Tate To Tate, (via Thames Clipper)

With two distinct Tate Galleries located within the heart of London, there’s plenty to captivate the art lovers amongst us. Both venues offer an array of world class art & entry is FREE of charge but it can be notoriously difficult to navigate a path between them. Not many people realise that there is an easy route linking the galleries together that also doubles up well as a sightseeing tour.  Of course, we’ve also come across a deal that might be of interest too!

Housed in an old power station, Tate Modern plays an impressive architectural backdrop to modern & contemporary art from 1900’s onwards. Situated across from St Paul’s Cathedral & Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern can be found within easy reach of many of London’s top visitor attractions. Conversely Tate Britain, located in Millbank, can be a more difficult path to tread away from hub of the city. Many a visitor has been put off taking this challenging trek out to Tate Britain but is missing out on 500 years of British art.

There is, however, an easy path to connect these two art galleries together plus an option to reduce your travel costs, (more details below).

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Millbank Millennium Pier By Tate Britain

Tate Modern & Tate Britain via River Thames

With both art galleries set on the banks of the River Thames, it makes sense to use a form of water-based transport to link the galleries together. The Thames Clipper is a hop-on-hop-off boat service connecting popular destinations as you take in the sights of the city from the river. Running at a fraction of the price of more costly river cruises, the clipper offers an easy route between the galleries.

We thought we would put this to the test by navigating between Tate Britain & Tate Modern whilst taking in the sights that run between the them. We started our journey from Millbank Millennium Pier that is is situated just across the road from Tate Britain. As boats run regularly in both directions along the Thames, ensure you take the Clipper east towards Canary Wharf/Greenwich.

Thames Clipper & Tate Members

The good news is that Tate Members can pick up discounted fares on the Thames Clipper too between the two galleries.  Simply use the automated ticket machine & select the ‘Tate Member’ option before presenting your ticket alongside your valid membership card to a crew member. This perk offers around a 25% saving off standard Thames Clipper prices and ensures your initial membership investment stretches further.

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The Thames Clipper

Tate Modern & Tate Britain via River Thames

Running from Millbank Pier to Bankside, our 20 minute journey aboard the Thames Clipper allowed us to sit back & relax as we ticked off many of the main sights of London. Our journey along the Thames took in prime views of the London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Southbank, Sky Garden & St Paul’s Cathedral. As we cruised under a number of London bridges of note, (Westminster Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge), we enjoyed the relative peace of water transport away from the crowds.

Worth noting that whilst there is no commentary onboard, it does offers a cost effective tour option for those that know their sights. Each stop along the route is announced so we had no difficulty identifying our stop at Bankside with just a 5 minute walk to reach our destination at Tate Modern.

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Tate to Tate via Thames Clipper

Tate To Tate; Tricks & Tips

1. There are an array of ticket options available for the Thames Clipper ranging from single tickets through to a 2-day Hop-on-Hop-off tickets. Although you won’t find a staffed ticket kiosk at Millbank Pier, there is an automated ticket machine available or simply use the debit/credit card tap-in-tap-out system in place. More information available over at the Thames Clipper.

2. If you are using the Tate Member discount for the Thames Clipper, then there is no need to use the tap-in-tap-out system or you’ll end up paying twice!

3. Good to know that you’ll find seating both inside and outside of each Thames Clipper boat plus a bar is available for snacks & drinks.

4. You can find more information available within our Thames Clipper Guide. 

5. If you are travelling from Tate Modern to Tate Britain, simply board at Bankside and travel west towards Putney, alighting at Millbank Pier.

6.If you are travelling from Tate Britain to Tate Modern, simply board at Millbank Pier and travel east towards Canary Wharf/Greenwich.

7. Tate Membership offers free entry to all paid exhibitions at Tate Modern & Tate Britain, discounts off secondary spend in the shop & exclusive member events. Membership also secures access to unique spaces including the Level 5 members area at Tate Modern that offers spectacular views across the river at St Paul’s Cathedral & Millennium Bridge. Extend your visit with a coffee or a glass fizz to take in this breathtaking view.

8. Combine a trip along the Thames with a FREE Art Tour at Tate Modern to get more from your visit.  Similar tours also run at Tate Britain.