If you are planning a trip to London, then visiting Tate Modern should be high on your list. This guide will cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Tate Modern is one of London’s most iconic and visited attractions. Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, directly opposite the Millennium Bridge, this converted power station is world-renowned for showcasing incredible modern art collections.
Why Visit Tate Modern?
Tate Modern is the UK’s national museum of modern and contemporary art. With a vast collection featuring works by Picasso, Warhol, Hockney, Rothko, and many more, the museum offers a fascinating journey through 20th- and 21st-century art.
The Turbine Hall is a vast, industrial space which hosts large-scale installations. The Turbine Hall entrance is around the right hand side of the building, just next to the Corner café. This entrance has the Wow factor rather than the smaller entrance opposite the Millennium Bridge.
Most of the galleries are free to visit, with just a few that you will need to pay to enter. You can of course becoming a member, which gives you access to the member-only café and restaurant.
It is very family friendly. As it’s an industrial space, it is quite noisy. There is no need to speak in hushed tones and there are plenty of spaces for your children to explore. During the school holidays, there are always activities put on to entertain. Tate Draw is a permanent gallery where children (and you!) can create digital art and see it displayed instantly on the walls.
Another reason to visit Tate Modern is for the view. In my opinion, it has one of the best views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames. You can see them from many viewpoints in the galleries, but the best view is from the Espresso Bar, right at the top. There is a balcony outside the café which gives you the best view.
Location
Tate Modern is right on the South bank of the River Thames. To make a day trip out of your visit, you can take a River Boat from the pier just outside all the way to Tate Britain, it’s sister art gallery. If that’s too much Art in one day, then I would thoroughly recommend combining your visit with a walk across the pedestrianised Millennium Bridge to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral. You can easily fit both in one day, or just a morning if you’re an early bird. Equally, you could visit the Globe Theatre next door or walk 10 minutes to visit Borough Market.
Read more: Top Tips for Visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral
Getting To Tate Modern
It is an easy 20 minute walk from London Bridge Rail and Tube Station. I would allow plenty of time as there are many places to stop and have an explore on your way. It is one of my favourite walks as you pass the remains of Winchester Palace and the Golden Hinde replica.
The closest train station is actually Blackfriars however, just a few hundred metres away. The station is actually on the Blackfriars Bridge itself.
There is no car park and no parking facilities in the local area. Public transport is the best way of getting here.
The most fun way to arrive is to catch a River Boat. The Bankside Pier is a couple of minutes walk away, just by the Globe Theatre. This can take you in either direction and is perfect for travelling towards more central London via the Embankment Pier just by Charing Cross.
You can take a boat directly to the sister gallery, Tate Britain. The Tate to Tate service (RB2) runs every 30 minutes.
Read more: Best apps to plan your journey around London
Opening Hours
It is open every day, Monday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Take note that the last entry is 5.30pm
Tickets
No tickets are required and you don’t have to book a timed slot. If you want to see a specialist exhibition then I would recommend buying a ticket and booking your timed entry slot beforehand.
Read more: What’s On at Tate Modern
Toilets
There are plenty of toilets everywhere.
Eating and Drinking
It is worth visiting Tate Modern for the restaurant and café alone. The views are incredible. The coffee (and hot chocolate) from the 10th floor Espresso Bar were superb. I didn’t eat at the restaurant, but you can just sit at the bar area for a cold drink or cocktail without eating any food.
There are other café’s available along with a bar on the ground floor. There are two members only places to eat and drink too.
Outside, between the River Thames and Tate Modern are gardens with a picnic area. On the corner of the building is a cafe and bar with seating outside.
Accessibility
It is extremely accessible. You can hire a wheelchair and mobility scooter. Check out the website for booking these by email or phone. The galleries and corridors are all wide and flat with lifts for every floor.
Top Tips for visiting Tate Modern
- Visit early or late in the day to avoid peak crowds. During the week, this will help you also avoid school groups who visit here frequently.
- Book Exhibition tickets in advance if you particularly want to see one. You can just turn up and pay if it’s not too busy.
- Don’t forget to take in the views, you will need to walk over the bridge and take the lift to the restaurant and café.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will do a lot of walking!
- Don’t miss the gift shop. It is full of fantastic souvenirs and art-themed items.
