Usually, my idea of a perfect view involves a windswept hill, a dramatic coastline, or a quiet forest path. Give me a map, a flask of tea, and a good pair of boots, and I’m happy.
So, when a recent trip to London saw us swapping muddy trails for polished marble floors, I’ll admit I was curious to see how a day indoors would compare. Our destination? The grand dame of Trafalgar Square herself: The National Gallery.
And you know what? It was absolutely brilliant.
Do not fret, you don’t have to already know your Monet from your Manet to have your breath taken away.
Stepping in from the bustle of central London and into the cavernous, quiet halls is an experience in itself.
The sheer scale of the place is something to behold. But it’s the moments you have, standing just inches from a masterpiece you may have only ever seen on a biscuit tin, that truly make it special.
Getting Lost in a World of Colour
I’m no art critic. My analysis though, does go a bit further than “Ooh, that’s a nice one,” but then you can’t help but be pulled into the stories on the walls.
I made a beeline for a few of the big hitters I actually knew. When you go you will see that others have the same idea.
With the layout I could tell that the big hitters meant you walked through a whole lot more lesser known galleries to get there. I liked this. It makes you appreciate a whole world of art rather than heading straight to the big names.
Seeing Van Gogh’s Sunflowers in person is a game-changer. The colours are so vibrant, so full of life, you can almost feel the Provençal sun.
The texture of the paint is thick and real; no print could ever do it justice. I could totally understand why there was a large group of people eager to find their moment to stare into its layers.
Then there was Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire. As someone who loves a good sunrise, seeing his mastery of light was just incredible.
The ghostly old warship being towed to its end, set against a fiery, magnificent sunset… it’s pure emotion on a canvas. It felt less like a painting and more like a window into a moment in time.
We wandered from room to room, hopping between centuries. One minute we were in a quiet Dutch home, beautifully captured by Vermeer, the next we were in the middle of a chaotic, epic battle scene.
It’s a different kind of exploration, a different kind of map to follow, but it’s an adventure all the same.
I was actually here with an art expert, Zoe. For her this was a revisit of not just all the art she loves in the main gallery. She was also here to experience one of the special exhibitions on pointillism.
For me it was a great chance not just to see and experience art in such abundance. It was a chance to enjoy it whilst having an expert by my side and allowing me to appreciate it my way in my own time.
Your Guide to Visiting The National Gallery
After our visit, we realised how easy and rewarding a trip here can be. If you’re planning your own visit, here’s a straightforward Q&A to help you out – the kind of stuff we were wondering before we went.
Is The National Gallery free?
Yes! And isn’t that fantastic? Entry to the main collection is completely free of charge.
There are donation boxes around, and I’d encourage you to pop a few quid in if you can to help keep it that way.
Special exhibitions often have a separate ticket price, which you’ll need to book.
Where is it and how do I get there?
It’s impossible to miss! It dominates the north side of Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN.
By Tube: The nearest station is Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines), which is a two-minute walk. Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines) and Embankment (District and Circle lines) are also just a short stroll away.
By Bus: Loads of buses stop in and around Trafalgar Square.
Do I need to book a ticket?
For the general collection, you can usually just walk in. However, it can get very busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
It’s always a good idea to check their official website before you travel, as they sometimes recommend booking a free timed slot to guarantee entry.
For the big-name temporary exhibitions, you absolutely should book in advance as they often sell out.
What are the opening times?
Typically, the Gallery is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with a late-night opening on Fridays until 9 pm.
But please, always check the official National Gallery website for the most up-to-date times before you set off!
How long should I spend there?
That’s the beauty of it – it’s up to you!
- In a rush? You could spend 90 minutes doing a ‘greatest hits’ tour and see some of the most famous works.
- A decent visit? Give it 2-3 hours. This allows you to explore a few different wings without rushing.
- Art lover? You could easily spend the entire day and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.
Is there a café?
Yes, there are a few options. We stopped for a coffee and a slice of cake at the espresso bar to rest our feet. It’s a great way to break up the visit and recharge before diving back in.
Tip: For after your visit, around the corner you can discover underground refreshments at the Cafe in the Crypt.
A Bald Hiker’s Top Tips for Your Visit
- Don’t Try to See Everything. The collection is HUGE. You’ll just end up with tired feet and ‘art fatigue’. Grab a map, pick a wing or a couple of artists you’re interested in, and take your time.
- Go Early or Go Late. To avoid the biggest crowds, arrive right when it opens at 10 am or visit in the last couple of hours. The late Friday opening is also a fantastic, often quieter, option.
- Look for the Unexpected. Don’t just hunt for the famous paintings. Some of our favourite moments were discovering a piece by an artist we’d never heard of down a quiet corridor.
- Just Sit. Find a painting you like, take a seat on one of the many benches, and just look at it for five minutes. You’ll be amazed at the details you start to notice.
So, would I swap all my hiking trips for days in galleries? Not a chance. But as a way to explore a different kind of landscape, to see the world through someone else’s eyes, and to spend a day getting completely lost in beauty?
It’s an adventure I can’t recommend enough.
Happy exploring, whether it’s on a hill or in a gallery!
Other great galleries to explore: Not Just Another White Cube: A Day Getting Lost in Nottingham Contemporary
Or head to another free place, the British Museum with the Great Court that has to be seen.
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