Gallery Explorer: The National Gallery Children’s Art Tour

If you’re looking for an activity that combines education, fun, and a bit of creativity during your visit to London, the Gallery Explorer: The National Gallery Children’s Art Tour might just be what you need. While I haven’t experienced it myself, I’ve read plenty of reviews and details that make it clear this is a well-thought-out way to introduce young visitors (and their families) to some of the world’s most celebrated artworks.

What really caught my eye is the balanced approach—it’s not just about standing in front of paintings and listening to a guide drone on. Instead, it offers hands-on sketching activities and stories behind the art, making it engaging for both kids and adults. Plus, with a knowledgeable Blue Badge Guide and a small group size, it feels intimate and personalized, which is often key for a meaningful experience.

One possible consideration is the duration—just an hour, which is perfect for younger attention spans but might leave some craving more if they’re particularly enthused. Also, note that exhibition entry costs are not included—the tour is primarily about the guided exploration and activities, not the additional exhibits inside.

Overall, I think this tour suits families with children aged 5-12 who want a relaxed, educational outing that sparks curiosity without feeling rushed or overly formal. It’s also a good choice for those who prefer a small group experience and appreciate a knowledgeable guide to bring the art to life.

Key Points

• Family-friendly experience with activities suitable for a wide age range.
• Expert guidance from an accredited Blue Badge Guide ensures engaging storytelling.
• Hands-on sketching helps children and adults connect more deeply with the artworks.
• Small group size (limited to 10 participants) offers a more personalized experience.
• Cost-effective at $30 per person, including all materials and general admission.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows full refunds if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

What’s Included and What’s Not?

For $30, you’re getting a lot—guided tour, admission to the National Gallery, and all necessary sketching materials. The tour lasts about an hour, which is a decent length to keep children engaged. You won’t have to worry about lugging around supplies, as everything is provided; the focus can be on the art and having a good time.

However, it’s worth noting that exhibition entry fees are not included. If your family wants to explore specific exhibits beyond the main collection, you’ll need to buy tickets separately. Also, food and drinks are not included, so plan to grab a snack before or after the tour.

Meeting Point & Accessibility

The meeting point is at the Sainsbury Wing entrance on Trafalgar Square, a central and easy-to-find location. After security screening (which is standard at the Gallery), you’ll head upstairs to Level 2 where your guide will be waiting with a yellow badge. The process is straightforward, and the setup makes it easy for families to find each other.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is great if you’re traveling with someone who needs mobility support. Small groups (max 10) make the experience more manageable and less overwhelming for children.

The Itinerary and Highlights

The tour takes you through over 700 years of art at the Gallery, giving a broad overview of the evolution of painting styles and themes. The guide will share stories behind the masterpieces—think of magical myths and faraway lands—which help make the art more relatable and memorable.

A key feature is the up-close examination of paintings—children (and adults) will love hearing about tiny brushstrokes and splashes of colour, which often surprise viewers. The guide’s storytelling style is praised for being both informative and engaging.

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Hands-On Activities

The true bonus here is the sketching part. Kids and adults are encouraged to create their own art inspired by the works they see. All materials are provided, making it a stress-free way to get creative. From one review, we learn that these activities aren’t just tack-ons—they genuinely help visitors connect to the art and remember what they saw.

The activities are designed to be fun and accessible, so even children who are new to drawing can participate confidently. The focus isn’t on perfect art but on exploring creativity and having fun.

What Visitors Say

Multiple reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides—they make the stories compelling and keep the group engaged without rushing. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the guide brought the paintings to life with stories and jokes,” which shows how a great guide enhances the experience.

Others appreciated the stunning views of the artworks and the relaxed atmosphere—no long lectures, just enough time to explore and ask questions. The small group setting makes it easier to hear and participate, which is appreciated by families and individuals alike.

Potential Drawbacks

While many rave about the guide and the activities, some mention that the hour can feel short, especially if you’re particularly taken with certain paintings or want more time to sketch. If you’re an art enthusiast or traveling with a group that enjoys a deeper dive, you might find it a bit limited.

Also, if you’re hoping to see specific exhibitions, keep in mind that entry to special exhibitions isn’t included or guaranteed with this tour. It focuses on the main collection and the guided experience rather than access to all parts of the Gallery.

Is It Worth It?

Given the price point and what’s included, this tour offers good value—especially considering the expert guidance and all materials included. For families or groups wanting a relaxed, engaging introduction to the National Gallery, it’s a smart choice.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience shines for families with children aged 5-12 who want an interactive and educational outing without it feeling like a school trip. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy art stories and want to try their hand at drawing in a supportive environment.

If you’re visiting London and want a calm, well-organized activity that combines culture, creativity, and expert insight, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially helpful if you’re cramming in multiple sights but still want to give your kids a meaningful experience.

If you’re an art lover craving a more comprehensive or in-depth exploration, this might not satisfy your curiosity fully—but it’s a perfect introductory experience.

The Gallery Explorer: The National Gallery Children’s Art Tour balances education, fun, and artistry in a way that makes art accessible and enjoyable for all ages. The knowledgeable guide, stunning artworks, and hands-on sketching make it more than just a walk-through—it’s a chance to connect with art personally.

The small group size and inclusive approach mean that everyone feels involved, and the flexibility to cancel makes it a low-risk option if your plans change. While it might feel a tad brief for some, the overall quality and focus on creativity give it a solid edge for families and curious travelers.

If you’re after a relaxed, engaging introduction to London’s artistic treasures, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Is the tour suitable for children under 5?
While designed primarily for kids aged 5-12, children of younger or older ages are welcome. Just keep in mind that the focus is on engaging storytelling and activities suitable for that age range, so very young children might need extra supervision.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a manageable and engaging experience for children and busy visitors.

Are the materials for sketching provided?
Yes, all necessary sketching supplies are included in the tour fee, so you don’t need to bring anything extra.

Do I need to pay for entry to the galleries?
The tour includes free general admission to the National Gallery, but entry to specific exhibitions isn’t covered and requires separate tickets.

Is the tour accessible for mobility-impaired visitors?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and the meeting point is easy to reach within the Gallery.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

If you’re after a family-friendly way to get inspired by art and create some sketches yourself, the National Gallery Children’s Art Tour offers a warm, friendly, and creative experience that makes the most of London’s iconic art collection.

You can check availability for your dates here: