Is Tate Britain open on public holidays?

Tate Britain is usually open on UK public holidays, including bank holidays. However, the museum is closed from 24th to 26th December.

Do opening hours differ for temporary exhibitions?

Yes, temporary exhibitions at Tate Britain may have different last entry times from the permanent collection. Some exhibitions require timed tickets, which determine your entry slot even during standard museum opening hours.

Is Tate Britain open late on any days?

Tate Britain occasionally offers late opening hours for special exhibitions, events, or seasonal programs. These evening openings are limited and usually announced in advance, making them ideal for quieter, after-hours visits.

When is the least crowded time to visit Tate Britain?

The quietest time to visit Tate Britain is typically weekday mornings, especially between 10am and 12pm. Late afternoons during the week can also be calmer compared to weekends and school holidays.

Are opening hours different for guided tours?

Guided tours usually run within standard opening hours, but they follow fixed start times. Some special or curator-led tours may begin earlier or finish later than general entry, depending on the program.

Can I re-enter Tate Britain on the same day?

Yes, re-entry is generally allowed on the same day, subject to security checks. This makes it easy to step out for lunch or a walk along the Thames and return within the museum’s opening hours.

Tate Britain Opening Hours | Timings & Best Times to Visit in 2026

Tate Britain

Tate Britain opening hours vary by day and special exhibitions, with free gallery entry throughout the day and timed slots for exhibitions, making it easy to plan short visits or longer, unhurried gallery walks.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–18:00	17:30
Tuesday	10:00–18:00	17:30
Wednesday (Today)	10:00–18:00	17:30
Thursday	10:00–18:00	17:30
Friday	10:00–18:00	17:30
Saturday	10:00–18:00	17:30
Sunday	10:00–18:00	17:30

Regular Hours: Open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Last Entry: Final admission is at 5:30pm.
Special Hours/Closures: Closed annually on December 24, 25, and 26. Opening hours may be extended for special events or exhibitions, so check the official website for up-to-date details. Some galleries may close temporarily for exhibition changeovers or maintenance.

Best time to visit the Tate Britain

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekday: For the most peaceful experience, visit on weekday mornings, ideally right at the 10 am opening. Tuesdays to Thursdays are usually the quietest, with fewer visitors and more space to enjoy key highlights, even as crowds begin to build later in the morning.
Weekend: Weekends are busier, particularly between 11 am and 3 pm, with higher visitor numbers in popular galleries and temporary exhibitions. If visiting on a weekend, aim for opening time (10am) or the late afternoon for a more relaxed experience.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Peak Season: Peak season runs from April to August, with higher visitor numbers during Easter, spring breaks, and summer holidays. Expect more families and tourists during this period, particularly on weekends and in popular galleries.
Low Season: The low season, typically January, February, and November, offers a much quieter atmosphere, ideal for relaxed and unhurried visits with fewer crowds throughout the day.
Shoulder Season: Spring and early autumn provide a good balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowd levels, making them some of the best times to visit.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long should I spend at Tate Britain?

1–2 hours

If you have less than two hours, focus on the main highlights: start with the Clore Gallery, continue through the Pre-Raphaelite galleries, and finish with a walk through the Duveen Galleries to experience large-scale British sculptures in an open setting.

3–4 hours

This timeframe allows you to explore Tate Britain properly without rushing. Follow the chronological route from Tudor and Stuart portraiture through Victorian art and the Pre-Raphaelites, then continue into modern British art by artists such as Henry Moore and Francis Bacon.

Half-day (4–5 hours)

A half-day visit lets you explore the entire permanent collection at a relaxed pace. Beyond the highlights, you can spend time with 18th-century British painting and the riverside sculptures outside. This schedule also allows for a café break and a visit to any temporary exhibition on display.