Tate Modern has opened an extension, on its southerly side. It offers a range of galleries to expand the amount of space available to the Tate. With free entry the museum offers good value for visitors. Special exhibitions require additional payment however.

A warm spring day saw a busy museum. The large Turbine Hall was full of children, and some adults enjoying a rather confusing installation.

The highlight however, is the 10th floor viewing gallery in the Switch House – as the extension is properly known. Free to access, you can either walk up the stairs or take a lift, As a tip, join the lift at Level 0 – it is often full by the time it gets to Level 4 – where a bridge connects the new section with the old.

On arriving at the 10th floor you enter a large lobby area, which provide access to the viewing area. (There is also a coffee shop and some benches for those in need of a rest). The walkway goes through 360 degrees, is wide, but was very busy on the day I was there. That being said, it was always possible to get access to the view, uninterrupted by other visitors, by waiting.

The view East to The Shard and in the distance Canary Wharf:

The City, with the Walkie-Talkie and Cheesegrater buildings:

North side of the Thames, with St. Paul’s in the centre and the Millennium Bridge:

West, with Blackfriars bridge in the foreground.

Slightly oddly as you move round you get to see clearly in the various rooms of apartments adjacent to the museum.

Going down a couple of levels you come to the rather lovely Restaurant. No more expensive than most London restaurants, the food and service were excellent.

Walking down the stairs to get back to the main part of the museum you pass the spectacular lobby at the 5th floor.