See the largest collection of British art from the 1500s to the present day at the Tate Britain’s permanent collections. Here, you can admire artworks by David Hockney, Bridget Riley, and more. Tate Britain is also home to the largest collection of J.M.W. Turner’s artworks.
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How to visit Tate Britain
Tate Britain tickets offer access to the world’s largest collection of British art. While general entry to the permanent collection is free and requires no booking, special exhibitions and expert-led tours require paid tickets.
- Ways to explore: General entry is free for self-guided visits to the permanent galleries. Enhance your visit by booking a 60-minute Discovery Tour led by an art expert or selecting an exhibition-specific ticket.
- Additional access: Standard exhibition tickets provide one-time entry to a specific show, plus access to all free collection displays.
- Queues & access: No queues for the main building; simply walk in. Exhibition tickets are timed for 15-minute slots to manage flow; expect a 5–10 minute wait for security.
- When to book: Popular exhibitions often sell out on weekends. Book online at least 1–2 weeks in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
- Good to know: Bags larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm are prohibited. Most tickets allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled visit.
- Best upgrade: Choose the Discovery Tour to combine the exhibition with a professional narrative that links the exhibit work to the wider British art timeline.
Compare your ticket options
| Ticket type | Entrance used | Lines skipped | Security | Includes | Guide | Why pick this | Cancellation policy | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery Tour | Manton entrance | Ticket line | Mandatory | 1-hour tour + free galleries | Yes | • Covers must-sees in 60 min • Expert live commentary | Free cancellation up to 24h | £20 |
What to expect at Tate Britain
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Enter the home of British art
Begin your journey at the Millbank entrance, where grand neo-classical columns overlook the Thames. Inside, you’ll find 500 years of creativity housed in the world’s most comprehensive collection of British masterpieces, from Tudor portraits to modern icons.
Trace a timeline of genius
Follow the chronological "Walk Through History" route. You’ll encounter the ethereal landscapes of John Constable and the provocative triptychs of Francis Bacon. Don’t miss the Clore Gallery, home to the world’s largest collection of J.M.W. Turner’s light-drenched oils and sketches.
Immersive sensory highlights
A must-see payoff is the Duveen Galleries, the first public spaces in England built specifically for sculpture. Here, massive stone arches frame rotating contemporary commissions, offering a dramatic, high-ceilinged perspective that makes the art feel alive. Plan for about 2 hours for the main route.
Exit through a spiral masterpiece
Conclude your visit at the Rotunda, featuring a stunning spiral staircase that connects the Victorian galleries to the modern lower floor. Before leaving, visit the Tate Shop for unique artist prints or the Djanogly Café for a quintessential British afternoon tea.
Icons and upgrades
Enhance your experience with specialised add-ons like special exhibitions or the guided Discovery Tour, a 1-hour expert-led tour included in specific Tate Britain tickets to unlock hidden stories behind 500 years of art.
Things to know before booking your Tate Britain tickets
Booking window
General admission to the permanent collection is free and does not require a booking. However, for the temporary exhibitions, booking tickets online is highly recommended as weekend slots often sell out 7–10 days in advance.
Entrances & flow
There are two main entrances: the Millbank Entrance (stepped) and the Manton Entrance on Atterbury Street (step-free ramp). All visitors must pass through security; wait times are usually minimal (5–10 minutes) but can increase during blockbuster exhibitions.
What’s included
A standard exhibit ticket includes access to the specific paid show, plus the entire permanent collection, including the J.M.W. Turner galleries. It does not include entry to other separate paid exhibitions or guided tours.
Ways to explore
The 1-hour Discovery Tour provides an expert-led introduction to 500 years of British art highlights, such as works by Constable and Bacon. These tours are distinct from exhibition tickets and do not include entry to paid shows.
Accessibility
Tate Britain is fully wheelchair accessible via the Manton Entrance. Visitors with disabilities are eligible for concessionary pricing and can book a complimentary ticket for a personal assistant or essential companion to accompany them.
Policies
Tickets for paid exhibitions are timed-entry; you must arrive within your 15-minute window. Most tickets are flexible and offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit, providing a full refund if your travel plans change.
See more, learn more
While general admission to the gallery is free, the best way to experience the world’s greatest collection of British art is with Tate Britain tickets for a guided tour, providing the rich context that solo visits often miss.
What to do at Tate Britain
Galleries at Tate Britain
Must-see artworks at Tate Britain
Woman (foreground); Triptych August 1972 (background)
by Henry Moore OM; by Francis Bacon (Room 23)
Plan your visit to Tate Britain
Visitor tips and guidelines
- Best time to visit: Weekday mornings (especially Tuesday–Thursday) are the quietest times. Late Friday afternoons can also be less crowded, particularly after 4pm. To avoid lines, buy exhibition tickets for the earliest or latest slots – the 10am and 4:30pm slot gives you more space and time inside the show.
- Use the riverside entrance: The Millbank riverside entrance (facing the Thames) is often much quieter than the Atterbury Street entrance, especially on weekends or during popular exhibitions. It also offers a direct path into the main rotunda and Duveen Galleries.
- Navigating the galleries: Ask at the front desk for a free floor plan, or download the Tate app for navigation and audio guides. Use the Rotunda staircase near the main entrance for quick access to the upper and lower levels—it’s faster and less crowded than the lifts.
- Don’t miss the highlights: One of the largest collections of J.M.W. Turner paintings in the world can be found in the Clore Gallery. The Art Now changing exhibition space often showcases emerging British artists and is located near the Millbank entrance. The Duveen Galleries often feature major sculpture installations and are situated in the central hall.
- Start at Clore Gallery: Most visitors head straight to the main halls, skipping the Clore Gallery, which houses Turner's work. Start here right when it opens to enjoy his watercolours and oils in peace. The lighting is specially designed for Turner’s delicate works — less crowded and more atmospheric in the morning.
- Look for artworks on loan: Check labels for "On loan from..." as they often highlight major private or rare works. It also often means the artwork is on temporary view from a private collection and won’t be seen again soon.
- Duveen Galleries are best viewed empty: The central sculpture hall is most striking when it’s quiet. Arrive right at opening (10am) or during lunchtime lulls (1–2pm) for the best experience, especially if there’s a large-scale sculpture installation.
- Check the "What's On" board: This board in the Main Hall shows real-time updates on tours, talks, pop-up performances, and family activities — some of which are not advertised online or are added last minute.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tate Britain tickets
While entry to Tate Britain is free, you still have to pay to access the exhibitions.
No. Your exhibition tickets are timed, so you can enter within the 15-min time slot you choose at checkout. You cannot enter before your chosen time slot. However, you can stay however long as you like until the gallery closes.
Yes, you can buy exhibit tickets on the day of your visit. However, these are subject to availability, so we recommend that you buy them online beforehand.
No, re-entry to the exhibition is not permitted. You will need to buy another ticket to enter the exhibition again.
Exhibitions are the most crowded on weekends and between 11am and 3pm on weekdays. In addition, the final two weeks of an exhibition are the busiest. If you would like to avoid crowds, it is best to avoid these days and times.
Tate Britain focuses on British art from 1500 to today, while Tate Modern (across the river) showcases international modern and contemporary art. Both are part of the Tate network and offer distinct, world-class experiences.
