Official National Gallery Tours Dates and Times

The National Gallery tells the story of European art, masterpiece by masterpiece. From its home in London’s Trafalgar Square, the Gallery collects and cares for some of the world’s greatest paintings – and shares them with everyone to see. Founded in 1824, the collection has more than 2,600 paintings. Its story begins in medieval Europe and spans 700 years of art, with paintings from Renaissance Italy and by the French Impressionists. Discover the history and stories from our collection which is open all year round all led by our Gallery approved Blue Badge Guides. These official guided tours are available during the day and last approximately one hour with an opportunity to enjoy the collection in your own time before or after the tour.

Gallery Explorer: A Children's Art Tour of the National Gallery

Let imaginations run wild with the new Children’s Art Tour at the National Gallery! From magical myths to faraway lands, let our guide take you through over 700 years of amazing art. Hear the incredible stories behind some of the world’s greatest paintings and get up close to see every detail, discovering the tiny brushstrokes and splashes of colour that make a work of art. Be inspired to unleash your inner artist with hands-on sketching and activities amongst the masterpieces. Whatever your age, this tour is sure to spark your curiosity and wonder. No lectures, no rushing – just time to explore and enjoy art with the whole family.

Afternoon Tea

Following your tour, you will enjoy afternoon tea at our brand-new restaurant, Ochre. Ochre showcases the very best seasonal British ingredients, blending international flavours and modern European cooking. Afternoon Tea is served from 3:30pm, and you must be on the 2pm tour beforehand to ensure you have enough time. You’ll be served afternoon tea including a delicious range of savoury sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, seasonal pastries and coffee and tea.

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Start point:

Current - 14 January 2026 Tours will begin at the Sainsbury Wing, the National Gallery's new main entrance located on Trafalgar Square (WC2N 5DN). Make your way up the stairs to Level 2. The tour will start across from the audio desk, where you will find your guide by a ''Meeting Point' tour sign. The guide will be wearing a National Gallery Official Tour Guide yellow badge, for easy identification.  15 January 2026 Onwards Your tour will begin at the Sainsbury Wing, the National Gallery’s main entrance on Trafalgar Square (WC2N 5DN). After passing through security, please proceed to the Tours Meeting Point in the Sainsbury Wing Foyer on the ground floor (Level 0), located on the right-hand side near the staircase. You will meet your guide at the clearly marked meeting point with a Tours sign. The guide will be wearing a yellow Official National Guide badge.

Please note:

Pictures at the Gallery are moved on a regular basis. The pictures you can see in the images might not always be included in your selected tour. If you have selected Afternoon Tea, dietary requirements must be received 72 hours (three working days) before the booking date. Free amendments/cancellation up to 14 days in advance.

Highlights

Led by a gallery approved, accredited Blue Badge Guide.

Visit one of the greatest collections of Western European paintings in the world from the 13th to the 19th centuries.

Tours take place in a grade I listed heritage building in the heart of London.

Surround yourself with some of the world’s greatest paintings by artists such as Leonardo, Monet and Van Gogh.

Inclusions

Gallery approved Blue Badge Guide led tour (all tour options)

Vox headset device (Highlights tour only)

Entry to the gallery

Materials for sketching and other activities (Children’s tour only)

Exclusions

Access to paid exhibitions