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National Gallery Tickets
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Before you book
Entry tickets to the National Gallery are free, but they still need to be purchased directly from the museum or online. But, guided tours and audio guides can be purchased in advance to secure availability and avoid long lines. Guided tours also include entry to the museum.
Skip the crowd by entering through a separate entrance for a tour with a Blue Badge guide
- 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!
- Your entry tickets allow you to enter the Gallery before or after the guided tour, and stay as long as you want to explore at your own pace.
- 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 'The Virgin of the Rocks'.
- Choose a 3-hour private tour for in-depth insights, or upgrade to include an English afternoon tea with sumptuous sandwiches, pastries, and cakes.
Skip the crowd by entering through a separate entrance for a tour with a Blue Badge guide
- 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!
- Your entry tickets allow you to enter the Gallery before or after the guided tour, and stay as long as you want to explore at your own pace.
- 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 'The Virgin of the Rocks'.
- Choose a 3-hour private tour for in-depth insights, or upgrade to include an English afternoon tea with sumptuous sandwiches, pastries, and cakes.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided tour of the National Gallery
- Blue Badge guide
- VOX headset device (as per option selected)
- 1.5-hour afternoon tea (menu here)(as per option selected)
- Private tour of the Gallery (as per option selected)
- 3-hour guided walking tour of Trafalgar Square (as per option selected)
- Small group of max 10 people (as per option selected)
- Keep in mind that luggage and large bags are not allowed in this experience. Pack wisely!
- Video recording is strictly not allowed at this venue.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Not all paintings are available to view every day.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 30 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combos
Combo (Save 5%): The National Gallery + London Eye Tickets
from £56.67
£53.84
5% off
Save time and money on a National Gallery guided tour and the London Eye with this combo
- Learn about over 2,600 European artworks, including Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Titian’s Bacchus and Ariadne from your expert Blue Badge guide.
- After a comprehensive guided tour of the National Gallery, see the city that inspired many of these artworks from the London Eye.
- Spot landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and even the National Gallery, from your London Eye capsule.
- Located just 1.1 km from each other, you can conveniently explore both attractions and make a whole day out of it with this ticket.
- With these tickets, you don’t have to arrange separate tickets or plan several schedules, ensuring a perfectly planned day out.
Save time and money on a National Gallery guided tour and the London Eye with this combo
- Learn about over 2,600 European artworks, including Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Titian’s Bacchus and Ariadne from your expert Blue Badge guide.
- After a comprehensive guided tour of the National Gallery, see the city that inspired many of these artworks from the London Eye.
- Spot landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and even the National Gallery, from your London Eye capsule.
- Located just 1.1 km from each other, you can conveniently explore both attractions and make a whole day out of it with this ticket.
- With these tickets, you don’t have to arrange separate tickets or plan several schedules, ensuring a perfectly planned day out.
Inclusions
The National Gallery
- Entry to The National Gallery
- 1-hour guided tour
- Blue Badge guide
London Eye
- Entry to the London Eye
- 30-min ride on the London Eye
- London Eye guide
The National Gallery & London Eye
- Many Renaissance paintings at the National Gallery feature nude figures, so consider if you want your children to see these artworks before bringing them.
- Keep in mind that drones, food & beverages, alcohol, and sharp metallic tools or objects are not allowed in this experience. Pack wisely!
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combos
Combo (Save 5%): The National Gallery Guided Tour + Tower of London Tickets
from £54.80
£52.06
5% off
See Botticelli's masterpieces and royal treasures with this ultimate London combo ticket
- Save time and money up to 5% with this combo ticket for a National Gallery guided tour and entry to the Tower of London.
- Delve into centuries of history at the iconic Tower of London, and lose yourself in over 2,600 masterpieces at the renowned National Gallery.
- Learn about iconic masterpieces like Botticelli’s Venus and Mars with your guided tour at the National Gallery, and the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.
- Explore both attractions at your own pace, making a comprehensive full-day London itinerary, at two of London’s culturally rich sites.
See Botticelli's masterpieces and royal treasures with this ultimate London combo ticket
- Save time and money up to 5% with this combo ticket for a National Gallery guided tour and entry to the Tower of London.
- Delve into centuries of history at the iconic Tower of London, and lose yourself in over 2,600 masterpieces at the renowned National Gallery.
- Learn about iconic masterpieces like Botticelli’s Venus and Mars with your guided tour at the National Gallery, and the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.
- Explore both attractions at your own pace, making a comprehensive full-day London itinerary, at two of London’s culturally rich sites.
