining Hyde Park is Kensington Gardens which form part of Kensington Palace. During the end of the 1600s, King William III bought a section of Hyde Park along with the estate called Nottingham House. Since it is next door to Hyde Park a visit to Kensington Gardens can be combined with a tour of Hyde Park. Kensington Gardens has its own attractions and installations including the famous Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and a statue of Peter Pan. It also is an ideal location to enjoy a picnic with family or friends or just hang out solo in the beautiful surroundings. Summer is when a large number of visitors pop in to bask in the summer sunshine. Since the gardens are relatively close to three popular museums the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum one could always drop into any of them after a tour of Kensington Gardens.

Regent’s Park: After Hyde Park, Regent’s Park is one of the most popular parks in central London. It plays host to various sporting activities such as football, tennis, cricket, rugby and many more. The park was established in 1828, and houses the London Zoo, along with a beautiful garden of more than 400 kinds of roses and many species of birds. After spending some time at the park visitors can head over to Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, which is home to lifelike wax sculptures of the members of the Royal Family, music legends, sports stars and celebrities.

London is a city filled with many famous sights, historical places and a very eclectic nightlife. For tourists, it is an exciting place to explore but if you are in the city for business, there may be times when you need a space that is peaceful and quiet in order to catch up with some work. This guide offers five places in the city which offer the conditions you need to be productive.

The British Library

The first and possibly the most obvious is The British Library, situated a short walk away from the Devonshire Hotel Paddington. Founded in 1973, it is home to over 170 million items from all over the world, giving you a great opportunity to do some research. It houses the famous Magna Carta, the world’s earliest printed book from 868, the only manuscript copy of Beowulf and one of Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks. The library is open to the public and is completely free, however, if there are particular books you want, whether for business or pleasure, you will need to apply online for a Reader Pass. There are a few rules and regulations such as water bottles are prohibited in the reading rooms and you’re only allowed to take in a pencil, no pens, but it is an unforgettable experience and the perfect place to catch up on your work.  

Ozone Coffee Roasters

Shoreditch is widely known for its London hotel deals, but it is also home to the Ozone Coffee Roasters, a coffeehouse that attracts professionals and students alike. It’s the deliciously fresh coffee and industrialised interior that makes it so attractive as the wooden tables and counters offer an abundance of space for laptops, notebooks and books. The most popular seats are in the roasting area and around the open kitchen so you will have the be there early to nab those.

V&A National Art Library

The V&A National Art Library is only a short tube ride from the restaurants near Paddington Station and it is encased in a wonderful Grad II-listed building that offers a breath-taking interior. It houses over 1 million items to peruse in all areas of art and all members of the public can enter with free admission and joining fee. If you are working in the art industry or are a fan of art, this space is a haven for you but, even if you don’t, it is an iconic setting and, once you have finished your work, you can visit the V&A Museum itself and view its 2.3 million pieces from all over the world and from different centuries.

The National Archives

The National Archives can be found in Kew and it is the official archive for the government of England and Wales. It was created in the early 2000’s and holds over 1,000 years of historical documents and public records including the Domesday Book, Shakespeare’s will and a letter from the infamous Jack the Ripper. The Archives are open to the public and have an abundance of spaces to work in, but if you require any documents from the archive, you will need to apply online for a readers pass.

Looking for a treat for the leading lady in your life? Then a special, once-in-a-lifetime experience has no doubt crossed your mind, as they’re so popular with mums when it comes to showing just how much you care. After all, she’s sure to jump at the chance to spend some quality time with you, rather than accepting another scarf or bottle of perfume!

London is one of the best cities in the world to help you spoil your fabulous mum, and we’ve rounded up a selection of our favourite experiences she’s bound to love. 

A luxury afternoon tea

There’s arguably not many things mums love more than tea, so why not treat her to the ultimate tea experience?! Take advantage of some of the best Afternoon Tea London Deals across the city, and watch her face light up as she’s treated to a delicious array of sandwiches, savouries and sweets – with as much tea and coffee as she can drink, of course. 

Lots of the best London hotels, such as the Piccadilly Hotel even offer champagne alternatives, which is great if you’re celebrating something particularly exciting! 

