The National Gallery holds the national collection of Western European painting from the 13th to the early 20th century, including works by Van Gogh, Turner, Vermeer and Leonardo da Vinci. Its own visiting page states plainly that “The National Gallery is free to visit” and that general admission is free with donations welcome.

Anyone can visit – there is no residency test, no membership and no need to be a UK taxpayer. Only a handful of major temporary exhibitions carry a separate charge; everything in the permanent collection is included.

Just turn up during opening hours in Trafalgar Square and walk in. Booking is not required for general admission, although checking the opening times page before travelling is sensible as gallery closures do happen.