The original and enduring home of the UK’s national art collection, Tate Britain is a world class art museum at the heart of London. With works spanning from the sixteenth century right through to the present day, you won’t need to be an art aficionado to spot legendary works and artists here.
The museum was once known as the Tate Gallery, then renamed in 2000 following the opening of Tate Modern. It covers a diverse and all-encompassing array of British art, from paintings to sculpture, filmmaking, fabric, printing and more.
Thinking of paying a visit? Then we’ve got all the info to plan your Tate Britain trip right here.
Things to do at Tate Britain
There’s something for everyone at this London museum, a true institution in global art. With a permanent collection to rival the world’s best and no end of extraordinary exhibits, this is a worthy feature of any London sightseer’s itinerary.
Tate Britain permanent collections
Tate is the institution that houses and display the United Kingdom’s national collection of art. Alongside its partner the Tate Modern, Tate Britain hosts an astonishing array of classic and contemporary artworks. Hailing from Tudor times through to the present day, they make for some of the very best exhibitions in London.
Noticeable throughout Tate Britain’s free and permanent galleries are the works of J.M.W Turner, who bequeathed his collection of his own works to the nation upon his death. For a comprehensive and eye-opening insight on UK art’s evolution, head for the Walk Through British Art galleries. Rather than sorting by creator or style, these rooms take a chronological approach, allowing you to witness movements rise and fall one decade at a time. Meanwhile, the four-room Spotlights gallery hosts an ever-changing selection of works from Tate’s extensive collection.
Tate Britain exhibitions
Temporary exhibits add another element to the Tate Britain experience. Each taking a deep dive on particular artists, movements or causes, these events run for months at a time and will need to be booked in advance of your visit.
Recent highlights among Tate Britain’s exhibitions have covered everything from the art and activism of the UK Women’s movement in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, through to an exploration of the radical Rossetti generation.
Tate Britain tickets
You don’t need to book tickets for Tate Britain, and as a national museum, entry to the permanent galleries is free for everyone.
Things are a little different if you’d like to see any of the temporary exhibitions. Numbers for these are limited so it’s recommended you reserve tickets online and in advance of your trip. There may or may not be a charge for entry to these exhibits, but those with Tate Collective membership can enjoy exclusive access and cheaper ticket prices.
If you are keen on the temporary exhibits and find yourself at UK museums often, have you thought about a National Art Pass? Available to use at hundreds of sites around the country, you’ll benefit from free entry tickets and up to 50% off paid exhibitions.
Talks
Ready to explore Tate Britain with those who know it best? Then join one of several guided talks that run daily, each led by a friendly, diverse and knowledgeable set of volunteers. Each public talk lasts around 45 minutes and begins at the meeting point at the top of the Manton Stairs. And the best part of all? They’re entirely free to join.
Tours
If you’d prefer something more bespoke than the public talks, book yourself in for a Tate Britain private tour. Curated by a qualified expert, you can choose from any number of packages and themes to create an experience that hits all your art interests. Each tour lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and can be tailored to groups of many sizes and age ranges – all you need to do is get in touch with the bookings team.
Tate Britain Shop
Inspired by your brush with the art world’s finest? Then pick up something to remember your visit with at the Tate Britain Shop. Located on the main floor of the building, expect an eclectic showcase of prints, books, homewares, jewellery and kids’ toys that you’ll scarcely find anywhere else. Whether shopping for yourself or a loved one, you can bag yourself something special while giving back to the museum.
Couldn’t find what you were looking for, or want to browse in advance? There’s always the Tate Online Shop.
Tips for enjoying Tate Britain
Keep your day hassle free when you follow these quick tips:
• Bags larger than cabin bag size (55xm x 40cm x 20cm) cannot be brought into the building. If you’ve got suitcases or other large items in tow, try the left luggage facility at nearby Victoria station.
• Skateboards, scooters, and folding bikes can be stored in the cloakroom, though capacity is limited and there’s no guarantee of room for your things. Electronic versions (such as e-bikes) cannot be brought into the building.
• Tate Britain opening times are 10:00 to 18:00 each day, with final entry at 17:30. The museum is open every day of the year excluding Christmas Eve to Boxing Day.
Things to do near Tate Britain
Positioned on the Thames along a stretch known as Millbank, there’s lots to keep you busy in the immediate area. For one, why not hop over nearby Lambeth Bridge and pay a visit to the Garden Museum? This unique tourist attraction charts the history of British gardening and boasts beautiful floral displays that make for one of the best exhibitions in London.
Sticking with the museum theme, you’re only a 22-minute stroll from the Imperial War Museum London . Here you can chart decades of human conflict, including eye-opening exhibits around WWI and WWII. Only a touch further is the Cinema Museum, an off-the-beaten-track gem that follows the history of film from the 1890s to the present.
If Tate Britain’s galleries have got you inspired, wander up to Waterloo station and marvel at The Graffiti Tunnel. Expect a totally different vibe to the Tate here, but it’s equally one of the must-see places for art lovers in London. Fully accessible to the public, it’s one of the best free things to do in London too.
Food and drinks
Expect to be at the Tate several hours if you’re aiming to see all on offer here. In that time, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Thankfully, the museum’s Djangoly Café has things covered. Found on the lower floor, you can take your pick from fresh and delicious deli counter favorites as well as salads, sandwiches and soups. No doubt you’ll need tea and coffee too, with the museum’s own Tate Coffee beans roasted on site.
Of course, you’ve plenty of other places to eat near Tate Britain. The Morpeth Arms is a short stroll down Millbank and a real hit with families, thanks to its calm atmosphere and menu of British pub classics. Café Society has a charming spot on the river, serving up both brekkie favourites and tasty pasta lunches.
When evening comes around, you’ll find some superb restaurants near Tate Britain. Why not try something new at IBERIA, a cosy and sophisticated Georgian restaurant? Or perhaps modern European fine dining is more your style, in which case, head for the Vincent Rooms.
Places to stay near Tate Britain
Looking for an action-packed 48 hours in London, or perhaps an even longer visit? Then you’re in luck, with lots of great accommodation options near Tate Britain.
Best Western Corona is an excellent budget stay. It’s only 11 minutes’ walk to the museum from here. A cost-friendly option for families is Travelodge London Vauxhall, with its spacious rooms that include all the essentials.
Hotels like Novotel London Waterloo and Best Western Plus Vauxhall offer a good compromise between cost and comfort. The latter is a 20-minute walk from Tate Britain and is also available through our rewards scheme. While if you’re out to treat yourselves, The Goring Hotel’s 5-star facilities should tick all the right boxes.
Remember to check out SWR Rewards for nearby hotels. If any tickle your fancy you can get money off your stay when you travel with us.
Tate Britain accessibility
Tate are passionately committed to ensuring all visitors can enjoy their galleries. At Tate Britain, there are five accessible parking spaces along nearby John Islip Street, which should be reserved at least 24 hours in advance. Wheelchairs and scooters can be booked at similar notice, while wheelchair accessible toilets are scattered throughout the building. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome, and for those with visual impairments, large print materials are available on request.
Learn more about the facilities and services available via Tate Britain’s website.
Now that you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave. And don’t forget to check out SWR Rewards hub for exclusive discounts on dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays, days out and much more.
