The Younger sibling of the National Gallery just up the road, focuses – yes, you’ve guessed it – on portraiture. Its various galleries include paintings, sculptures, miniatures, drawings, pastels and photography, spanning British history. As a starting point, its four Regency Galleries cover Britain’s history from the start of the French Revolution to the Great Reform Act in 1832, featuring portraits of the monarchs King George III, George IV and William IV and iconic figures such as the Duke of Wellington, Admiral Nelson, Napoleon Bonaparte, Jane Austen and William Wordsworth.

Why should I go there?

There are a host of galleries to look a

t, including the Ondaatje Wing, The Balcony Gallery and the Tudor Gallery. It’s not just old stuff – you can see all sorts of modern pieces too, such as Pop Art and modern photography. The Gallery stays open until 9.00pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and there are regular temporary exhibitions. Visiting is a great chance to see some of Britain’s great characters across the ages, and contemplate artists’ interpretations of them.

Where is the gallery?

It’s at St Martin's Place near Trafalgar Square. The nearest tubes are Charing Cross and Leicester Square.

Homepage address

http://www.npg.org.uk