National Portrait Gallery

Yes. There are free family trails, sketching stations, and loads of portraits that spark a solid round of “who’s that then?” Kids aged 6–12 love spotting famous faces and making up stories. It’s like a time-travel guessing game with added wigs.

Definitely. Whether they’re into music, activism, fashion or football, they’ll spot people they know – from Stormzy to Shakespeare, or maybe even their favourite YouTuber. It’s British culture, but make it IRL.

Definitely the famous stuff – Sunflowers, The Arnolfini Portrait, and The Fighting Temeraire are all showstoppers. But also look for the quirky things kids love – flying babies, golden halos, and very serious saints with questionable beards. Ask at the front desk for a free kids’ trail map – they’re fab.

Start at the Impressionists – bold colours, swirling skies and recognisable scenes that grab even reluctant viewers. Then reward yourselves with a cake in the café. That’s an art-lover’s day out done right.

Definitely – try the grand staircase, or pose in front of a famous painting (with no flash, of course!). Or go outside and capture yourself against Trafalgar Square for a classic London shot.

Absolutely. Easy to get around, calm, and packed with familiar faces from their schooldays, favourite films, or political milestones. Lots of benches too, so it’s ideal for a gentle cultural wander with the grandkids.

General entry is free and you can just turn up. For special exhibitions, which often have a small charge, it’s best to book ahead – especially during school holidays or weekends.

Yes – it’s step-free and fully accessible with lifts, ramps, baby-changing facilities and quiet spaces if anyone needs time out. There are wheelchairs available to borrow at the front desk too.

Yes, and it’s a good one. The Portrait Café has cakes, coffee, sarnies and lunch boxes for kids. Bonus points: it’s a calming space that rarely gets hectic.

Yes – the Gallery often runs free drop-in workshops, creative sessions, and events during holidays and weekends. Perfect for mini-artists and history buffs in the making.