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Experience the best of The National Gallery

Explore this collection to visit the National Gallery in London, home to a vast collection of European paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Discover masterpieces by renowned artists and enjoy a cultural journey through art history. Book your tickets now for an enriching experience.
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Slide 1 of 8, National Gallery London facade with steps and lampposts in Trafalgar Square, UK.
National Gallery London facade with steps and lampposts in Trafalgar Square, UK.
Interior of a gallery room with classic paintings at the National Gallery, London.
Visitors viewing Van Gogh's Sunflowers painting in a museum.
Virgin of the Rocks painting by Leonardo da Vinci, featuring figures in a rocky landscape.
Visitors using audio guide at National Gallery, viewing abstract art.
Botticelli's Mars and Venus painting at National Gallery London.
Four men engaged in conversation at a table, depicted in "Supper at Emmaus" by Michelangelo.
National Gallery London dome interior with ornate architectural details.

National Gallery Entry Tickets with Audio Guide Tour

Explore at your pace
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  • Explore 700+ years of art history with guaranteed entry to London’s iconic National Gallery.

  • Discover iconic works like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Da Vinci’s Virgin of the Rocks with expert commentary, perfect for those short on time.

  • Experience a flexible, self-paced tour of the gallery’s most famous masterpieces—no group or guide required.

  • Navigate the art gallery seamlessly using digital maps and curated routes on your smartphone.

  • Choose between multilingual audio guides or AI-powered English insights that are customised as per your interests.

More details

  • Explore 700+ years of art history with guaranteed entry to London’s iconic National Gallery.

  • Discover iconic works like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Da Vinci’s Virgin of the Rocks with expert commentary, perfect for those short on time.

  • Experience a flexible, self-paced tour of the gallery’s most famous masterpieces—no group or guide required.

  • Navigate the art gallery seamlessly using digital maps and curated routes on your smartphone.

  • Choose between multilingual audio guides or AI-powered English insights that are customised as per your interests.

from
£3.50
Slide 1 of 12, National Gallery London exterior with dome and columns under blue sky.
National Gallery London exterior with dome and columns under blue sky.
Interior of a gallery room with classic paintings at the National Gallery, London.
Visitors viewing Van Gogh's Sunflowers painting in a museum.
Woman sitting on bench viewing artwork at National Gallery guided tour.
Tour guide explaining paintings at the National Gallery London.
Visitors viewing paintings at the National Gallery, including a prominent horse artwork.
Botticelli's Mars and Venus painting at National Gallery London.
Four men engaged in conversation at a table, depicted in "Supper at Emmaus" by Michelangelo.
National Gallery London interior with classic European paintings and ornate architecture.
Guide explaining artwork during National Gallery tour.
Afternoon tea set with sandwiches, scones, and pastries at the National Gallery London.
National Gallery exterior with fountain at Trafalgar Square, London.

The Official National Gallery Guided Tour

1 min - 2 hrs 30 mins

  • Here's a treat for all art lovers! Explore one of the finest collections of European art in the world, spanning over 700 years, at London's National Gallery.

  • Led by a Blue Badge guide, learn why these paintings became famous, like Van Gogh's Sunflowers, one of the first paintings in the colour yellow.

  • Enter the Gallery before or after the tour and explore as long as you want at your own pace.

  • Discover over 2,600 paintings by artists like Botticelli, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci, including the sensual Mars and Venus.

  • Opt for a children's tour with sketching and other activities, or upgrade your tour with afternoon tea at Ochre.

More details

  • Here's a treat for all art lovers! Explore one of the finest collections of European art in the world, spanning over 700 years, at London's National Gallery.

  • Led by a Blue Badge guide, learn why these paintings became famous, like Van Gogh's Sunflowers, one of the first paintings in the colour yellow.

  • Enter the Gallery before or after the tour and explore as long as you want at your own pace.

  • Discover over 2,600 paintings by artists like Botticelli, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci, including the sensual Mars and Venus.

  • Opt for a children's tour with sketching and other activities, or upgrade your tour with afternoon tea at Ochre.

from
£19
Slide 1 of 6, Trafalgar Square with visitors in front of the National Gallery, London.
Trafalgar Square with visitors in front of the National Gallery, London.
Dome interior of the National Gallery, London, showcasing ornate architectural details.
Ornate architectural details inside the National Gallery, London, featuring decorative columns and reliefs.
Books displayed in a glass cabinet at the National Gallery, London.
National Gallery dome and facade, London.
Nelson's Column at Trafalgar Square with fountains and surrounding buildings in London, UK.