Inclusions
The National Gallery
- Entry to The National Gallery
- 1-hour guided tour
- Blue Badge guide
Tower of London
- Entry to the Tower of London
- Access to the Crown Jewels
- Entry to:
- White Tower
- Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula
- Battlements
- Medieval Palace
- Bloody Tower
- Torture at the Tower Exhibition
- Fusiliers Museum
- Royal Mint exhibition
- Children’s activity trails
- Live historical re-enactments
Exclusions
Tower of London
- Guided tour
The National Gallery
- Many Renaissance paintings feature nude figures, so consider if you want your children to see these artworks before bringing them.
- Keep in mind that drones, food & beverages, alcohol, and sharp metallic tools or objects are not allowed in this experience.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience. However, your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
Tower of London
- Keep in mind that drones, food & beverages, alcohol, sharp metallic tools or objects, buggies, and pushchairs are not allowed in this experience.
- This experience is partially accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience. However, your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- Shutterbugs take note: Photography is a no-go inside some parts of the venue.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combos
Combo (Save 10%): The National Gallery Guided Tour + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames
from £33.50
£30.15
10% off
Perfect for art & photography enthusiasts who are first-time visitors to London
- Save money while exploring London with this combo that helps you save up to 10% while exploring The National Gallery and enjoying a Thames cruise.
- Perfect for travelers with unpredictable schedules, this combo allows you to visit the gallery and take the cruise on separate days, as per your needs.
- Save time by avoiding the hassle of long commutes. The Tower Pier is located just a short 15-min walk from the Gallery, helping you cut down on transit time.
- Discover Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers', then cruise past St. Paul's Cathedral – this combo brings art and iconic London landmarks together in one experience!
Perfect for art & photography enthusiasts who are first-time visitors to London
- Save money while exploring London with this combo that helps you save up to 10% while exploring The National Gallery and enjoying a Thames cruise.
- Perfect for travelers with unpredictable schedules, this combo allows you to visit the gallery and take the cruise on separate days, as per your needs.
- Save time by avoiding the hassle of long commutes. The Tower Pier is located just a short 15-min walk from the Gallery, helping you cut down on transit time.
- Discover Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers', then cruise past St. Paul's Cathedral – this combo brings art and iconic London landmarks together in one experience!
Inclusions
The National Gallery
- Entry tickets to The National Gallery
- 1-hour guided tour
- Blue Badge guide
River Thames Cruise
- Sightseeing cruise on the River Thames
- One-way sightseeing flexible ticket
- Flexible boarding time
- Flexibility to choose pier for boarding from Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, or Tower Pier
- Live English commentary
- Recorded commentary in 14 languages
- Open-air deck & heated indoor saloon
- Fully stocked bar (at additional cost)
The National Gallery
- Keep in mind that luggage and large bags are not allowed in this experience. Pack wisely!
- Video recording is strictly not allowed at this venue.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Not all paintings are available to view every day.
River Thames Cruise
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Facilities: restrooms and baby changing facilities.
- The average cruising time for a Thames sightseeing cruise from one pier to the other is 40mins except from Westminster Pier to London Eye Pier which is 10mins.
- Please find the route and timetable here
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
LondonNational Gallery London
Top things to do in London
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Why visit the National Gallery
- Explore world-class art for free: Unlike many major museums, entry to the National Gallery's vast collection is free. You can see masterpieces by artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Monet without breaking the bank.
- See iconic masterpieces: 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Your National Gallery ticket options explained
Guided tours
- Book a guided tour of the National Gallery, with or without entry to the attraction.
- Booking these guided tours allows you to bypass the long queues at the ticket counter and make your experience more comprehensive.
- You can choose between a multilingual audio guide, a live guide, and an expert-led tour with Afternoon Tea.
Recommended tickets:
- National Gallery Entry Ticket with Guided Tour
- National Gallery Audio Guide Without Entry
- National Gallery Entry Ticket with Guided Tour and Afternoon Tea
Combo tickets
- Plan a full day’s itinerary with these combo tickets.
- Pair your guided tour of the National Gallery with entry to the London Eye, the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, or a Thames River sightseeing cruise.
- These budget-friendly tickets let you save 5-10% compared to individual tickets.
Recommended tickets:
- National Gallery Guided Tour + London Eye Tickets
- National Gallery Guided Tour + Tower of London Tickets with Access to Crown Jewels
- National Gallery Guided Tour + Thames Sightseeing Cruise
Famous paintings at the National Gallery
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See all photos
Plan your visit to the National Gallery
Timings
Getting there
Entrances
Exhibitions
Facilities
Accessibility
Rules
Visitor tips
Dine
Stay
Nearby
The National Gallery London is open daily.
- Saturday to Thursday: 10am–6pm
- Friday: 10am–9pm
Closed: The museum is closed between December 24 and December 26, and on January 1.
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.
- Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers (Until Jan 29): See a unique collection of Van Gogh’s beloved artworks from all over the world, including some rarely seen in public. See Starry Night over the Rhône, The Yellow House, Sunflowers, The Bedroom, and A Wheatfield with Cypresses up-close, all in one place.
- Discover Constable & The Hay Wain (Until Feb 2): Find out what makes The Hay Wain special and why it holds a place in British art. Compare the iconic masterpiece alongside works of rural scenes by George Morland and William Mulready, Constable’s contemporaries.
- Souvenir shops: The Portico Shop on Level 2 offers National Gallery gifts and accessories. The Getty Shop on the ground floor has books, stationery, and exhibition essentials. You can also shop for souvenirs online.
- Cloakroom: There is a cloakroom on the ground floor. You can store items and bags up to 56 x 25 x 45 cm for £2 per item. Wheeled luggage, cabin bags, and suitcases are not allowed.
- Toilets: Male and female toilets with baby changing facilities are available near the entrances.
- Free Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the gallery.
- First aid rooms: Reach out to a staff member if you need to use the first aid rooms or require assistance.
- Audioguides: Self-guided audio tours of the National Gallery are available in English, Italian, and French for £5. You will be required to bring your own mobile device and earphones.
- Modified tours: The Gallery offers British Sign Language-interpreted talks on paintings and art sessions for visitors who are blind and partially sighted. Exhibition videos with subtitles and large-type transcripts of films are available.
- Accessible entrance: Step-free level access entry is available at the Getty Entrance.
- Wheelchairs on loan: Manual wheelchairs and rollators are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Getty Entrance. Folding stools are also available.
- Elevator access: A lift is available at the Getty Entrance in Annenberg Court. This lift allows access between the galleries and the ground floor.
- Toilets: Disabled and ambulant facilities are available on the ground floor near the Portico Entrance.
- Guide dogs: Assistance dogs are allowed on the premises.
- Carer tickets: A complimentary carer ticket can be booked with each disabled exhibition ticket.
- Disabled parking: A designated parking space is on Orange Street, 250 m from the Getty entrance. There are also five parking spaces on St. Martin’s Street and in Leicester Square Car Park.
- Hearing loops: Hearing loops for films and talks in the Sunley Room and the exhibition cinemas are available at all Information Desks. Live speech-to-text captioning is also provided.
- Paintings: Do not cross the barriers, touch paintings or frames, or point torches or lasers on the paintings.
- Eating: Do not consume food and drinks in the galleries. There are designated areas for it near the cafes and the restaurant.
- Photography: 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: Pets, other than assistance animals, are not allowed.
- The National Gallery London no longer has locker facilities for your large bags. So, drop your luggage off at Charring Cross Station, a three-minute walk from the museum.
- Small bags are checked upon arrival, so please allow extra time for security checks.
- 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.
- Before heading to the art museum, decide which periods or artists you want to focus on to streamline your visit. You can also pick up the guide leaflet at the entrance to know which parts of the museum you want to explore.
- After your visit, consider exploring the adjacent National Portrait Gallery. It is open every day from 10:30am to 6pm and offers free entry. However, there is a charge for some of the exhibitions on display.
- 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 from Sunday to Wednesday and 11am to 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 from 11am to 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: Generator London (from £40 | 1.9 km), City Lodge Hotel London (from £48 | 7.9 km), YHA London Central Hostel (from £50 | 1.8 km)
- Mid-range hotels: Star Hotel (from £66 | 6.6 km), The Ship Rooms Hotel - London (from £84 | 2.1 km), Travelodge London Central City Road (from £84 | 3.2 km)
- Luxury hotels: Hyatt Place London City East (from £105 | 4.2 km), Wilde Aparthotels, Covent Garden (from £154 | 430 m), The Grand (from £162 | 270 m)
- Churchill War Rooms (1.1km): Dive into London's wartime past at the Churchill War Rooms! Step back in time and explore the underground headquarters where Winston Churchill and his crew worked during World War II.
- Buckingham Palace (1.4km): The King's official residence 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, 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.
- 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 guided tour 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 gallery?
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 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 your visit on a weekday, as weekends can be very crowded.
Can I sketch or draw inside the gallery?
Visitors are welcome to sketch in the gallery, provided they use pencils on paper or sketchbooks no larger than A3 size and do not obstruct walkways or disturb other guests. Ensure you spend no more than 10 minutes in front of a painting and block the view for others. Sketching is not allowed in the doorways or access routes.
Can I visit the National Gallery with children?
Absolutely! The gallery offers family-friendly activities, interactive exhibits, and creative workshops designed to engage kids.
Can I host private events at the National Gallery?
Yes, the gallery offers spaces for private events, including dinners, receptions, and even weddings, all in an elegant setting surrounded by art. You can either email venue.hire@nationalgallery.org.uk or fill in the enquiry form to know more.