Dinner and a show

From ‘Mamma Mia’ to ‘Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat’, ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Tina – the musical’, it’s fair to say there are countless plays and musicals showing in London all year round that your mum will go crazy for. 

Lots of the best Restaurants West End London offer great ‘dinner and a show’-style deals which can be a great way to help you make a true night of it, and to make sure mum has all the fuel she needs so she can sing along all night long! 

An afternoon of shopping

Pay mum back for all the times she took you shopping (maybe against your will, but still!) and treat her to an afternoon looking around the shops of her choice. London has some incredible (and extremely diverse) shopping districts, so regardless of what sort of thing your mum loves to pick up, she’ll find it here.

Looking for luxury? You can’t beat Selfridges and beyond, towards the likes of Bond Street and Regent Street. Or maybe your mum likes to shop for things that are a little more unique? Take a visit to the thrifty markets of Camden, or to Covent Garden’s famous market to find something as wonderfully individual as she is. 

Near some of the city’s top shopping areas, you’ll find an abundance of Special Offers London Hotels to take advantage of, too. 

A trip on the London Eye 

Perhaps your mum is a little bit of an adrenaline junkie? Or at the very least, likes an experience with a view… What better way to show her you care than with a trip on the London Eye, to experience London in all its glory from above? 

If you can, try and go on a day that isn’t cloudy, as your view might not be quite so special. A good insider tip is to aim to go around 11 am – where it won’t be too crowded, and the views will be amazing. 

Want to make her day even more memorable? You can now book champagne experiences on the London Eye with your very own waiter to serve you. Now that is pretty special!

A brilliant destination for a trip when heading to California is its wine country area, as there are many wonderful vineyards to discover. Before heading there travellers should take a trip to San Francisco that is an amazing city to venture to as there is so much to offer. There is an array of fantastic things to do when heading to this part of the world, including taking a trip on the San Francisco Bay Trail. This bike and walking trail is more than 350 miles long, and will be increased will border the entire San Francisco Bay area. The Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve is a 467-acre protected area found in San Mateo County that is known for its spring wildflower displays, which are definitely worth visiting when heading there.

The Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is an excellent spot to venture to that is found in the Santa Cruz Mountains in San Mateo County. This great nature reserve has around six miles of trails with impressive views of the San Francisco Bay and hillsides. There are no horses or bikes allowed on the trails, but tourists can take pets such as dogs there to enjoy the beautiful countryside in this amazing part of the world. Tourists in this area should take a trip to a Good Nite California hotel for their holiday break whether for business or leisure.

The Good Nite Inn Redwood City San Franciscois a superb residence that is perfect for discovering San Francisco. It found close to Stamford University and is the best place for tourists heading there for business or leisure with brilliant staff members who are always there to help. The great rooms have helpful amenities including a flatscreen television, iron and board and hairdryer, as well as free Wi-Fi internet to check emails. There is free coffee and tea available in the lobby area of the property, and complimentary parking. There are also large accessible rooms on offer to travellers located on the ground floor.There are a number of great Good Nite offers available to travellers heading to California on holiday.

Tourists should definitely try and find a Good Nite Inn promo code online to ensure they save money. After San Francisco the Napa and Sonoma valleys are a short drive away across the Golden Gate Bridge from the city. There are some of the best wineries in the world based in this area, and visitors can book wine tastings and also have a tour of the vineyards. These amazing locations are incredibly picturesque and are ideal for travellers who enjoy being in the sunshine with some wine and having a picnic in the great outdoors.

Travellers can head to Sausalito after their visit to the vineyards as this is a stunning place to have a break. Tourists will find there are also many amazing spas in the area, and they will have a wonderful time relaxing in these beautiful surroundings. Visitors will adore their trip to this part of the world as there is everything you could possibly desire based there, and there is a chance for tourists to really relax with their fellow travellers in this amazing location.

The best aspect of going on holiday to a destination such as Vancouver is tourists get to enjoy many areas, including the mountains, rainforests and its beautiful beaches. A great reason to head to the beach is the lovely sea breeze that refreshes travellers and helps them relax while watching the waves gently roll across the water. There are many hidden or lesser known beaches available in and around the Canadian city of Vancouver. Found close to Victoria is East Sooke Regional Park, where hikers can discover the rocky coast, gorgeous hilltops and rainforests, as well as some beautiful coves and tide pools ideal for a visit.