The National Gallery of London Private Half-Day Walking Tour

3 hrs

  • The National Gallery of London Private Half-Day Walking Tour is perfect for art lovers seeking a personalized journey through world-famous masterpieces.

  • Begin at Trafalgar Square, where your private guide offers personalized insights into British history, Nelson’s victory, and hidden landmarks often missed by others.

  • Explore the National Gallery’s vast collection, from Botticelli and Da Vinci to Turner and Van Gogh as your guide unveils their hidden stories.

  • Admire George Stubbs' iconic painting of Whistlejacket, learning about its significance in the world of equestrian art and 18th-century Britain.

  • Fun fact: The National Gallery was founded in 1824 and started with just 38 paintings. Today, it holds over 2,300 works from the 13th to 19th centuries!

More details

  • The National Gallery of London Private Half-Day Walking Tour is perfect for art lovers seeking a personalized journey through world-famous masterpieces.

  • Begin at Trafalgar Square, where your private guide offers personalized insights into British history, Nelson’s victory, and hidden landmarks often missed by others.

  • Explore the National Gallery’s vast collection, from Botticelli and Da Vinci to Turner and Van Gogh as your guide unveils their hidden stories.

  • Admire George Stubbs' iconic painting of Whistlejacket, learning about its significance in the world of equestrian art and 18th-century Britain.

  • Fun fact: The National Gallery was founded in 1824 and started with just 38 paintings. Today, it holds over 2,300 works from the 13th to 19th centuries!

from
£97.49
Slide 1 of 11, National Gallery interior and London Eye on the Thames in London.
National Gallery interior and London Eye on the Thames in London.
Interior of a gallery room with classic paintings at the National Gallery, London.
Visitors viewing Van Gogh's Sunflowers painting in a museum.
Tourists on a boat near the London Eye with city skyline in the background.
View from the London Eye overlooking the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament.
National Gallery London interior with classic European paintings and ornate architecture.
Visitors listening to a guide during a National Gallery tour.
Botticelli's Mars and Venus painting at National Gallery London.
Couple taking a selfie on the London Eye with cityscape view.
Interior view of a London Eye pod with cityscape in the background.
London Eye capsule with cityscape view from river cruise, part of Combo deal.

Combo (Save 5%): The National Gallery + London Eye Tickets

30 mins - 1 hr

  • See two of London’s must-sees with this combo, without the hassle of managing multiple bookings and save up to 5% on your tickets.

  • After learning about masterpieces like Monet’s The Thames below Westminster at the National Gallery, head to the London Eye and spot its inspiration.

  • Worried about public transport between the landmarks? You can easily cover the distance between them in 18 minutes by foot!

More details

  • See two of London’s must-sees with this combo, without the hassle of managing multiple bookings and save up to 5% on your tickets.

  • After learning about masterpieces like Monet’s The Thames below Westminster at the National Gallery, head to the London Eye and spot its inspiration.

  • Worried about public transport between the landmarks? You can easily cover the distance between them in 18 minutes by foot!

from Original price£54.53
£51.80

5% off

Slide 1 of 11, National Gallery facade and Tower of London under blue sky.
National Gallery facade and Tower of London under blue sky.
Guide explaining artwork during National Gallery tour.
Woman sitting on bench viewing artwork at National Gallery guided tour.
Entrance gate and stone walls of the Tower of London, England.
Crown Jewels on display at the Tower of London exhibition.
Botticelli's Mars and Venus painting at National Gallery London.
Visitors viewing paintings at the National Gallery, including a prominent horse artwork.
Afternoon tea set with sandwiches, scones, and pastries at the National Gallery London.
Armour displays of Prince Henry and King Charles I at Tower of London exhibition.
Beefeater guiding tourists at the Tower of London.
White Tower at the Tower of London with tourists exploring the historic site.

Combo (Save 5%): The National Gallery Guided Tour + Tower of London Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • Save 5% and get an in-depth introduction to art and culture with a guided tour of the 2,600+ National Gallery artworks and entry to the Tower of London.

