National Portrait Gallery

Just spent several hours enjoying the National Portrain Gallery. This is a great place to gain a comprehensive look of the Kings and Queens of England, along with other notable historical figures. I suggest starting on the top, then moving down, which follows the flow of the years in which they were painted. Two important hints that the guidebooks won't tell you. Don't get the audio tour- while it is very informative and has some nice voice clips and background information, it isn't necessary. There is sufficient information next to each portrait to have an idea of the person's significance. Secondly, don't miss the only portrait of Jane Austen, which is quite easy to skip. It is tiny, and in a poorly lit case (to protect it from the light). I saw many people walk right by it without noticing, only looking at the larger portraits on the walls. To find the current locations of this portrait, and some of the other famous ones, either look it up beforehand on the web, or look it up on the computers at the museum- the map will not tell you!

The museum is full of several floors of all kinds of paintings and art and is most interesting, as well as a respite when you're tired of walking in the hot outdoors. The cafe at the top of the museum I cannot comment on, because we sat there for 30 minutes before finally leaving while nobody came to take our order.

The National Portrait Gallery is just a stone"s throw from Trafalgar Square and houses a superb collection of portraits. A wonderful setting to while away a few hours - from the Bronte Sisters to Jane Austen (tiny so do not blink or else you will miss it ;)), from George IV to Winston Churchill, Elizabeth I to the Duke of Wellington.....

Admission is free (there may be a charge for special exhibitions) and you can rest your feet at the Portrait Cafe and browse the gift or book shop.

Highly recommended!