7 Art Galleries Outside of London That You Need to Visit
The UK is quite rightly regarded as a mecca for arts and culture, with a plethora of world-class art galleries located principally in our progressive capital. But venture outside of London, and you’ll soon find that an entire world of art and culture exists far beyond Zone 2. That’s right – though the Tate and National Portrait Gallery may be beautiful hubs of modern art, the rest of the UK is putting up some stiff competition.
For a cultured day out, we’ve hand-picked some of the very best UK art galleries that aren’t located in London, perfect when exploring a new place on your short break adventure!
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a unique art gallery. Not traditionally housed within a grand building, this gallery takes to the fields, displaying it’s art over 500 acres of Yorkshire countryside.
- Over 100 sculptures by major artists from Henry Moore to Andy Goldsworthy
- 400,000 visitors per year.
- Free admission
Turner Contemporary, Margate
A world-famous gallery, the Turner Contemporary combines both history and art within its walls. Built as a catalyst for the regeneration of the town of Margate, the gallery is now one of the most well-known in the UK.
- The gallery displays contemporary art.
- 500,000 visitors per year.
- Free admission.
MK Gallery, Milton Keynes
The MK Gallery in Buckinghamshire is undergoing a huge renovation at the moment. However, public events will continue during the construction, so there’s still plenty to enjoy in this gallery that’s just half an hour from London.
- The gallery showcases modern artists such as Andy Warhol, alongside a display of the experience of living in the city.
- 30,000 visitors a year
- Free Admission
Beatrix Potter Gallery, Ambleside
A little slice of literary history is contained within this rather special art gallery. The Beatrix Potter Gallery in Ambleside is a National Trust property, protected for its connections to the prolific author of the Peter Rabbit books. And with 2016 being the year of the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter, there’s never been a better time to visit.
- The gallery includes exhibitions of Potter’s own drawings and watercolours.
- 45,000 visitors per year.
- Admission Adult £8.50. Child £4.25 Families £21.25
Tate St. Ives, Cornwall
Located in Cornwall, the Tate St. Ives is the partner gallery to it’s world famous companion, Tate Modern, in London. Explore how West Cornwall has inspired and welcomed artists for over 100 years. Alfred Wallis, Marlow Moss, Barbara Hepworth, Partou Zia, Bob Law, and other artists are among the featured artists. The current exhibition is by Ad Minoliti.
- 240,000 visitors per year.
- Admission £10.50. Concessions £9.50.
Victoria Art Gallery, Bath
The Victoria Art Gallery in Bath is housed within a Grade Two Listed Building, and was given it’s royal name to celebrate Queen Victoria’s sixty year reign on the throne.
- Over 1,500 pieces of art including displays of British oil paintings from artists such as Walter Sickert and Thomas Gainsborough.
- 92,000 visitors per year.
- Admission free. Exhibitions under £7.
Brighton Art Gallery and Museum
The Brighton Museum and Art Gallery is located in the Royal Pavilion Garden, which sits right at the heart of Brighton’s cultural centre. It was originally built as stables for George IV.
- Current exhibitions include ‘Goal Power! Womens Football 1894 – 2022’.
- 260,000 visitors per year.
- Admission: £7.50 for adults, £3.60* for children (5-18), £11-£18.50* for families. (*contact venue for full details)
