Luggage storage at the National Gallery: your 2024 guide
You’ve just arrived at the National Gallery, one of the world’s most famous and beautiful art museums. Perhaps you’ve just left Charing Cross station or been wandering around Trafalgar Square and the City of London. Maybe you want to have a look around this incredible museum and need Luggage storage near the National Gallery.
However, while the National Gallery has a cloakroom, large luggage, and suitcases are not permitted inside. In this case, you’ll need to find some luggage storage alternatives.
In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need about luggage storage at the National Gallery. And left luggage around London in general.
Why use luggage storage near the National Gallery?
If you have large bags or backpacks, it’s important to bear in mind that they might not be permitted inside. The museum has a cloakroom, as most bags aren’t allowed into the gallery. However, the cloakroom does have some specific rules and regulations which may be difficult to keep up with. Firstly, all bags, luggage, etc., can be thoroughly searched by staff on arrival.
Secondly, no bag bigger than 56 x 25 x 45 cm is allowed in the cloakroom. And no large suitcases are permitted in the museum or cloakroom. Furthermore, backpacks and large bags are not allowed in the paid exhibitions and must be stored in the cloakroom. The cloakroom costs £2 per item.
So if you have bags too large for the cloakroom, check another London luggage storage option.
How to find safe luggage storage near the National Gallery
There are many online luggage storage services that allow you to book storage space for your bags in advance. These services typically work with local businesses, such as hotels or shops, to provide storage space. Some popular online luggage storage services include Nannybag, Stasher, and Vertoe. As we’ll explain below, you can compare prices and read reviews to find a safe and affordable option for luggage storage near the National Gallery.
Most London train and bus stations offer lockers where you can store bags for a few hours or a day. Using these lockers is usually a little bit more expensive than other left luggage services. Their availability may also be limited, especially during peak travel times. Be sure to check the opening hours of the lockers before using them. However, they are very secure and convenient.
Most airports offer baggage storage facilities. This can be a convenient option if you need to store luggage before or after a flight. However, airport baggage storage can be quite expensive. Especially if you need to store your bags for an extended period of time. In airports and stations, the Excess Baggage Company runs luggage storage. However, this is quite expensive at £15 per day per bag.
What you must see at National Gallery
The National Gallery in the City of London is home to an incredible collection of art. Spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, it contains many amazing works on display.
If you’re short on time, some of the must-see highlights include:
The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck
This 15th-century masterpiece is one of the most famous works in the gallery’s collection. It’s a stunning portrait of a wealthy couple, filled with intricate details and symbolic meaning. You can spend ages poring over the finer details of this fascinating piece.
Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh
This bright and cheerful painting is a favorite among visitors. It’s a great example of Van Gogh’s use of bold colors and thick brushstrokes. It’s been reproduced countless times, but how cool is it to be able to see the original?
The Hay Wain by John Constable
This iconic landscape painting is a classic example of English Romanticism. It depicts a peaceful scene of rural life along the River Stour. John Constable is one of England’s most loved painters for his idyllic countryside scenes. Even looking at them brings the viewer a feeling of peace and tranquility.
Bacchus and Ariadne by Titian
This dramatic painting tells the story of the Greek god Bacchus and his love for the mortal woman Ariadne. The vibrant colors and dynamic composition make it a must-see, typical of the work of this Renaissance master from Italy.
The Fighting Temeraire by J.M.W. Turner
This piece depicts a famous British warship, the Temeraire, as it’s being towed to its final resting place. It’s a powerful and poignant work that captures the end of an era. That of the height of the British Empire and dominion over the seas.
In truth, though, every wall of this brilliant museum contains works of magic. Rather than head straight for some of the more famous pieces, we advise you to browse it all!
London attractions around National Gallery
Located in Trafalgar Square, there are a huge amount of nearby attractions for you to find. The square itself is undoubtedly somewhere worth wandering around and exploring, with its impressive architecture and iconic monuments. If you haven’t got enough of an art hit, the National Portrait Gallery s right next to the National Gallery! It features a vast collection of portraits from throughout history.
Check out St. Martin-in-the-Fields; this historic church is just a stone’s throw away from the National Gallery. It’s worth a visit for its beautiful architecture and impressive music program.
You can also take a stroll down the Mall. This grand avenue with impressive architecture joins Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace. The home of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic spots in the city. It’s a must-visit location for anyone during their visit to London.
You should also visit the Churchill War Rooms. It’s a bit further away from the National Gallery, but worth the walk or short tube ride. It offers a glimpse into the underground bunkers where Churchill directed British efforts during World War II. You’re also only a short walk away from many iconic central city London spots. Big Ben, Westminster Palace (also known as the Houses of Parliament), Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye are good examples.
Download the best luggage storage app, and book luggage storage near the National Gallery!
Considering this, we believe Nannybag is the best alternative for luggage storage near the National Gallery and all around London.
Nannybag offers a flat rate of £6 per item per day, which is cheaper compared to other left luggage services. Most luggage storage companies like Vertoe have unexpected fees when you book. Nannybag’s transparent and straightforward payment process means you won’t encounter any additional charges. Additionally, Nannybag ensures the safety of your belongings by partnering with trustworthy and legitimate locations that undergo strict security screening. Your items are stored in well-protected storage rooms sealed with biodegradable locks. In the unlikely event of any loss, you have a financial safety net of up to €1000.
Another great thing is that Nannybag’s app and website are user-friendly. Both allow you to find a nearby Nannybag left luggage storage location and reserve a spot quickly and easily. With over 13,000 reviews on TrustPilot and hundreds of reviews on Google, you can see how many travelers have loved using Nannybag luggage storage.
FAQ
Where is the National Gallery?
The National Gallery is located on the north side of Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, in Central London.
What is the nearest tube station?
Charing Cross is the nearest London tube station to the museum, on the Bakerloo and Northern lines. The station is only a couple of minutes away.
Can I leave a suitcase or any other luggage item at the National Gallery?
The cloakroom at the museum only accepts bags smaller than 56 x 25 x 45 cm. They also ask that you don’t bring large suitcases or luggage to the gallery.
How much will I pay for luggage storage near the National Gallery?
Both Vertoe and Nannybag cost around £6 per item for 24 hours, but Nannybag has no hidden fees. Meanwhile, the cloakroom charges £2 per item, but it’s a lot more restrictive.
How much are tickets to the National Gallery
Admission to the National Gallery in London is free. However, some exhibitions may have a fee. It’s always worth checking if you need to book in advance if there’s something specific you want to see. Additionally, donations are welcomed to support the museum’s work.
When is the National Gallery open?
The National Gallery’s opening hours a11am–6 pm every day, but 11 am-9 pm on Friday. On certain public holidays, like Christmas, the museum is also closed.
Check reviews of other travelers as they tell their experience finding their very own luggagehero! Those can be helpful to get more info about storage points where to store a bag or several luggage items. And feel free to hit the comment section with your questions!
Need more London travel tips and hacks?
Check out our other London museum guides! The city won’t have any secrets for you once you do.