Are you visiting the National Gallery and wondering what their left-luggage policy is? The museum is in Central London and among the top ten most-visited art museums worldwide. Knowing what to expect, including luggage storage options and nearby hotels, will improve your experience. Read on to find out all this information and more when planning a day at the National Gallery.
About the National Gallery
The National Gallery was founded in 1824. It is an art museum housing over 150,000 paintings, decorative arts, sculptures, prints, photographs, and drawings. Admissions to view the main art collection is free since it is for the British public. The museum also hosts special exhibits, free public programs, and free daily guided one-hour tours. If you get hungry during your visit, there are on-site food and drink locations, including four cafés and an espresso and gelato bar.
Located in Westminister city in Central London, the National Gallery is near plenty of must-visit attractions. For example, it’s to the north of Trafalgar Square. This historically significant public square has statues and iconic water fountains. Other attractions such as Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace are also within walking distance.
National Gallery Bag Policy
The National Gallery bag policy limits bags entering the museum to a maximum size of 56 x 25 x 45 cm for safety and security reasons. If you agree to an inspection, the Gallery will allow the following items:
- Baby buggies
- Oversized bags with equipment for baby care or nursing
- Oversized bags with necessary medical equipment
The policy prohibits you from entering with:
- Luggage, such as suitcases
- Bicycles
- Adult scooters
National Gallery Cloakroom
The National Gallery has a cloakroom located at its Sainsbury Wing entrance for bag storage. However, there are restrictions and a fee of £2 per bag or coat. The bag cannot exceed 56 x 25 x 45 cm in dimensions. Staff will also examine them before accepting items.
Typically, the Gallery won’t allow oversized items, adult scooters, and folding bicycles. The Gallery also doesn’t accept any liability for damage or loss of anything left in their cloakrooms. Cloakroom hours are:
- 10 am to 5:45 pm daily
- 10 am to 8:45 pm on Fridays
National Gallery Luggage Storage Nearby
With so much to do in the Trafalgar Square area, it’s completely understandable you want to be free of luggage or oversized belongings. Since the National Gallery doesn’t allow bags larger than standard backpack sizes inside or in their cloakroom, you’ll want to find a different solution.
Nearby Left-Luggage Facilities
One of the closest left-luggage facilities to the National Gallery is the office at Charing Cross station. You must seal and contain your bags and have no extruding articles. The facility will not accept fragile items, jewellery, and anything deemed hazardous. Prices range as follows depending on how long you store your items:
- £7.5 for up to 3 hours
- £12.5 for up to 24 hours
- £20 for up to 48 hours
- £27.5 for up to 72 hours
- £7.5 per day after 72 hours
Alternative Luggage Storage Option
Do you want a secure and convenient alternative to left-luggage facilities? Consider booking a StashPoint online for your National Gallery luggage storage option. For a flat fee of £6 per day, there are locations only 3 minutes away. You’ll also get free insurance of up to £1,000 per item for added peace of mind.
The booking process is fast and easy. Simply:
- Use the search bar or the “Near Me Now” button to find a StashPoint near you.
- Select your approximate drop-off and pick-up time.
- Book online.
- Receive an immediate booking confirmation email with directions to your StashPoint.
Most of the StashPoints are open 24/7 and 7 days a week. Furthermore, there are locations near the Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus, and Leicester Square stations by the National Gallery.
National Gallery Transportation
First off, the National Gallery doesn’t have a public parking facility. Second, the street park nearby is limited on Madison Drive and the 4th Street Plaza. So, the best way to get there is through public transportation.
Nearby train stations include Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus, and Leicester Square. Charing Cross is only a 2-minute walk to the Gallery. You can also take:
- Metrorail: the closest stop is Archives-Navy Memorial–Penn Quarter on the Green and Yellow lines
- Metrobus: with stops along 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW
- Circulator Bus: along the National Mall route
- Capital Bikeshare: with a station at 4th Street and Madison Drive, NW
Hotels Near the National Gallery
Sometimes one day in the Trafalgar Square area isn’t enough. You might want to spend the night visiting all the nearby attractions or eating at one of London’s best restaurants. So, why not get the most of your visit to Westminster city? Stay in one of these accommodations within walking distance of the National Gallery.
Citypads Leicester Square – Closet
Although not quite a hotel, the Citypads Leicester Square serviced apartments are a fun alternative and only a 2-minute walk to the National Gallery. They have family duplexes, studio rooms, and more you can book, including rooms with a patio area. Additionally, they offer free WiFi and are pet-friendly.
Page8 – Highly Rated
If you want a luxury hotel experience, consider booking at Page8. Guests have highly rated this 4.5-star hotel and it’s only a 3-minute walk to the National Gallery. Additionally, they have free WiFi, multiple dining areas, and room rates with breakfast included.
London Covent Garden Hotel – Budget Option
The London Coven Garden Hotel – hub by Premier Inn is a budget-friendly option to consider. It’s only a 4-minute walk to the National Gallery. Their rooms come with free WiFi and a smart TV. The hotel is also located in the heart of Theatreland near plenty of restaurants and bars.
Our recommended StashPoint is just a 3-minute walk from the National Gallery and prices start from just £6 ―without exceeding an extra £6 for any additional day. Click here to find out more.