A first visit to Kenwood House is surprising. This perfectly formed 18th century house (laid out by Robert Adams) sits in the middle of Hampstead Heath and you can stumble upon it if you come from the right direction. What is more, admission is free so you can just stroll off the heath and take a look at one of the most impressive small collections in the world.

On his death in 1927 Edward Cecil Guinness, first Earl of Iveagh, bequeathed the house, estate and part of his collection of pictures to the nation. The Iveagh Bequest includes important paintings by many great artists, including Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough. Recently they have been joined by Constable’s oil sketch 'Hampstead Heath'. You will recognise a lot of this work – it is an astonishing collection to give away and lucky for London that he did.

A wonderful place, and a surreal counterpoint to an afternoon of Frisbee and warm beer on the Heath.