Tate Britain travel guide

Established in 1897, the grand Tate Britain, formerly known as the National Gallery of British Art, sits majestically in the heart of Westminster, London.

The gallery was founded by Sir Henry Tate, an industrialist and philanthropist, who donated his collection of British 19th-century art.

Designed by Sidney R.J. Smith, the gallery opened its doors to the public as the National Gallery of British Art, but quickly became known as the Tate Gallery, a name officially adopted in 1932.

In 2000, the gallery was renamed Tate Britain to distinguish it from its sister galleries: Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St Ives.

Tate Britain has undergone various renovations, including the opening of the Clore Gallery in 1987 to house the Turner Collection, and a major refurbishment completed in 2013, enhancing the building's original features while adding a new contemporary touch. Today, Tate Britain is a beacon of British art, housing an extensive collection from the 16th century to the present day.

Tate Britain is renowned for holding the largest collection of British art from 1500 to present day. The comprehensive range of artworks includes masterpieces by artists such as JMW Turner, Sir John Everett Millais, and Dame Barbara Hepworth. Notably, it houses the Turner Bequest, an extensive collection of JMW Turner’s work, including his celebrated watercolours.

A distinctive feature of Tate Britain is the BP Walk through British Art, a chronological display that allows visitors to walk through the timeline of British art, witnessing the evolution from 1500 to the present day.

Another unique feature is the annual Turner Prize exhibition which showcases the work of four shortlisted contemporary artists. The Prize, awarded at Tate Britain, is one of the most prestigious events in the UK art calendar.

Finally, Tate Britain’s architecture is a feature in itself. The grand neoclassical building, designed by Sidney R.J. Smith, is adorned with intricate details and sculptures, making the museum a masterpiece of its own.

Located in City of Westminster, the iconic Tate Britain is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Westminster or as a stop on your countrywide road trip in England.

Westminster is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Westminster offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit the iconic landmarks and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Green Park, Marble Arch, and Westminster Cathedral.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Westminster has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Westminster - a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in England!

Tate Britain is located in Westminster, England, and is easily accessible by several modes of transportation. If you are arriving by plane, Gatwick Airport is approximately 23.86 miles (38.39 km) away from Westminster. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle to the city, where Tate Britain is located.

If you’re already in Westminster, you can take a bus, taxi or even walk to the art museum. The exact address of the attraction is Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, UK, England.

You can also rent a car and drive to Tate Britain. With a rental car you will enjoy freedom to explore Tate Britain and other top attractions in Westminster at your own pace.

With your travel plans in place and these guidelines in mind, you're all set for an unforgettable experience at Tate Britain!

The best time to explore Tate Britain is during spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild weather, making it pleasant to wander through the museum and along the Thames. However, the museum is well-heated and air-conditioned, so it's comfortable even in winter and summer. To avoid heavy crowds, consider visiting on weekdays, especially in the morning. The museum tends to be busier during school holidays and on weekends. Tate Britain also hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the year, including the Turner Prize exhibition held annually in the autumn. Late at Tate Britain is another unique event held on the last Friday of every month, offering music, workshops, and performances. To make the most of your visit, check the official website for up-to-date information on current and upcoming events. Furthermore, note that the museum opens at 10 am and admission is free except for major exhibitions.

No visit to Westminster is complete without a trip to Tate Britain, one of the most iconic attractions in England drawing large crowds of visitors every year. To make the most out of your visit at this unique art museum, consider booking a tour in advance to avoid the lines and guarantee a seamless experience.

Find the best and most popular tours and tickets to Tate Britain starting from 43.87 EUR below.

Discover the enchanting beauty of Westminster and top attractions like Tate Britain with a perfectly planned holiday package. Our travel packages include everything you need to explore Tate Britain and beyond. Whether you're looking for an adventure-filled getaway or a relaxing retreat, our holiday packages to Westminster, England, offer a variety of activities and experiences to suit all types of travelers.

Continue reading to find the best travel plans and tips for discovering this one-of-a-kind art museum in England.

Wake up well-rested to a new day of exploring in Westminster by staying at a top-rated hotel in the heart of the city. With the city's most famous attractions like the stunning Tate Britain just a stone's throw away, you'll be in the perfect location to effortlessly immerse yourself in Westminster.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Tate Britain below.

Westminster offers a diverse range of top attractions. From museums and architectural wonders to sculptures and natural wonders, the city has something for everyone. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Westminster, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and Green Park.

Buckingham Palace is a bucket-list royal palace and top attraction in Westminster, attracting numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4 out of 5 stars in 148,150 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Buckingham Palace is London SW1A 1AA, UK.

Another appreciated attraction in Westminster is Hyde Park. This is just like Buckingham Palace, one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 5 out of 5 stars among 114,540 visitors, it’s also one of the highest rated. The exact address of this park is London, UK.

Green Park is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Westminster. This park and top attraction in Westminster has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 21,804 visitors. Visitors usually spend a moment at Green Park creating core memories of the city. This attraction is located at the address of London SW1A 1BW, UK.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Westminster below.