5 free things to do at Tate Britain

Tate Britain’s free collection displays span 500 years of British art. The display rooms are free to enter – and you don’t need a time slot, so you can drop in at any time during opening hours to explore the collection and be inspired.

Artworks are arranged according to time period. In Historic and Early Modern British Art, discover stories of British artists from as far back as the 1500s. Be sure to check out Sir John Everett Millais’s Ophelia (1851-2).

In Modern and Contemporary British Art, you can explore British art from 1940 to today. These displays include modern icons like Barbara Hepworth, Tracey Emin, Zenib Sedira and David Hockney.

Not sure where to start? Have a look at our top 10 art highlights at Tate Britain.

Explore the free collection displays:

Tate Britain is home to the world’s largest free display of paintings by JMW Turner, one of Britain’s most celebrated artists.

JMW Turner is described as the ‘father of modern art’ with his unique brushwork and use of colour. He is perhaps best known for his landscapes of Britain and Europe, his depictions of ships and the sea, and his use of dramatic, atmospheric light.

Eight rooms in Tate Britain are dedicated to exploring his paintings and works on paper. You can visit them all for free, with no need to book a time slot.

Don’t know where to start? Join one of our free guided tours of Tate Britain to explore some highlights of the artworks in Tate’s collection.

All tour guides are volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds, who have fascinating facts and stories to tell.

Tours run most days at 12.00, 13.00 and 14.00. All tours last around 45 minutes and start at the meeting point at the top of the Rotunda Stairs. Check if tours are running on the day by calling +44 (0)20 7887 8888, option 1: 10.00–17.00 daily.

If you’ve been inspired by the art in Tate’s collection, why not explore your own artistic side with Tate Draw – our free interactive drawing desks at Tate Britain.

Using digital sketch pads, you can create your own masterpiece and see it projected on the wall. When you have finished your design, you can save it to your phone or even order a custom T-shirt if you’d like to wear your creation.

The Tate Draw desks are located on the Lower Floor, next to the Djanogly Café.

Family Tours

If you’re coming to Tate Britain with your family, why not join a free Family Tour? Designed to engage little ones with art, Family Tours unpack 2-3 artworks through exploring the senses – such as texture, shape, colour and sound.

Family Tours are suitable for children aged 5-11 years old, last around 30 minutes and begin at 14.30 on selected dates. The meeting point is at the top of the Rotunda Stairs.

Family Spaces

On weekends and during school holidays, visit the Learning Gallery and Manton Studio to discover workshops for families. Check this page to find out what’s on.