Tate Britain
Tate Britain
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The home of British art from 1500 to the present day. Tate Britain holds the largest collection of British art in the world. Walk through the history of British art from 1500 to the present day. See masterpieces by J.M.W. Turner, William Hogarth, John Everett Millais, as well as outstanding modern and contemporary art from Francis Bacon, Barbara Hepworth, David Hockney and Bridget Riley – to name a few. Tate Britain showcases cutting edge British art through its temporary exhibitions and annual art commission.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Pimlico
Time spent in Pimlico is a slower-paced affair than most other Central London neighborhoods. This largely residential area orderly arranged beside the Thames, is a treasure trove of quaint pubs, subtle architectural charms and local boutiques. Here, art lovers thrill at the chance to visit the world class Tate Britain gallery for its collection of British art from the 1500s to the present. For peace and quiet and some downtime spent along the Thames, Pimlico is highly recommended.
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10,000 within 3 miles
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2,340 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- El Turista JohnNew York City, New York2,821 contributionsA Fitting Tribute to British ArtistsI’ve been to the Tate Britain many times because of the wide variety of exceptional artists on display. I rated it a 4 of 5 this time because the collection of JMW Turner paintings—arguably one of Britain’s greatest artists—weren’t on display. Regardless, the collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings alone are worth the visit to this Thames-side temple to art. And on the something new front, the series of Francis Bacon paintings was a pleasant surprise. While there are so many art museums in London to choose from, the Tate Britain should be in you top 5 to visit.Visited March 2023Traveled soloWritten March 25, 2023
- island04575Boothbay Harbor, Maine128 contributionsthe Turners...The Turners are just quintessential Britain and I went there just for them. I was not disappointed and this is one of the great must see's for London. The room with the unfinished Turners and their color palette that contained one work of comparable color by Mark Rothko was one of the most informative experiences in a museum ever. The transition and influence was clear. Bravo to this curator.Visited April 2023Written April 8, 2023
- Yolande C2 contributionsDelightfulWe loved the building's elegance, wonderful art with easy to read explanatory notes. Absolutely enjoyed the 19 rooms over the decades! Staff in general were so courteous and helpful, two spanish speaking guys at the cloakroom were so delightful. All in all worth visiting. Just a small criticism about the toilets, they could do with an upgrade.Visited April 2023Written April 10, 2023
- Grover RPensacola, Florida18,062 contributionsGreat Art Museum with Many Known PiecesWe had a one day on our England trip that we all got to separate to do something you wanted that the rest of the group did not. I visited the Tate Madern and Tate Britain. The period and art was more of my thought of art than the Modern. I will say the entrance hall has an interesting parade exhibit that seemed more Modern than Britain but I enjoyed it. There were several paintings that I had seen in books and other places. I enjoyed the museum and was glad I made the visit.Visited December 2022Traveled soloWritten May 24, 2023
- richardmay2016Perth, Australia20 contributionsFabulous way to spend an afternoon.We had a couple of hours to kill on a rainy afternoon in London and by accident bumped into this marvellous art gallery. Free to the public and there were quite a few people there, but not enough to make it feel crowded. Just loved going through the 15 rooms (only part of the overall displays) which contained art from the 1500s to today. What an absolutely fascinating way to view artistic styles and tastes and how they changed over the centuries. Can’t say enough positive things about this, what a fabulous way to learn about art, appreciate art and find out a little something about British history and life across the ages. Will recommend this to anyone as a must do when visiting London.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 27, 2023
- JannerblokePlymouth, United Kingdom12,635 contributionsGood link but poorly organised.Spent about 3 hours each on a July weekday at Tate Britain and then Tate Modern. As a member eventually discovered the ferry times and the £7.50 fare. Had been keen to use the water link after seeing the older boat several years ago when it was painted in Tate livery with Damian Hirst coloured spots on the white saloon roof. But now it’s just the regular Clipper boats and the Millbank to Bankside is a slice of its regular run from I think from Richmond to Greenwich. Times were the same. But the fares were all to pot. When I got on they new nothing of the Tate fare and the best deal for me was ‘half price with a travel card’ which turned out to be just over a fiver. But it was a good trip, interesting views from the river, a bit busy but a convenient trip between the Tates neither of which are on a convenient bus link and both are a stiff walk from their respective tube stations at Pimlico and Southwark.Visited July 2023Traveled soloWritten August 1, 2023
- EstSkipton, United Kingdom71 contributionsFantasticMy daughter wanted to see the Rosetti exhibition. We booked our tickets online before we went. The exhibition was lovely with both poetry and art. Being able to listen to the poetry being read (by standing on sound buttons) whilst looking at artwork was a fabulous experience. My daughter spent 1and 3/4 hours in the exhibition and was so happy when she had finished. She bought a beautiful poetry book and art book as memorabilia of a truly amazing experience that she won’t ever forget. We visited the rest of the museum as well and thoroughly enjoy the whole experience.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 2, 2023
