Around the corner from the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square is the National Portrait Gallery. As the name suggests this gallery houses a collection of portraits of prominent figures throughout British history.

This makes it one of the most educational galleries in London for it helps to put faces to familiar names. It can also be great fun for kids to see what historical figures looked like, bringing history to life.

Portraits of late 20th century figures are housed on the ground floor, and then you go back in time until you reach the Tudors on the top floor.

Some of the best known portraits include those of Henry VIII (1509-47), Elizabeth I (1558-1603), and the only known portrait of William Shakespeare. More modern figures include Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher and the present royal family.
There are also temporary exhibitions sometimes held in the lower ground floor.

The National Portrait Gallery is open daily but times vary. Entry is free. There are audio guides available and some excellent free lectures.