William Morris Gallery

The lowdown

William Morris, the designer whose wallpapers and fabrics still fill the country's homes, grew up in a handsome Georgian house on the edge of Walthamstow. That house is now the only public gallery devoted to him, and it is completely free.

Inside you get the full sweep of the man, the famous patterns and printing blocks, the stained glass and tapestries, but also the firebrand socialist who wanted beauty and good work for everyone, not just the rich. It is beautifully done and surprisingly moving for a free local museum at the end of the Victoria line.

The house sits in Lloyd Park, with a moat, a garden and a cafe, so you can make a proper half day of it without spending much. It is the sort of place that makes you wonder why you ever paid for a gallery.