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Plan your visit

Admission free

Open daily 10am–6pm
Friday until 9pm

(Closed 1 January and 24—26 December)

Trafalgar Square, London
WC2N 5DN

Nearest underground stationsCharing Cross, Leicester Square

Getting here

Plan your journey on the TFL website.
Getting here by:
Parking for:
Car

There is a parking space on Orange Street for Blue Badge holders only. Please book in advance by calling 020 7747 2885.

There are designated parking bays on St Martin's Street. Please phone Westminster Parking Information Service on 020 7823 4567 for more information.

Public car parks are available nearby in Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square.

Bicycle

The nearest bike stands are on Orange Street, St Martin's Street, St Martin's Place, and Duncannon Street. Please check Urban Cycle Parking for further information.

The nearest Santander Cycles docking stations are on St Martin's Street, Craven Street, Pall Mall East, William IV Street, Charles II Street and Oxendon Street.
Please check TFL for up-to-date information about nearby Santander Cycle docking stations.

Entrances

We have several entrances. Our main entrance is the Sainsbury Wing. All our entrances have level access and are near to lifts. They have walk-through metal detectors and we inspect bags and rucksacks.

Sainsbury Wing Entrance

Our main entrance, the Sainsbury Wing, is facing Trafalgar Square, at the corner of Pall Mall and Whitcomb Street.

Getty Entrance

The Getty Entrance is on the east side of Trafalgar Square and is for groups. 

Education Centre

Our Pigott Education Centre Entrance is on Orange Street at the back of the Gallery. It is for school groups and visitors coming to events in the Centre.

While you're here

Wi-Fi

Our Wi-Fi is free - look for ‘National Gallery’. Read our terms of use.

Cloakrooms and luggage

Cloakrooms are at the Sainsbury Wing Entrance and by the Espresso Bar. They cost £2 to use (free for Members). We accept bags up to 45 x 25 x 25 cm. You are welcome to bring baby buggies into the Gallery.

Photography

Feel free to take photographs for personal, non-commercial use, but not where there’s a ‘No Photography’ sign.

Audio guides and tours

We have a range of audio guides, free tours and the Smartify app to take you round our collection and exhibitions.

Sketching

We’re here to inspire! You’re welcome to sketch in the Gallery - please use a handheld pad of paper, pencil, graphite stick, or felt-tipped pens. You might also like to join one of our creative sessions.

Access

We have a range of facilities and events to make access to the paintings enjoyable for everyone. Guide dogs are welcome but we're not able to admit emotional support dogs.

There's plenty for families to do, from family audio tours, to holiday workshops and special events.
Find out more

Eating and drinking

The National Dining Rooms

Offering stunning views across Trafalgar Square, The National Dining Rooms menu of fresh salads, sandwiches and afternoon tea showcases the best of British produce.

The National Café

With a modern European menu, the National Café offers delicious brunches, quintessentially British afternoon teas and fixed pre-theatre dinners, as well as a self-service cafe.

The Espresso Bar

Offering hot and cold drinks, The Espresso Bar is the perfect place to plan your route around the Gallery over a coffee and a slice of cake.

Visiting guidelines

To help us keep the Gallery a safe and enjoyable place for everyone, please follow the guidelines below by:

  • Being considerate towards others
  • Not touching the paintings or other exhibits, and not crossing the barriers
  • Consuming food and drink in designated areas only i.e. not in rooms that contain paintings
  • Following our no smoking (includes vaping) policy in any part of the building
  • Following our ‘no photography’ policy in exhibitions where a sign is displayed

For more information read our Admissions Policy.