  • See Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, and the infamous Koh-i-Noor-studded Imperial State Crown, two must-sees in London.

  • Save yourself the hassle of managing multiple bookings and explore both attractions at your own pace with this combo ticket.

More details

  • Save 5% and get an in-depth introduction to art and culture with a guided tour of the 2,600+ National Gallery artworks and entry to the Tower of London.

  • See Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, and the infamous Koh-i-Noor-studded Imperial State Crown, two must-sees in London.

  • Save yourself the hassle of managing multiple bookings and explore both attractions at your own pace with this combo ticket.

from Original price£56
£53.20

5% off

Slide 1 of 11, National Gallery facade and River Thames sightseeing cruise boat in London.
National Gallery facade and River Thames sightseeing cruise boat in London.
Woman sitting on bench viewing artwork at National Gallery guided tour.
Guide explaining artwork during National Gallery tour.
Family enjoying Thames river cruise with view of Big Ben, London.
Tower Bridge view from Thames River cruise in London.
Visitors viewing Van Gogh's Sunflowers painting in a museum.
Interior of a gallery room with classic paintings at the National Gallery, London.
Visitors listening to a guide during a National Gallery tour.
Sightseeing cruise on River Thames passing under Millennium Bridge, London.
Three people seated inside a Thames River cruise boat, viewing modern London buildings.
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Combo: The National Gallery Guided Tour + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames

Explore at your pace

  • Unlock London's best deals with this combo that lets you save 10% while allowing you to soak in art and river views without breaking the bank.

  • Flexibility is your travel companion! This combo allows you to visit The National Gallery and take the cruise on the same or separate days.

  • Minimize travel, maximize adventure! Board from the Tower Pier, just a 15-min walk from the Gallery, and spend less time in transit.

  • From masterpiece to cityscape – immerse yourself in Van Gogh's Sunflowers, then glide past London's architectural wonders on a single ticket.

More details

  • Unlock London's best deals with this combo that lets you save 10% while allowing you to soak in art and river views without breaking the bank.

  • Flexibility is your travel companion! This combo allows you to visit The National Gallery and take the cruise on the same or separate days.

  • Minimize travel, maximize adventure! Board from the Tower Pier, just a 15-min walk from the Gallery, and spend less time in transit.

  • From masterpiece to cityscape – immerse yourself in Van Gogh's Sunflowers, then glide past London's architectural wonders on a single ticket.

from
£29.25

Pro tips to help you make a pick

General admission to the permanent collection is free, but you should book a free timed slot online during busy periods. Paid tickets are only needed for special exhibitions, some events, audio guides, and guided tours.

Do not assume a free entry slot covers everything. Temporary exhibitions use separate paid timed tickets, and they are not automatically included with general admission or standard tours unless stated.

If you want context without joining a group, add the paid audio or multimedia guide. It gives commentary on key works and curated routes, but it does not include exhibition entry or reserved access.

First-time visitors with only 1.5–2 hours usually get better value from a highlights tour than from wandering independently. Group guided tours typically run about 1.5–2 hours, while private tours are commonly about 2–3 hours.

Treat third-party skip-the-line claims as pre-booked group entry, not instant access. You still need to pass security and bag checks, and busy rooms around works like Sunflowers can still be crowded.

Friday late openings, usually until 21:00, are useful if you want museum time after daytime sightseeing. Reviews in the research also suggest Friday evenings often feel calmer than weekend middays.

If you are comparing products, combos suit short stays best. Verified options in the research include a National Gallery guided tour bundled with a River Thames sightseeing cruise, Tower of London tickets, or London Eye tickets.

Avoid booking a long visit on airport-transfer days if you have suitcases. The cloakroom accepts coats and small bags, but large luggage is not allowed.

Similar things to do in London

About The National Gallery - London

The National Gallery focuses solely on Western European paintings, rather than mixing in sculpture or decorative arts. That narrower scope makes it easier to compare schools such as the Italian Renaissance, Dutch Golden Age, and French Impressionism in one visit. Free entry to the main collection, plus optional audio guides and guided tours, suits both quick highlights and deeper study.

Did you know?

The National Gallery began in 1824 when the British government bought 38 paintings from banker John Julius Angerstein.

Unlike many European national galleries, it focuses on paintings only—primarily Western European works from around 1250 to 1900—rather than sculpture or decorative arts.

