Tate Britain houses one of the best collections of British art up to the 20th century. The most contemporary art is located at its sister gallery, Tate Modern. If you want to see both galleries, there is a boat service which takes you between the two.This was our second visit to Tate Britain, so this time we only visited the special exhibit and some of our old favourites. There is no charge to view the permanent collection. For the special exhibit, the admission was £7.50 for a family of four.The special exhibit, entitled Gothic Nightmares, featured the works of Henry Fuselli and William Blake both painters of the romantic movement in art. The exhibit brilliantly displays the influence of the romantic movement on belief in the supernatural, the increased awareness of psychology and the emphasis on extreme emotions both in art and in every day life. The final room of the exhibit showed how the influence continues today in stories and films about Dracula and Frankenstein. It was even apparent in some of the teenage viewers at the exhibit who were dressed in Goth clothing.We had seen the rest of the permanent collection which includes some of the most important and historical works of British art such as Reynolds, Gainsborough, Constable, Van Dyck and Hogarth. Our favourites were the paintings of Turner. Tate Britain has the most extensive collection of Turners anywhere. His paintings are throughout the gallery in the various themed rooms but also includes a number of rooms devoted only to him. One of my favourites is the room of his unfinished paintings which showed how he worked layer by layer.Tate Britain is a very viewer friendly gallery. The information area at the front entrance has a helpful staff, access to the online collection and numerous pamphlets which not only show the floor plan but have suggestions for viewing if, for example, you have never been to Tate Britain before, or if you want to see the most famous works or if you would like to see yellow or blue art.And when your feet are tired, you can stop for a bite at either the cafe or restaurant in the basement. I particularly like the restaurant with its wall mural depicting an idyllic English countryside.

The most famous Tate gallery is the Tate Modern, but the collection is actually made of four different galleries, two of which are in London. Unlike most major sites in London, the Tate Britain is on the south side of the Thames. It is a bit of a walk from the nearest Tube stop (Pimlico), but there are also busses that stop just outside the museum. The galleries house, as you'd expect, all art from British artists.

Although the Tate Britian is not one of the most well-known or popular art galleries in London, its collection was probably my personal favorite. The first time I visited, it took me a while to find an entrance (I later found out that the front of the building faces the Thames, while most forms of public transportation leave you at the back), and I didn't know where I was supposed to start my visit. In this museum, though, that wasn't a problem. Each gallery or group of galleries is self-contained, yet transitions between the sections are fluid. In other words, it's easy to wander around and not feel lost but see plenty of what the museum has to offer.

What the collection does house are large numbers of works from British artists, big and small. Unlike galleries, which feature one or two pieces from major artists, here you can see multiple works and start to get a feel for their styles. After seeing their works here, I was able to identify Turners, Joseph Wrights, and others when I saw them in other galleries. My personal favorites were some of the pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood works, which use vibrant colors and tell stories of the British and world history. I especially fell in love with J.E. Millais, whose statue stands outside the museum. There is also plenty of modern art in a setting that isn't as intimidating as the Tate Modern. The great thing about the Tate Modern is that it is specialized enough not to be overwhelming, but also diverse enough not to be boring.

This is the Grand Dame of British Art, displaying work from 1500 to the present. Until recently the galleries housed both British art and a 20th C international collection which has since moved to the Tate Modern, (the next stop on your tour?).

The collection is displayed thematically and you may wander through a series of interconnecting rooms. 'Private Lives', for example, affords a glimpse into domestic British interiors by a number of painters from 1900 - 1920 and 'Modern Art and Tradition' explores Britain’s cultural heritage. There are also rooms devoted to single influential artists which change from time to time. Most works have informative plaques alongside in English and there are introduction pieces giving social and historical settings at the entrance to each room. You can hire an audio guide and there is an excellent shop selling the usual arty paraphernalia.

If the Turner prize (Britain’s leading contemporary art award) contenders are exhibited when you visit, make sure you have a good look and arm yourself with an opinion for that late night discussion down the pub.

Eating and Drinking

If you are ready for lunch there is a highly recommended, formal restaurant within the gallery, sporting a specially commissioned mural by Whistler 'The Expedition in Pursuit of Rare Meats'. The Time Out Eating and Drinking Guide 2000 describes it as a 'cracker of a restaurant'. Three course set lunches cost 19.50 and a la carte is available for around 25 plus wine and service. Booking is advised. Tel: 020 7887 8825.

If three courses in the middle of the day might slow you down, light meals and sandwiches are available from the Cafe and Espresso Bar. There is a separate area for families and you may also bring your own food.

Another option in good weather is to take your own picnic to Bessborough Gardens, a hidden horticultural oasis a short walk from the gallery. Be warned though, there are no shops to buy picnic food from locally so prepare before you come.

Access

Wheelchair access is good.

Tate Britain is an excellent experience for children of all ages. There are regular activity sessions that include an Art Trolley with free games, trails and materials for children to use with adults. Free family activity bags can also be had from the information desk. Art Space is a play area set aside from the main gallery. Audio Tours are aimed at 8 - 12 year olds proving a fun, interactive guide to the works on display.

Website

For information on current exhibitions and the permanent collection, visit www.tate.org.uk.