National Portrait Gallery

Things to do near National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery in London offers a rich array of activities nearby, including delightful theatre performances, vibrant art exhibitions, and exciting shopping experiences. For those seeking adventure, consider visiting amusement rides or the Castle Climbing Centre. Additionally, explore the charming butterfly trail for a unique outdoor experience. The area is brimming with entertainment options, ensuring a memorable visit.

Shopping

Only 1.6km from the National Portrait Gallery, Brunswick Centre offers family-friendly shopping and entertainment. Just 3.2km away, Harrods provides a luxurious shopping experience, while Borough Market, also 3.2km away, buzzes with vibrant city energy and delicious food options.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, a lively sports venue, offers an energetic atmosphere for fans and fitness enthusiasts alike, located 9.7km from the National Portrait Gallery. For a tranquil retreat, visit Hampstead Heath, 6.4km away, where you can unwind amidst nature. The ABBA Arena, 8.0km away, promises a vibrant musical experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 9.7km from the gallery, offering stunning views. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, only 483m away, provides an exhilarating indoor climbing experience. Alternatively, enjoy the excitement of karting at Oasis Go-Kart Track, situated 3.2km from the gallery.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the National Portrait Gallery is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Sondheim Theatre or the Savoy Theatre, both offering a blend of culture and romance. For a cinematic experience, head to Cine Lumiere, perfect for an entertaining evening out.

Find the best attractions near National Portrait Gallery

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or seeking a family-friendly experience, the area around the National Portrait Gallery offers a delightful mix of attractions. Explore the vibrant streets, relax in urban parks, or enjoy the charm of nearby piazzas and squares. There's an abundance of points of interest that cater to diverse interests, ensuring a memorable visit to this iconic London destination.

• Piccadilly Circus: Experience the vibrant energy of Piccadilly Circus, a bustling street adorned with neon lights and surrounded by iconic buildings. It's a perfect spot for people-watching and immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of London's West End.
• Buckingham Palace: Visit the stunning Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Take in the grandeur of its architecture and the beautifully maintained gardens, and don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a quintessentially British tradition.
• Big Ben: Marvel at the iconic Big Ben, the clock tower that has become synonymous with London. Situated beside the Houses of Parliament, its impressive Gothic architecture and the hourly chimes create a truly memorable experience.

Best time to go to National Portrait Gallery

The best time to visit National Portrait Gallery can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around National Portrait Gallery falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around National Portrait Gallery falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly Low
February	41.7°F (5.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	45.0°F (7.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly Low
April	49.5°F (9.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly High
June	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly High
July	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
August	64.6°F (18.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for National Portrait Gallery

For a budget-friendly visit to the National Portrait Gallery, consider travelling during the low season from January to March when prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, ideally on a Sunday for the best rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter hotels by budget and sort by price. Look for package deals that combine flights and hotel bookings for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area and utilise public transport to keep costs down while enjoying your trip.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Portrait Gallery are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around National Portrait Gallery about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around National Portrait Gallery is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around National Portrait Gallery is Wednesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can sort your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels right away. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation near the National Portrait Gallery with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.