Tate Britain

The Basics

Entirely devoted to British works of art, the collections here cover an extremely wide range, from modern sculptures by Barbara Hepworth to prints and paintings by the 18th-century satirist William Hogarth. For any visitor to London who wants to learn more about the cultural heritage of the UK, it’s a must-visit spot. The museum also hosts the annual, and sometimes controversial Turner Prize, which celebrates contemporary British artists.

The gallery building is also worthy of note. It was purpose-built by industrialist Henry Tate to house his own art collection, which included many important Pre-Raphaelite works after he tried to donate them to the National Gallery and was turned down. The museum opened at Millbank along the River Thames in 1897. Many visitors opt for a guided tour to learn more about the different paintings.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Entry to Tate Britain is free; special exhibitions require a separate (paid) ticket.

• Special tours of the museum can be booked ahead of time.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible.

• You’ll find a cafe, restaurant, and museum store on-site.

How to Get There

Tate Britain is located at Millbank, in Pimlico, London. The closest tube (subway) stations are Victoria Line’s Pimlico and Vauxhall. Overground trains also run to Vauxhall. Bus no. 87 stops at Millbank. A shuttle boat service runs every 40 minutes between Tate Britain and Tate Modern on the South Bank in Central London.

When to Get There

Tate Britain is open daily from 10am–6pm. Weekends are especially busy so plan to visit during the week for a quieter experience.

Visit Tate Modern, Too

While Tate Britain is dedicated to British art, its sister museum across town on London’s South Bank features contemporary works from artists across the world. Its huge central space, Turbine Hall, offers a revolving display of thought-provoking installations, and the museum has mounted special exhibitions of artists from American artist Edward Hopper to French post-impressionist Henri Matisse.

Ways to explore

Entirely devoted to British art, the Tate Britain’s collection covers a wide range, from modern sculptures to satirical 18th-century prints and paintings. It’s a must-visit spot for any visitor to London who wants to learn more about the local cultural heritage.

The building is also noteworthy: It was purpose-built by industrialist Sir Henry Tate to house his own art collection. It opened at Millbank along the River Thames in 1897. Many visitors opt for a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the collection.

Accessibility

Accessible car parking spaces should be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sketch pad and graphite or colored pencils, if you feel inspired

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers, small bag

Not allowed

Large bags, eating or drinking, loud talking

Amenities

Cloakroom, café, gift shop

Address

The Tate Britain is located in Pimlico, south of Westminster and beside the River Thames. Get there by car, bus, ferry, or the Underground.

Driving

It’s best to avoid driving due to congestion and difficulty parking. The gallery is beside Millbank (A3212), a major road skirting the western bank of the Thames. Nearby street parking is limited, but it’s free on weekends.

Public transportation

Take the Underground’s Victoria line to Pimlico station, about a 10-minute walk from the gallery. Bus numbers 87, 88, and C10 stop nearby. The Tate to Tate ferry connects the Tate Modern and Tate Britain at Millbank Pier.

Best times to visit

The gallery is open from 10am until 6pm. Last entry is at 5:30pm, but schedule a much longer visit for a good look around.

Best days to visit

The gallery is open daily. Weekends tend to be busier, but you may be able to find free parking in the streets.

Best months to visit

The indoor Tate Britain is enjoyable throughout the year. Generally, you’ll encounter fewer crowds from September through April.

Special events

The famous—and sometimes controversial—Turner Prize for British art is held at Tate Britain every other year, in even-numbered years. The winners are typically announced in December.