London National Portrait Gallery Tour 3 hr

Step into four centuries of British history through the faces of the people who shaped it. On this three-hour London National Portrait Gallery Tour, an expert guide brings the gallery’s portraits to life, revealing the ambition, intrigue and influence behind each familiar name.

Meet Henry VIII and hear what became of his six wives, then trace the rise and fall of Cardinal Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell at the Tudor court. Continue to the world of Elizabeth I and discover the stories of her favorites, Raleigh and Drake, whose voyages helped establish England’s first colonies. The gallery sits near Trafalgar Square, with Charing Cross and Leicester Square stations about a three-minute walk away. A mobile ticket is provided, and masks and hand sanitizer are available in the vehicle.

The National Portrait Gallery has displayed portraits of historically significant British figures since opening in 1856. Join this London National Portrait Gallery Tour to connect the faces on the walls with the dramatic lives behind them. Check the gallery’s current opening status before you go, as the source notes a planned refurbishment closure.