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Book National Gallery Guided Tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
- Want to get into the depths of the National Gallery? This 1-hour tour led by a Blue Badge guide, a qualified and accredited guide in the UK, has you covered!
- Experience 700 years of European art history with access to 2,600+ paintings by world-renowned artists like Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, and Raphael.
- Marvel at the sensual beauty of Botticelli's 'Mars and Venus' and wonder at Da Vinci's use of revolutionary methods like light and shade in 'Virgin of the Rocks'.
- Upgrade your tickets to enjoy a typical English afternoon tea with sumptuous sandwiches, pastries, and sponge cakes.
- Want to get into the depths of the National Gallery? This 1-hour tour led by a Blue Badge guide, a qualified and accredited guide in the UK, has you covered!
- Experience 700 years of European art history with access to 2,600+ paintings by world-renowned artists like Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, and Raphael.
- Marvel at the sensual beauty of Botticelli's 'Mars and Venus' and wonder at Da Vinci's use of revolutionary methods like light and shade in 'Virgin of the Rocks'.
- Upgrade your tickets to enjoy a typical English afternoon tea with sumptuous sandwiches, pastries, and sponge cakes.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided tour of the National Gallery
- Blue Badge guide
- VOX headset device
- 1.5-hour afternoon tea (menu here)(optional)
- Tip: Exhibitions are regularly held at the National Gallery. Check their website before visiting so that you don't miss one.
- Luggage and large bags are not allowed.
- Video recording is not allowed.
- Not all paintings are available to view every day.
- The attraction is wheelchair accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in London
National Gallery London | Quick facts
Established in: 1824
Location: Trafalgar Square, London, UK
Timings: 10am - 6pm
Purpose: Art museum
Architects: William Wilkins, Sir James Pennethorne, Edward Middleton Barry, Sir John Taylor
Number of visitors: 3,000,000 visitors per year (Approx.)
Why visit National Gallery London?
- Free world-class art: Unlike many major museums, entry to the National Gallery's vast collection is completely free. You can see masterpieces by artists like Da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Monet without breaking the bank.
- Learn about art history: The National Gallery offers a comprehensive overview of Western European art, from the 13th century to the early 20th century, through major artistic movements, all under one roof.
- Hidden gems and famous works: The collection boasts iconic works like Van Gogh's Sunflowers, Monet's Water-Lilies, and Titian's Bacchus and Ariadne, but you'll also discover lesser-known treasures, allowing you to expand your artistic horizons.
- Perfect for all interests: Whether you're a seasoned art aficionado or a curious beginner, the National Gallery has something to offer with its diverse collection.
- Architectural building: The National Gallery building itself is a work of art. The neoclassical building with its grand facade on Trafalgar Square is a sight to behold.
Plan your visit to National Gallery London
Timings
Getting there
Entrances
Exhibitions
Facilities
Accessibility
Rules
Dine
Stay
Nearby
The National Gallery London is open daily.
Timings:
- Saturday to Thursday: 10am–6pm
- Friday: 10am–9pm
Closed: The museum is closed between December 24 and December 26 and on January 1.
Note: The Sainsbury Wing is temporarily closed.
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
- By tube: Bakerloo, Northern, Circle, District, and Piccadilly lines
Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Embankment, and Leicester Square (All less than 10-mins by foot) - By bus: 12, 24, 88, 453
Nearest stops: Trafalgar Square, Charring Cross Station, Charles II St, Charring Cross (All less than 4-min walk away) - By cycle: Santander Cycles
Nearest docking stations: St Martin's St, Craven St, Pall Mall East, William IV St, Charles II St, and Oxendon St - By car: Via A4 (From Buckingham Palace)
Nearest parking: Orange St, St Martin's St, Leicester Square, and Trafalgar Square
The National Gallery London has two entrances. The main free Gallery entrance is the Portico and the other with step-free access is the Getty Entrance. All entrance doors have walk-through metal detectors.
Portico Entrance
This entrance is at the center of the Gallery overlooking Trafalgar Square.
Getty Entrance
The Getty Entrance is on the east side of Trafalgar Square and is for visitors with exhibition tickets, visitors with mobility access requirements, and pre-booked groups. It has step-free access.
Current exhibition:
The Last Caravaggio: In 1610, Caravaggio painted his final masterpiece just months before his mysterious death. These last months produced the best works of tightly cropped scenes and dramatic lighting. The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula, this final masterpiece, is coming to London for the first time in 20 years! Also catch a glimpse of Salome with the Head of John the Baptist, another late masterpiece by the artist. Explore the stories behind the paintings, read the letter that describes its creation, learn about the legends of Ursula and Salome, and maybe even consider how violence plays out in our world today.
When: Until July 21
Where: Room 46
- Souvenir shops
- Cloakroom (Bags up to 56 x 25 x 45 cm. Wheeled luggage, cabin bags, and suitcases are not allowed.)
- Toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
- First aid rooms
- British Sign Language-interpreted talks on paintings
- Art sessions for blind and partially sighted visitors
- Step-free entrance
- Manual wheelchairs and rollators available (At Getty Entrance)
- Elevator access (At Getty Entrance)
- Disabled and ambulant toilets (Near Portico Entrance)
- Subtitles and large-type transcripts on films
- Hearing loops
- Live speech-to-text captioning
- Bags are checked on arrival so please allow extra time for security checks.
- Do not cross the barriers, touch paintings or frames, or point torches or lasers on the paintings.
- Do not consume food and drinks in the galleries. Only consume them in the designated areas.
- You can take photos and videos in the Gallery but not in the exhibition areas unless stated otherwise.
- Lighting, flash, selfie sticks, and tripods are prohibited on the premises.
- Pets, other than assistance animals, are not allowed.
- Ochre: A cocktail bar and restaurant offering modern European cooking. Try the Ham Hock & Parsley Terrine, Warm Winter Salad, and Stuffed Tamworth Pork.
(Located next to the Getty Entrance and open every day from 11am to 6pm and till 11pm from Thursday to Saturday.) - Muriel's Kitchen: Self-serve cafe with a variety of European and British dishes, from seasonal salads and quiches to hot meals alongside cakes and patisseries. The goat cheese, red pepper and spinach quiche and the beef lasagne are must-tries.
(Located near the Getty Entrance and open daily from 11am to 5:45pm and till 8:45pm on Friday.) - Espresso Bar by Muriel's: Stop by for coffee, cakes, and light refreshments, including sandwiches, quiche, and patisseries, as well as freshly pressed juices and artisan barista coffee.
(Located near the Annenberg Court and open every day from 10am to 5:45pm)
Budget hotels: Z Hotels, hub by Premier Inn, CitySpace, Strand Palace
Mid-range hotels: The Clermont London, Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire Hotel, The Grand, Henrietta Hotel
Luxury hotels: The Trafalgar St. James London, The Londoner, Haymarket Hotel, Hotel Cafe Royal
- Churchill War Rooms (1.1km): Dive into London's wartime past at the Churchill War Rooms! Step back in time and explore the actual underground headquarters where Winston Churchill and his crew worked during World War II.
- Buckingham Palace (1.4km): The King's official residence, dripping with history and majesty is a key British landmark, not just for the monarchy but for all of England. Explore the State Rooms, the Royal Mews, and the King's Gallery in this neoclassical landmark.
- London Dungeon (2.4km): At the London Dungeon, you'll learn about Britain's dark past. Located on the south side of the River Thames, this place is perfect for thrill-seekers who like a good scare. Walk the terrifying streets of London's past and meet some of Britain's most notorious characters, from Jack the Ripper to Sweeney Todd.
- Thames River Cruises: Cruise down the Thames, snaking its way right through the center of the city, and see London like never before! It's the perfect way to relax, sightsee, and get a feel for the city as you whizz past the Big Ben and the London Eye.
Frequently Asked Questions about National Gallery tickets
What is the cancelation policy for the National Gallery tickets?
National Gallery guided tour tickets can be canceled 72 hours before the experience and you will get a full refund.
How long does it take to explore the National Gallery London?
A guided tour of the National Gallery can take up to 1 to 2.5 hours. However, it can take an entire day for an in-depth exploration of all the artworks in the museum. You are free to stay as long as you want.
What is the best time to visit the National Gallery London?
The best time to visit the National Gallery is during the summer months. However, note that this is also the peak season so expect large crowds and long queues at the entrance. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit in the winter months, from October to February. Plan you visit on a weekday as weekends can be very crowded.
Can I take photos or videos at the National Gallery London?
Yes, you can take photos and videos in the Gallery without the use of flash. However, photography and videography is strictly prohibited in the exhibitions. The use of selfie-sticks, additional lighting, and tripods are also not allowed anywhere in the museum.
Is there a dress code to follow when visiting the National Gallery London?
There is no mandatory dress code to follow when visiting the museum. However, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
What languages are the audio guides available in?
An audio tour of 80 highlights of the National Gallery collection is available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Polish, Korean, Portuguese, and British Sign Language. Transcripts for the guided tours can be requested from the Information Desks.