There are a huge range of stunning islands located near the amazing city of Vancouver, which are top holiday spots. One of the most famous is Vancouver Island that provides beautiful landscapes just off the coast of the state of British Columbia. This superb place has pretty, fishing villages along the coastline and many gorgeous, historic landmarks. This is a top destination to spend time with fellow travellers, and provides a wonderful mix of sights and activities. Travellers can arrive at this lovely island by seaplane or take a ferry from the mainland, and as soon as they get there visitors will definitely appreciate the superb views.

Strathcona Park is a lovely place to visit that has alpine lakes and snow-capped mountains, and is an ideal location for a hike or to stay overnight for camping. Buttle Lake and Ralph River campgrounds are also great sites open from April through October for tourists. In the winter months visitors can venture to the Mount Washington Alpine Resort, which offers downhill skiing with Pacific Ocean Strathcona Park mountain views. The trails range from beginner to advanced, and in the summer months the resort is perfect for tourists who want to head to the top through the chair lift ride to admire the panoramic views. A top Vancouver family accommodation is easy to locate at the centre of the city close to numerous sights.

The amazing L’Hermitage Hotel Vancouver is near plenty of entertainment and shopping destinations. This property has high-speed internet in rooms and public areas, as well as a top fitness studio and business centre. There are great bikes available for hire to tour the city, as well as an outdoor heated saltwater pool and Jacuzzi offering stunning views of the area. The lovely rooms and suites feature a plasma television, iPod docking station and a Nespresso coffee machine for travellers to feel right at home. The on-site eaterie is one of the best restaurants in Vancouver as the L’Orangerie Dining Room and Lounge has a top breakfast, and fantastic afternoon tea with delicious raisin scones and French preserves.

This hotel is close to many incredible Vancouver attractions and landmarks allowing travellers to easily get to important places. On Vancouver Island travellers can also go hiking and visitors will be pleased to find there are many amazing places to venture ranging from short walks to longer excursions. One of the most famous is the 47-mile West Coast Trail that is found along the coastal area. If travellers wish to stay overnight on this trail, permits need to be acquired. There are many beautiful routes to head out on when in this region.

If tourists want to relax they must spend a day in the Cowichan Valley, which has a great artisanal culinary scene. The island is perfect for a trip to vineyards as there are more than 100 different types of grapes grown in the region. The capital of Vancouver Island is called Victoria, and tourists will adore its streets lined with many cafes and restaurants that lead to the city’s pretty harbour area. They can also discover two of Victoria’s most popular sights that include the popular Royal British Columbia Museum and the Parliament Buildings.

The best aspect of going on holiday to a destination such as Vancouver is tourists get to enjoy many areas, including the mountains, rainforests and its beautiful beaches. A great reason to head to the beach is the lovely sea breeze that refreshes travellers and helps them relax while watching the waves gently roll across the water. There are many hidden or lesser known beaches available in and around the Canadian city of Vancouver. Found close to Victoria is East Sooke Regional Park, where hikers can discover the rocky coast, gorgeous hilltops and rainforests, as well as some beautiful coves and tide pools ideal for a visit.

Sombrio Beach is a lovely destination that is great for surfers, and also provides hiking trails, tree-top bridges and a smooth stone beach perfect for a leisurely wander. An excellent destination that requires a little effort to reach is the lovely Mystic Beach, which is found after a 45-minute hike. To venture to Mystic Beach tourists need to follow a winding trail, cross a suspension bridge, and head over log ladders to end up at the tranquil location. There are many Vancouver family friendly hotels available in the area ideal for travellers in groups. 

The fabulous Hotel L’Hermitage Vancouver is near an array of entertainment and shopping destinations, and is perfect for first-time visitors. This luxury property has high-speed internet in rooms and public areas, as well as an excellent fitness studio and business centre. There are great bikes available for hire to tour the city, as well as an outdoor heated saltwater pool and Jacuzzi offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The lovely rooms and suites feature a plasma television, iPod docking station and a handy Nespresso coffee machine.

