National Gallery luggage storage

About the National Gallery

The London National Gallery was founded in 1824 and houses a rich collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to the 1900s. Now visited by millions of locals and tourists every year, the gallery's creation was spurred by the British government's purchase of 38 paintings from the heirs of John Julius Angerstein, an insurance broker and patron of the arts. This initial collection was housed in Angerstein's former home in Pall Mall before moving to its current location on Trafalgar Square in 1838. The building, designed by William Wilkins, is a masterpiece in itself, embodying the neoclassical style that complements the artistic treasures within.

The National Gallery's collection spans several centuries of Western European painting, featuring works by illustrious artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Rembrandt. No big deal, right? Notable paintings include Vincent van Gogh's "Sunflowers," Leonardo da Vinci's "The Virgin of the Rocks," and Johannes Vermeer's "The Music Lesson."

Visitors to the National Gallery can also enjoy a range of activities in the vicinity. Trafalgar Square, where the gallery is located, is a historic site worth exploring, with its iconic lion statues, the towering Nelson's Column, and frequent cultural events and performances. Nearby, the bustling streets of Covent Garden offer all the dining, shopping, and entertainment options you could ever need. You'll also be treated to everything from street performers to opera and ballet at the Royal Opera House. For those interested in exploring more art, the National Portrait Gallery is just around the corner.

National Gallery bag policy

First and foremost, any item you bring into the National Gallery could be subject to inspection by security. This includes all bags, packages, suitcases, and other personal items. You're not allowed to bring any bag larger than 56 x 25 x 45 cm into the building at all and wheeled suitcases are expressly prohibited. The only exception relates to strollers and large bags that contain necessary medical supplies or equipment.

The National Gallery does have a cloakroom on Level 0 if you show up with non-wheeled luggage that you need to store. Each bag accepted (must meet the size limitation above) costs £2 and it's the same charge to check your coat. The opening hours of the cloakroom are from 10 am to 5:45 pm every day except Friday when it closes at 8:45 pm instead.

Can I leave my suitcase at the National Gallery?

No, unfortunately, any wheeled suitcases (as is the norm these days) are not allowed to enter the site at all. Only non-wheeled items under 56 x 25 x 45 cm are permitted inside. If you're caught with a wheeled suitcase or cabin bag, stop by any of the Bounce luggage storage locations near the National Gallery, and we can store your items for as long as you need.

Does the National Portrait Gallery have luggage storage?

Yes, but the cloakroom only accepts bags smaller than 56 x 25 x 45 cm. Cabin bags, coats, and umbrellas are all welcome in the cloakroom at a cost of £2.50 for small bags or coats and £5 for large bags or cabin-size suitcases.

How do I find luggage storage near the National Gallery?

The best option is to download the Bounce luggage storage app. Using the app, you can easily find the nearest luggage storage service to your location, and the app will guide you directly there. Bounce can store luggage for as long as you need, and heavy and large bags are not a problem.

Where can I keep my luggage in London?

There are luggage storage options all over the city. Some train stations have storage lockers, but storage space can be at a premium during peak travel periods, and you'll be limited by the size of bag you can store. Opt for a Bounce luggage storage facility near Charing Cross Station if you plan to visit the National Gallery.

How to get to the National Gallery

Charing Cross is the closest station to the gallery (less than five minutes on foot). If you're arriving in London by air, here's how to get to the gallery from the city's major airports:

London Heathrow to the National Gallery

This drive, which is only about 15 miles, can take up to an hour in traffic, so public transportation is a better option. You can do the journey in 45 minutes without the hassle of finding parking. Take the Elizabeth Line from the airport toward Abbey Wood and ride nine stops. Exit at Tottenham Court Road and it's about a ten-minute walk to the gallery from there. The trip will cost around £15.

London Gatwick to the National Gallery

It's about an hour and a half's drive from Gatwick to the gallery by car, and you can complete the journey in under an hour using the Gatwick Express to London Victoria. Then, grab the District Line to Embankment and walk for roughly eight minutes.

London Stansted to the National Gallery

Driving this route will be a little over an hour, which is comparable to the public transport time, although it's a much more pleasant ride when you don't have to drive yourself. Take the Stansted Express to Tottenham Hale, then grab the Victoria Line to Warren Street. Warren Street connects to via the Northern Line, and from the train station, it's a super quick walk.

Things to do near the National Gallery

We've already mentioned that the Portrait Gallery is close to the National Gallery, but here are a few more ideas for what to do in the immediate area:

Stroll through Covent Garden

Exploring the nearby neighborhood of Covent Garden can be as busy or as relaxed as you want. First, the Royal Opera House deserves a walk-by at least. Aside from the performances happening inside, the building itself is just beautiful. Fancy a snack? Head to the Covent Garden Market, with its distinctive 19th-century piazza. Wander through the many stalls selling everything from artisan crafts to gourmet foods.

St. Paul's Church, affectionately known as the Actors' Church, is also in Covent Garden. Designed by the renowned architect Inigo Jones in 1633, it's a solid example of early English Baroque architecture. The charming churchyard garden offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling market nearby.

Lastly, given the neighborhood's connection to the arts, you'll likely stumble upon a street performer or two as you navigate around. Expect everything from acrobatic feats to operatic arias. This lively street theatre certainly creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

How to get to Covent Garden

There is less than half a mile between the National Gallery and Covent Garden, so you can definitely walk here in under ten minutes.

London Transport Museum

Also technically part of Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum deserves its own mention. Chronicling the evolution of London's transport system, this museum was established in 1980 and resides in a Victorian iron and glass building, a former flower market. Visitors can learn all about the development of public transport in the city from the 1800s to the present day. Among its impressive exhibits are the first steam locomotive used on the Metropolitan Railway in 1863, iconic red London buses, and the world-famous London Underground trains. There are restored vehicles, interactive displays, and fascinating stories behind London's pioneering urban transport system, including the evolution of the Tube map and the role of transport during wartime.

How to get to the London Transport Museum

It's simple just walk for about ten minutes along Duncannon Street. Want to save your feet? Multiple buses from Charing Cross will get you there, too.

St Martin-in-the-Fields

St Martin-in-the-Fields, with its striking neoclassical design, was built in 1726 by architect James Gibbs. St Martin's has played a pivotal role in London's social and cultural history for centuries. Known for its commitment to music and the arts, the church regularly hosts concerts, including its beloved free lunchtime recitals. Visitors can explore its beautiful interior, which features a stunning east window and a magnificent organ. The church also houses the Café in the Crypt, offering a unique dining experience beneath its historic vaults. Now that's a memorable meal!

How to get to St Martin-in-the-Fields

Just wander out from the gallery and you'll see this attraction on the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square. You can probably get here on foot in a minute or less.

Luggage storage near the National Gallery

When you need to store luggage anywhere near the National Gallery or Charing Cross, Bounce is the ideal choice. We partner with the best local businesses to offer convenient locations all over the city. BounceShield Protection gives you peace of mind, there are no hidden fees, and our 24/7 customer support is always there to help. Plus, you can easily book luggage storage online using our handy app.

If you have even the smallest interest in art or history, a visit to this gallery is a must. Just remember that when you're looking for National Gallery luggage storage, you don't have to look any further than Bounce!