- stevlee78Eastleigh, United Kingdom975 contributionsA classic gallery of artIf you like art, it’s a really important place to visit, free to enter, very large building and has lots of paintings to view. It’s not the most exciting thing to do in London but if you have a vested interest in artists and paintings then it’s a must do. The gallery itself was also clean and welcoming, the staff friendly and we spent an hour here walking around and seeing some absolute masterpieces (and some we didn’t understand but that’s art)Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 29, 2023
- Gayle YMelbourne, Australia55 contributionsHighly recommendThe Tate Britain is an easy stroll along the riverbank from Parliament house. It has a beautiful entrance which continues inside. This magnificent building holds modern works of art, as well as traditional. I arrived just after opening, and found there were more staff than visitors, which made for a very pleasant experience for almost 3 hours. There are artworks that will challenge you, amuse you and frankly puzzle you however, for the almost 3 hours I was there, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Free to enter.Visited August 2023Traveled soloWritten September 7, 2023
- Rowan W9 contributionsWhat a great collection!Went to see the Rossetti exhibit and it was fantastic. What a fun experience, with tons to see and well curated pieces. This museum also felt far less crowded and more calming, which added to the experience. Would definitely come back.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten September 24, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,129 reviews
Excellent
2,547
Very good
1,179
Average
287
Poor
83
Terrible
33
HappyCamper36953
Berwick upon Tweed, UK146 contributions
Feb 2020
I can only reiterate what another reviewer has said- far too many people allowed in at one time. I had been looking forward to seeing the Blake exhibition for so long and came from the opposite end of the country to see it, I was horrified when I had to join the end of a long, never ending queue! There was no restrictions of number and once inside it was almost impossible to look at the exhibits as people were stood three or four deep, and still the numbers kept flowing in.
As far as I am concerned this is a money making exercise with no consideration given at all to the people interested in seeing the extraordinary work on show.
I will never do this again.
Such a contrast to the Tutankhamun Exhibition at the Saatchi we saw earlier in the day.
As far as I am concerned this is a money making exercise with no consideration given at all to the people interested in seeing the extraordinary work on show.
I will never do this again.
Such a contrast to the Tutankhamun Exhibition at the Saatchi we saw earlier in the day.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy S
Clanfield, UK614 contributions
Feb 2020
We also had the pre-booked tickets; far too many people being admitted so it was impossible to get near many of the works and the crowding was awful. They should charge double and admit half as many people (but then obviously get called out for "elitism". We had the same thoughts at the Turner show a few years back but it looks like they want to continue to cream in the cash and take in as many people as possible
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bouffeuse
Pontefract, UK34 contributions
Feb 2020
We had to queue for half an hour even though we had pre-booked tickets. I think this was due to the fact that there were so many small works in each room so people weren’t moving on. You had to queue to view works and waiting for people to move on was very frustrating. If they had only allowed half the number of people in it would still have been overcrowded.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
howiet1971
Swindon, UK1,713 contributions
Dec 2019
I visited especially to see the William Blake exhibition which was stunning. (I do think £18 per ticket is expensive however, but be aware that if you get the train, you can often get 1 entry ticket free - check before you buy.) The rest of the museum was stunning and filled with well known artists (Francis Bacon, Henry Moore, Sargent, Constable, Tracey Emin, Hockney and many many more.) There were also quite a few video installations. Art is subjective, but the art here is far more 'classic' than modern - if you want modern then got to ...tuh duh..the Tate Modern. beautiful architecture and a great location by the river.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
futtock21
London, UK11,621 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Being deprived for four months of the artistic, emotional and intellectual sustenance which a visit to Tate Britain provides only makes one appreciate all the more and all the more intensely all that it has on offer. Not surprising then that even after a queue for a good fifteen minutes snaking through a side room from the Atterbury Street entrance to the door of the Aubrey Beardsley exhibition itself visitors were poring over virtually every etching as a long lost friend. Taking the collection tour through British art from 1930 towards the present beyond a Nicholson and some Pasmores I passed a young woman avidly sketching in the room presided over by the marauding bloodthirsty Bacon triptych opposite about equally bleak Sutherland landscape. My own preference was for the riot of colour in the shape of a Patrick Heron painting next to a more subdued William Scott in the next room. By the time one reaches Hockney’s Bigger Splash, however, one is on the cusp of an almost contemporary world in which a curator necessarily finds difficulty in identifying works which might stand the test of time within his or her own history.
