You don’t need to be an art expert to enjoy a good gallery. Honestly, you don’t even need to know the names of famous painters. Sometimes it’s just nice to walk around, look at beautiful (or strange) things, and take a break from the noise outside.
London is packed with art galleries. Some are huge and famous. Others are tucked away and a bit quieter. Most of them are free, which makes them perfect when you’re bored, broke, or just fancy doing something different.
Here’s a bunch of art galleries in London you really should visit at least once—whether you’re local or just passing through.
The National Gallery
Right in Trafalgar Square, smack in the centre of the city. The National Gallery is one of those places you’ve definitely walked past, even if you’ve never been inside. And if you haven’t been inside—go. It’s free.
This place has all the big names: Van Gogh, Monet, da Vinci, Turner… It’s like walking through a history book, but without anyone quizzing you at the end. You can wander at your own pace and stare at old paintings until your brain feels full.
Opening hours and what’s currently showing are up on the National Gallery website.
Tate Modern
Tate Modern is the one your mate who “does art” always talks about. It’s in a giant old power station by the Thames. The building itself is worth seeing even if you don’t care much about what’s inside.
But what’s inside is actually brilliant. It’s modern art, so some of it will confuse you, some will amaze you, and at least one thing will make you say, “I could’ve done that.” But that’s kind of the point. It makes you feel things.
If you want to know what’s on, check out the Tate Modern site. Go upstairs for the views—trust me.
Tate Britain
This one’s like Tate Modern’s more grown-up sibling. It’s quieter, calmer, and full of British art—Turner, Blake, Hockney, and others whose names might ring a bell from school.
The building itself is lovely. It’s peaceful, even when it’s busy. A great place to just get lost in your thoughts for a while.
They’ve got more info on Tate Britain’s website, including current exhibitions and cool little events you’d probably never hear about otherwise.
The Saatchi Gallery
Found in Chelsea (yes, the posh bit), the Saatchi Gallery does things a bit differently. It’s mostly focused on contemporary art, which means newer stuff from artists who are still alive and kicking.
You never really know what you’re going to see until you get there. Sometimes it’s paintings. Sometimes it’s a room full of floating shoes or a wall made of toast. It can get weird, but that’s part of the fun.
Want to see what they’ve got going on now? The Saatchi Gallery website will tell you.
The Courtauld Gallery
This place is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s inside Somerset House, which already looks like a film set, so that’s a bonus. The Courtauld has a smaller collection than the big galleries, but it’s full of quality.
You’ll find works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Gauguin… you get the idea. It’s got a quiet, reflective vibe. Plus, it was recently redone, so everything feels fresh.
Check out what’s on at the Courtauld Gallery site.
Whitechapel Gallery
If you’re already hanging around East London, Whitechapel Gallery is worth stopping in. It’s been around forever and was one of the first places to show Picasso’s Guernica in the UK.
The exhibitions are usually bold, political, or just plain unexpected. There’s a great little café too, so even if you don’t “get” the art, you can still enjoy a strong coffee and a nice cake.
See what’s currently showing at Whitechapel Gallery.
The Wallace Collection
This one feels like a step back in time. It’s in a fancy old townhouse near Oxford Street (yes, really), and it’s full of 18th-century paintings, furniture, and a ton of fancy gold frames.
It’s got a bit of a posh museum feel to it—but not in a bad way. You’ll see paintings by Rubens and Rembrandt, and there’s a courtyard café that’s perfect for tea and people-watching.
Want to have a nose? Here’s the Wallace Collection site.
Dulwich Picture Gallery
If you like the idea of going somewhere slightly off the beaten track, head south to Dulwich. The Dulwich Picture Gallery is the oldest public art gallery in the country, which is a pretty cool fact to drop into conversation.
The collection’s not massive, but it includes work by Rembrandt and Canaletto. It’s just a really nice place to spend an hour or two. There’s a garden, a peaceful vibe, and it’s never too crowded.
Here’s where to find more info: Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Hayward Gallery
If you’re into bold, edgy stuff, head to the Hayward Gallery at Southbank Centre. It’s not your usual gallery. They put on shows that make you feel things—sometimes excitement, sometimes confusion, sometimes just pure curiosity.
This place doesn’t play it safe. Expect big ideas, big installations, and occasionally big queues.
Want to see what’s up next? Hayward Gallery has you covered.
Serpentine Galleries
There are two Serpentine Galleries—both in Kensington Gardens, near Hyde Park. One is a historic building. The other is modern and a bit shiny.
They’re small spaces, but they always manage to pull in really big artists. If you go in summer, check out the annual pavilion—they build a new one each year, and it’s usually wild.
To see what’s on, check the Serpentine Galleries website.
So… Why Locomote?
Because art is good for your head. That’s it. You don’t need to understand everything. Just go and look. Let your brain wander. Some stuff will make you smile. Some will make you think. Some might annoy you. But you’ll never leave feeling like you wasted your time.
Also—most of these places are free. Which means you can walk in, look at something from 500 years ago, then leave without spending a penny.
Final Word
London has some of the best art galleries in the world. You can spend a whole weekend bouncing from one to the next and still not see everything.
But that’s the joy of it. You don’t have to rush. Pop into one next time you’re near. Stay ten minutes or two hours. Bring a friend or go solo. Grab a coffee after. It’s your day, your way.
And who knows—you might even discover a new favourite artist (or at least get a cracking photo for your feed).