This hotel Vancouver has to offer is an incredible location for travellers heading there for a break. Botanical Beach is an incredibly unique location that provides tide pools to wander around and a range of sealife including starfish, whales, orcas and seals. This incredible destination can be slippery when visiting, so travellers must bring the right type of shoes to wear at this location. Travellers will adore heading to this great spot, as it is a wonderful place to explore the area and particularly pretty for pictures. Tourists should also head to the French Provincial Beach Park that has gorgeous ocean views and is great for a picnic.

As this Canadian city is a coastal one there is a range of excellent Vancouver restaurants specialising in seafood that travellers should remember to try out. Other than Vancouver Island there are many top places to go including Jericho Beach, found at the west end of Point Grey Road, which is popular for swimmers and sailing enthusiasts. The waters are usually filled with sailing boats and windsurfers and there are many great picnic spots. Wreck Beach is a wonderful destination that stretches more than seven kilometres through the Pacific Spirit Regional Park. This spot is mainly rocky and as it is found at the bottom of a cliff it feels like a much more peaceful place hidden away from the world. There are many beautiful forms of wildlife including sea lions, nesting herons, eagles and kingfishers there.

Heading on holiday it is important to ensure that travellers relax and try new things including food and drink. Heading to a bar and trying some cocktails are definitely a way to unwind and tourists will be very excited by the many different flavours of drinks on offer. A great choice of drink is the Peach Melba Mimosa that is a pink cocktail containing sweet berries, peaches and champagne or sparkling wine. A popular holiday drink is a mojito, and a unique twist on this beverage is the blueberry version that includes the tasty fruit, limes and rum.

Sweet blueberries are used to go with the tart-tasting limes, and this is mixed with sugar, fresh mint leaves and club soda. Tourists will also enjoy trying out a cocktail that is called sweet tea sangria, which is ideal for a barbeque or sitting beside the pool. All that is needed is some fresh summer fruit combined with sweet tea and white wine. The fruit should be put into the wine to sit for a few hours, and then it can be garnished with lemon slices. There are many great drinks to have that are especially delicious when drank sitting by the sea or on the beach. There are many top hotels in Ocean City Maryland close to the beach area.

A wonderful accommodation is The Grand Hotel and Spathat has modern rooms with a range of amenities including a large television, coffee maker and free Wi-Fi internet. The residence is found near the lovely boardwalk and is perfect for both business and leisure travellers. Working tourists will really appreciate the large meeting rooms, as well as the remarkable eateries, which are some of the best Ocean City dining destinations. There is a top fitness centre and Acqua Day Spa at the hotel that offers a range of therapies. Travellers will adore the hotel as they will be made to feel right at home as soon as they arrive there.

There are many The Grand Hotel deals for tourists to discover when they venture on a vacation trip. Visitors will adore drinking summer sangria that is a wonderful beverage to try and can include tasty fruits such as watermelon and pineapple. It is an easy drink to create that needs brandy, wine, fruit and soda to add the fizzy element to the drink. A raspberry gin rickey is a great choice for fans of drinks that are made easily. The gin rickey is created in a few steps by putting raspberries at the bottom of a glass, adding lime juice, syrup and gin.

Then can be filled with ice and topped off with seltzer, garnished with lime, and have more raspberries added to the top to create a pretty look. A low-sugar option for travellers is guilt-free margaritas with fresh lime juice, agave syrup, tequila, orange zest and mint. Of course heading on holiday can mean tourists can stick to non-alcoholic beverages and there are plenty to pick including soft drinks and water. There is also the chance to head to a number of coffee shops or tea houses that will cater to travellers who like to have hot beverages.

We’re all used to the tip jar in bars, the extra change left with a bill and the sly extra fiver slipped subtly into the hand a hotel porter. It’s all part of the service economy and helps many workers across the world make a living.

That said, each country – even city – differs in the way it presents the tip.

