Official National Gallery Tours

Discover European Masterpieces At The National Gallery With Afternoon Tea

Located in London’s Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery tells the story of European art through more than 2,600 paintings. Founded in 1824, the Gallery’s collection spans around 700 years of artistic history, from medieval Europe and Renaissance Italy to the works of the French Impressionists. Discover fascinating stories behind some of the world’s greatest paintings on an official guided tour led by Gallery-approved Blue Badge Guides.

The guided tours take place during the day and last approximately one hour, giving you an engaging introduction to the Gallery’s remarkable collection. After your tour, you can explore the artworks at your own pace and spend more time discovering the masterpieces that interest you most.

Families can enjoy the Gallery Explorer Children’s Art Tour, designed to inspire young imaginations through more than 700 years of incredible art. Children can hear fascinating stories, discover tiny brushstrokes and colourful details, and take part in sketching and hands-on activities. The tour is relaxed and interactive, with no lectures or rushing, and operates on Sundays only.

Following your tour, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at Ochre, the Gallery’s restaurant showcasing seasonal British ingredients with international flavours and modern European cuisine. Afternoon tea is served from 3:30pm and includes savoury sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, seasonal pastries, tea, and coffee. To allow enough time, you must attend the 2pm tour beforehand.