Planning your visit
Advice for Adult Groups at the Gallery
We welcome adult group visits to the National Portrait Gallery. Please read these guidelines in advance of your visit, discuss them with the members of your group and give a copy to all accompanying leaders to ensure that your visit runs smoothly for you and for other Gallery visitors.
Getting here: The National Portrait Gallery is located opposite the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, north of Trafalgar Square. The nearest Underground stations are Leicester Square and Charing Cross and there is a mainline station at Charing Cross. We regret that there is no parking available at the Gallery. If you are travelling by coach please ask your driver about suitable drop-off and pick-up points. If any member of your group has access requirements please request an access leaflet in advance of your visit.
Group Entrance: Enter via the Main Entrance in St Martin's Place. The ramp access to the Gallery is via the Orange Street entrance for visitors with access requirements.
Signing-in: Visit the Information Desk in the Main Hall. Please have your copy of your confirmation letter with you. Front of House staff will direct you to your gallery rooms or call your Education freelancer to come and meet you if you have booked a talk. Group leaders will be given a badge to wear while in the Gallery so that they are easily identifiable.
Cloakroom: Adult group members may use the public cloakroom, located on the ground floor. As cloakroom space is limited please encourage your group to bring as little as possible. Please note that all valuables are left in the cloakroom at your own risk.
To book a visit contact:
St Martin's Place
London WC2H 0HE
Terms and Conditions: We reserve the right to ask groups who do not respect these conditions to leave the Gallery. When in the Gallery please ensure that your group :
- Are divided into small groups - the maximum permitted per room is 30 people at a time
- Only use the gallery rooms you have booked (please check your confirmation letter)
- Do not eat or drink (including chewing gum) anywhere in the Gallery
- Do not use cameras, tape recorders, video cameras or mobile telephones
- Do not get too close to or touch the artworks
- Do not lecture in a room where a talk is already in progress as loud voices disturb others
- Only use dry art materials
- Do not use stools or materials that have been put out for other groups
- Are prepared to move if requested to do so by a member of the warding staff
- Behave at all times with consideration towards other people visiting the Gallery
Many thanks for your co-operation, we hope that you enjoy your visit.