Whilst the tip is universally acknowledged as etiquette and sometimes a necessity for the porter, waiter or bartender, the way the transaction occurs varies widely. In the USA, personal tips are customary and vary in amount, whilst in France 2 to 3 euros is the norm. The UK, and especially London, has a different system and it can be a little tricky to get your head around.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Tipping in London

Tipping in the UK is always welcomed. After all, who wouldn’t want an extra few quid in their pocket? However, it is not always expected and is entirely dependent on how good the quality of your service is. This means there is a level of flexibility. Of course, if you’re staying a luxury hotel like Park Grand London Paddington, you’re almost guaranteed to have quality service at every turn. More on tipping at hotels below…

Bear in mind that most – or at least fair – salaries and hourly rates should be enough for the service provider to get by on, especially in London where the living wage is raised from £8 an hour to £10.55. This accommodates for the heightened cost of living, and whilst it may not be a lot, it still means that any service charge is thought of as extra pennies in the pocket, rather than necessary for surviving.

Tipping at hotels

At luxury hotels such as those on the Premier Club Rewards scheme, traditional tipping is usually reserved for porters and concierges.

These are entirely dependent on the quality of the service you’ve had or indeed on what you can spare. In hotel restaurants, tipping is usually added to the service charge, around 10 to 15 per cent of your overall bill. You can also leave an amount of your choosing for cleaning staff at the end of your stay.

Tipping at bars

Tipping in bars is not usually customary. There is often a tip jar or a tray left at the counter for customers to leave their spare change, but it is not mandatory. Often, these tips are shared out among the staff at the end of the day, mostly amounting to a few extra pounds, but nothing substantial, like when tipping bar staff in the US. Don’t feel obliged to tip bar staff at the pub you’re visiting, but remember that every little bit helps, and extra money will always be welcomed!

Tipping at restaurants

Usually, restaurants have an optional service charge, or gratuity, which can be added to your bill on payment. This is usually somewhere between 10 and 15 per cent of your overall bill but can be more if you so wish. However, it’s a good idea to check with the waiter that the tip you’re providing will be going into their pocket rather than to the company they work for.

London is surprisingly rich in historic green spaces. With its long history of royal parks and inner city medieval hunting grounds, London has evolved into a diverse tapestry of rapid redevelopment of historic nature reserves. It’s this unique balance of wilderness and urban sprawl which make the city the unique (and thriving!) tourist destination it is today.

When staying at luxury accommodation like Park Grand Kensington Hotelyou’ll be perfectly situated to get the best of both worlds. With London’s city centre just a stone’s throw away, and Hyde Park just around the corner, you can sample the full delights of London without walking too far from your hotel.

One of the often overlooked wilderness retreats near the Grand Park Kensingtonis Kensington Gardens. This historic park is often mistaken as being a part of the nearby Hyde Park, which is connected to it by the Long Water but is, in fact, its own separate entity, with its own unique characteristics.

Kensington Gardens

Covering 270 acres of land, these once-private gardens form part of London’s central “green lung”, a green space which consists of Green Park, Hyde Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens. Originally part of Hyde Park, the area was separated back in the 18th century and has always been regarded as a more private and peaceful park for the public.

History

Originally designed as part of King Henry VIII’s private hunting grounds in the 1530s, Kensington Gardens was separated during the 18th century by Queen Caroline in 1728. As the wife of King George II, the queen wanted her own private gardens, and so the Serpentine Lake was built between1726 and 1731 creating a border between the two parks. Kensington Gardens was updated by Queen Victoria to include the then fashionable Italian landscape aesthetic and was eventually opened to the public during the early 19th century.

Attractions in Kensington Gardens

Since its creation, Kensington Gardens has amassed a wide range of art, monuments and points of interest. All of these are easily reachable for guests at any hotel in Kensington.

Albert Memorial

The Albert Memorial was opened in 1872 in memory of Prince Albert, husband to Queen Victoria. Inspired by gothic church architecture, this memorial is based to the south-east of the garden and was designed by famous architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. Hard to miss, this gold encrusted memorial is a distinctive feature of Kensington Gardens.

The West End in London is an attraction in itself and is generally considered the heart of all the best things that London has to offer. Whether you’re looking for afternoon tea to treat yourself, restaurants to indulge at the end of the day, or some of the top family attractions, the West End has it all – and then a little more on top.

A little traditional West End glamour

London’s best theatres are all located along the West End, and for those looking to enjoy a show or two, The Piccadilly Hotel is ideally located right at the heart of some of the best shows on offer. Grabbing dinner at one of the Restaurants West End London-bound couldn’t be easier as you allow yourself to relax with a glass of bubbly before hitting the streets and soaking up that famous London pre-theatre atmosphere.

Finding that perfect Friday night outfit

It may be famous for its theatres and shows in the evenings, but by day the West End is lit up with retail glory; home to Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Marble Arch – which are all connected by the famous Oxford Street and Regent Street. With everything from bargain stores to the most high-end products available in London, there’s something for everyone in the West End of London. Believe us, you won’t struggle to spend that holiday allowance you awarded yourself…

After a long morning shopping, there are two things you could do. Head back to your hotel for a rejuvenating nap, or treat yourself to one of London’s incredible afternoon teas. Those after a traditional British afternoon tea can delight in the options available all over the West End, while other locations offer something a little different – for example, the unique Indian afternoon tea London deals available at the Piccadilly Hotel.

For the outdoorsy types

The West End is home to a number of London’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, including the incredible Hyde Park which can offer everything from a relaxing afternoon by the lake, to the infamous festivals and seasonal events held within its grounds.

Last on our list is Covent Garden; a true must-see for any visitor to London. Covent Garden is one of those places where the old meets the new so seamlessly that it’s as if it was planned all along. The central building and its surrounding cobble streets could come straight out of a Charles Dickens book, and yet the retailers that live inside them are some of the worlds finest. Opposite the luxurious shops and cafes is the old Covent Garden market, where independent sellers set up and sell their wares on simple stands and stalls inside an old market hall. Add the street performers into the mix and you have one of London’s most exciting locations.

For a more comprehensive list on some of the retail offerings around the West End, check out this  Things to Do in West End London blog on some of the top tourist attractions.

The British capital houses some of the finest art galleries on the planet. Preeminent among them is the city’s famous London National Gallery, which was established in 1824. When it opened to the public its collection consisted of just 36 art pieces. Visitors now can set their eyes on more than 2,000 of the famous paintings covering different eras of history, while featuring creations from almost every art school of Europe. For art aficionados, a visit to London must include a visit to its famous National Gallery.

Those visiting London with their families will find many hotels with family rooms in London like the group of Shaftesbury hotels in London.

A suitable option in the centre of the city would be a hotel near Hyde Park like the family-friendly Shaftesbury Hotel Paddington. Suitably located with a host of family-friendly amenities, it would be an ideal start-off point from which to explore the city.  The National Gallery is just a 20-minute ride from the hotel and definitely worth checking out, with some of the best art exhibits on display such as:  

Venus and Mars: Probably Botticelli’s finest creation Venus and Mars have stirred the imagination of countless poets, writers and artists alike. The painting features The Goddess of Love (Venus) awake and pensive, while The God of War (Mars) is in a state of repose. The possible message that this artwork conveys that love triumphs over war or all. The piece was created for the Vespucci noble family signified by a nest of wasps, which featured in the family’s coat of arms. It can be seen on the right above Mars’ head as he is asleep.

Sunflowers: Apart from more of Van Gogh’s creations at the Gallery, Sunflowers is probably the most iconic of his creations. It is part of a quartet of paintings with the same floral theme that was painted in the period of August-September 1888. All four of his creations have led to spirited debates between scholars of his artworks. The main piece was created adopting a method called impasto, which uses thick strokes of the brush to add layers of the colour. This was very effective in replicating the seed’s texture in the flower’s centre. These paintings were specially made by Van Gogh with the intention of presenting them to Gauguin for display at his home in South France’s Arles. The house was befittingly called the Yellow House with the Sunflowers paintings complementing the name. Another Van Gogh masterpiece to view at the National Gallery is ‘A Wheatfield with Cypresses’ done in 1889 when he was institutionalised at St Remy’s asylum.    

Bacchus and Ariadne: Another gem of a creation by Titian that drew inspiration from ancient Roman mythology, in this case, Bacchus the God of wine and theatre. It shows him jumping from his chariots after he falls to the charms of Ariadne. It is the greatest masterpiece by Titian and was a collaborative venture with Dossi and Bellini. The Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso d’Este commissioned the piece for the Ducal Palace’s Alabaster Room.