The Sainsbury Wing opened in 1991 and originally housed the early Renaissance collection; it has been undergoing redevelopment ahead of the Gallery’s bicentenary.

Many paintings are displayed without glass or with minimal barriers, which makes brushwork and surface texture easier to study than at some museums.

The Gallery provides free Wi-Fi and a mobile web app with curated routes, a practical tool for navigating its maze-like sequence of rooms.

Why visit The National Gallery - London?

Works from Around 1250 to 1900

The collection covers Western European painting from medieval devotional panels to Impressionist canvases. More than 2,300 works let you move between the Italian Renaissance, Dutch Golden Age, Spanish Baroque, French Impressionism, and British painting in one building.

Sunflowers, Arnolfini Portrait, and Other Highlights

The Gallery brings together paintings many visitors know from books and reproductions, including Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Van Eyck’s The Arnolfini Portrait, Botticelli’s Venus and Mars, and Leonardo’s The Virgin of the Rocks. Seeing them at full scale makes details such as brushwork, texture, and color easier to appreciate.

Free Main Collection, Paid Special Exhibitions

General admission to the permanent collection is free, so you can focus on a short highlights circuit or stay longer without paying for core access. If you want a deeper dive into one artist or theme, temporary exhibitions are separately ticketed and use timed entry.

Maps, App, and Audio-Led Routes

The Gallery offers free floorplans, free Wi-Fi, and a mobile web app with curated routes, which helps if the room layout feels confusing. You can stay self-guided, rent a paid audio or multimedia guide, or join a live highlights tour for a more structured visit.

Trafalgar Square Access Near Central Sights

The museum sits on Trafalgar Square, making it easy to combine with Westminster, Covent Garden, or an evening in the West End. Charing Cross Station is about 0.3 km away, or roughly a 5-minute walk to the main entrance.

Plan your visit

Portico Entrance

Located on Trafalgar Square, this is the current main public entrance to the National Gallery. Independent visitors using free general admission, as well as many exhibition visitors, should expect to enter here unless a tour operator provides different instructions. All visitors pass through security and bag checks at arrival. The entrance is easy to identify from the Gallery’s grand portico facing the square. Once inside, the building is generally step-free with lifts to most gallery levels, wheelchair access, seating throughout, and wheelchairs available. Entrance routes may change while the Sainsbury Wing redevelopment continues.

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What our guests say

Lisa N

United States
Couple
2 weeks ago
Writing Excellent Experience with Headout We had a fantastic experience using Headout to book our tickets for the London Eye and Thames River Cruise. The booking process was quick, easy, and straightforward, and everything went smoothly on the day. The tickets were convenient to access, and both experiences were enjoyable and well organised. The London Eye offered spectacular views of London, while the Thames River Cruise was a wonderful way to see the city from a different perspective. We were very happy with the service from Headout and would definitely use them again for future attractions and experiences. Highly recommended!

Combo: The National Gallery Guided Tour + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames

Tina B

United Kingdom
Family
2 weeks ago
Both visits went very smoothly.The only prob was the head out app kept freezing,so accessing our tickets took time.luckily I printed them off .

Combo: The National Gallery Guided Tour + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames

Jeremiah O

United Kingdom
Family
2 weeks ago
This was a great memory and inspiration that will last long for myself and family. Great experience for both the London eye and Thames river cruise.

Combo: The National Gallery + London Eye Tickets

Sophie S

Family
Jun 2026
We had a great time in the London eye, no waiting around , straight on, get the chance to purache a photo at the end, River cruise was great, only issue is we got left in a completely different area! And had to pay to get back to where we bored! Which we shouldn't of had to pay as it meant be included in our ticket!

Combo: The National Gallery + London Eye Tickets

Nikhil C

India
Group
Jul 2026
Experience was great. Smooth check-in. I got the tickets for a good rate. Thank you Headout for a good and smooth experience. I would definitely recommend this to my friends.

Combo: The National Gallery Guided Tour + Tower of London Tickets

Laura M

Italy
Family
Jun 2026
The tour was perfect. It was easy and convenient to book, and we got in quickly at both the Tower of London and London Bridge. We saved a lot of time and money. Thank you

Combo: The National Gallery Guided Tour + Tower of London Tickets

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