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jfh161
London, UK5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This collection brought together William Blake's work from museums to provide a synoptic view of his life's work.
Blake had visions, influenced by the Bible and also platonic ideas. The exhibition was comprehensive or rather representative.
You needed to book a time for a visit and if there was a downside then it was quite crowded. Nevertheless a satisfying and unique experience.
Blake had visions, influenced by the Bible and also platonic ideas. The exhibition was comprehensive or rather representative.
You needed to book a time for a visit and if there was a downside then it was quite crowded. Nevertheless a satisfying and unique experience.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
294annoyed
Belfast, ME6 contributions
Feb 2020
If you value your sanity...stay away fron Tate Britain until these school groups finish. There are streams of young children being ENCOURAGED to scream "We are Here" very loudly, and very often. They are with teachers who think it is encouraging children to visit museums without feeling daunted. But what are they learning? What are they being encouraged to look at and gaze at, and take in its worth? They will inlythink forever that museums are FUN places to make a lot of noise in, without any consideration for others, nor any appreciation of the treasures to be seen.
We visited the Baroque Art Exhibition, which is fabulous, but all the time the noise of these groups was penetrating our ears. Ghastly. Yes, I know, it is thought that they will be the visitors of the future....but will they?,,Only if there are FUN things to do. How very, very sad.
We visited the Baroque Art Exhibition, which is fabulous, but all the time the noise of these groups was penetrating our ears. Ghastly. Yes, I know, it is thought that they will be the visitors of the future....but will they?,,Only if there are FUN things to do. How very, very sad.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RobertBabb
Houston, TX91 contributions
Jan 2020
Tate Britain is one of the best museums in London and the admission is free. They have some wonderful John Singer Sargent paintings as well as John Constable and Turner. The collection is hung by time line and the 1880's and 1890's rooms were closed for renovation when I visited. (some of my favorites are in these rooms) Still the staff was pleasant and there were still pleasures to be had. John Singer Sargent was represented by Lily, Lily ,Carnation, Rose and Ellen Terry as Lady Mac.B. And there were other British treasures. Also they have a wonderful gift shop with some great gifts .
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jules512015
Cambridgeshire, UK58 contributions
Aug 2021
I was in London and was able to book a ticket on the door to see the free galleries.
I initially happened upon the museum when I took a wrong turn after Hammersmith Bridge. It’s a lovely area and you can view the London Eye from the Hammersmith Bridge, around the corner. Also, it’s only about 10-15 mins from Kings Cross on the tube (directly on Victoria Line to Pimlico).
The lady on reception was very professional and friendly.
The museum has good Covid measures in place.
There are clear signs everywhere and direction arrows.
I loved the exhibits and they were nicely laid out and arranged together.
Each room covered a different time period of British artists’ work. I think it started with the 1500s and went through to modern times, so there was a lot of variety and you could ‘jump’ forward in time if you chose to skip any sections.
There is a lot of information about the artists and their paintings too.
You can take photos (unless stated otherwise for particular exhibits) - that type of information/advice is all on their website.
I was disappointed by the shop, as there were very few post cards of paintings available (I wanted to purchase a reminder of some of my favourites).
There is a café too.
I had limited time and I found that an hour and a half was sufficient for a quick look, but I would love to return for a few hours and also visit a special (paid) exhibition or two. I only looked at paintings and ignored statues. There was a strange modern exhibition with sound as you entered the galleries, which was very interesting and atmospheric.
The museum recommends pre-booking and I think they offer time slots when it is particularly busy (I experienced that in the Amsterdam museums).
Well worth a visit.
I initially happened upon the museum when I took a wrong turn after Hammersmith Bridge. It’s a lovely area and you can view the London Eye from the Hammersmith Bridge, around the corner. Also, it’s only about 10-15 mins from Kings Cross on the tube (directly on Victoria Line to Pimlico).
The lady on reception was very professional and friendly.
The museum has good Covid measures in place.
There are clear signs everywhere and direction arrows.
I loved the exhibits and they were nicely laid out and arranged together.
Each room covered a different time period of British artists’ work. I think it started with the 1500s and went through to modern times, so there was a lot of variety and you could ‘jump’ forward in time if you chose to skip any sections.
There is a lot of information about the artists and their paintings too.
You can take photos (unless stated otherwise for particular exhibits) - that type of information/advice is all on their website.
I was disappointed by the shop, as there were very few post cards of paintings available (I wanted to purchase a reminder of some of my favourites).
There is a café too.
I had limited time and I found that an hour and a half was sufficient for a quick look, but I would love to return for a few hours and also visit a special (paid) exhibition or two. I only looked at paintings and ignored statues. There was a strange modern exhibition with sound as you entered the galleries, which was very interesting and atmospheric.
The museum recommends pre-booking and I think they offer time slots when it is particularly busy (I experienced that in the Amsterdam museums).
Well worth a visit.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martinikitty
Bourne End, UK50 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
The Tate Britain does not fail to impress! Wonderful exhibition spaces, special exhibitions are very well arranged with lots of space and very good background information on the exhibits. Despite being paying and despite my visiting on a working day, very crowded (despite timed entry!). Timings weren't enforced on this specific visit - I was allowed in 30 minutes early, but that is not going to happen on a very busy day. Can get a lot busier, so I'd suggest to research when is the best (least busy) time to visit. It's a great space and the visitor shop is very good too with appropriate prints, postcards and a marvellous selection of books relevant to the topic. Marvellous!
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
john
Mitcham, UK
is their a restaurant on site were i can eat my own packed lunch
Jannerbloke
Plymouth, UK12,635 contributions
We use the members area upstairs but have also had picnics outside on or off the entrance approaches. We used to enjoy sitting on the front steps but once we obviously looked too organised and likely to stretch it into a long and lubricated lunch. We were very politely asked to relocate and I think found a spot roughly opposite by the river wall. You could cast about on the Google street view and find somewhere suitable.
Is Tate Morden open on bank holiday, on Monday 6.05.2019 ?
fender1961
Guildford, UK663 contributions
Yes
Anne T
2 contributions
Are there less queues on Sunday's?
Kevin L
Sleaford, UK48 contributions
Weekdays are generally quieter but not by much to be honest though I have never found the queues too bad and if you are visiting a particular exhibition you can pre book and skip that queue
The queues at the main entrance are down to increased security and that is inevitable these days I’m afraid
HILAR
michigan385 contributions
Is non flash photography allowed in the Turner Clore Gallery?
PhylMelling
23 contributions
This is from the Tate website
"Visitor photography
Photography in the main galleries is allowed for personal, non-commercial purposes only. It is the visitor’s responsibility to ensure no copyright is infringed. The use of flash and tripods is prohibited.
Photography in the paying exhibitions is not permitted at any time."
Francesca B
Morocco174 contributions
How long are the queues on a weekday to get in without a pre booked slot? How busy might it be say on a Wednesday at 11.30 am
dancinmum
Manchester, UK38 contributions
We went on a Saturday in the rain and just walked straight in so I wouldn't have thought there would be a problem during the week at all with queues
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Claim your listingTate Britain - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Tate Britain
- Hotels near Tate Britain:
- (0.18 mi) The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton
- (0.31 mi) Staybridge Suites London - Vauxhall, an IHG Hotel
- (0.27 mi) Hyatt Regency London - Albert Embankment
- (0.26 mi) Park Plaza London Riverbank
- (0.51 mi) 69TheGrove
- Restaurants near Tate Britain:
- (0.01 mi) tate britain cafe
- (0.02 mi) Djanogly
- (0.12 mi) Morpeth Arms
- (0.17 mi) STK Steakhouse Westminster
- (0.04 mi) Al's Cafe
- Attractions near Tate Britain:
- (0.02 mi) Millbank Gardens
- (0.08 mi) Turner Art Prize Exposition
- (0.13 mi) Grand Prix Grand Tours
- (0.15 mi) At Work Gallery
- (0.35 mi) Floatworks