If you love discovering something a little different while exploring London, Brentford is about to become one of the most interesting places to wander this autumn.
From 4 September 2026 until 14 February 2027, the National Gallery is bringing part of its collection out of Trafalgar Square and into the streets of Brentford with The National Gallery: Art On Your Doorstep.
And best of all? It’s completely free.
Rather than visiting a traditional gallery, you’ll be able to wander around Brentford discovering up to 30 life-size reproductions of National Gallery masterpieces, displayed in their frames and positioned in unexpected locations around the local community.
Latest Update
Checked 1 September 2026: the National Gallery confirms the free Brentford trail runs from 4 September 2026 to 14 February 2027, with up to 30 life-size reproductions linked to the theme of love.
What is Art On Your Doorstep?
Art On Your Doorstep is a three-year National Gallery project taking artworks into communities throughout the UK.
Instead of displaying the original paintings outdoors, detailed life-size reproductions are created, allowing visitors to experience famous works outside a traditional gallery setting.
Brentford is one of 12 locations involved in the wider project. The Brentford trail has been created in partnership with Creative Mile: Brentford Art Trail, with paintings appearing around the town and connecting with its landmarks, cultural spaces and community.
A Brentford Art Trail About LOVE
The theme for Creative Mile 2026 is LOVE.
The National Gallery and Creative Mile are placing up to 30 paintings around Brentford connected to that theme, creating an outdoor exhibition that mixes internationally recognised art with the everyday streets and riverside landscape of West London.
When is Art On Your Doorstep in Brentford?
- Dates: 4 September 2026 – 14 February 2027
- Location: Various locations around Brentford, West London
- Price: Free
- Type: Outdoor public art trail
Because the artworks are displayed outdoors in public spaces, you don’t have to squeeze your visit into one particular weekend. That makes this a brilliant one to save for an inexpensive London day out during autumn, October half-term, Christmas or even into February 2027.
Creative Mile Brentford Art Trail 2026
If you can visit during the opening weekend, there is considerably more happening.
Creative Mile Brentford Art Trail takes place from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September 2026, bringing together more than 120 artists and creatives across over 25 venues.
Visitors can discover painters, sculptors, ceramicists, printmakers, jewellery makers, filmmakers, mosaic artists, musicians, poets and many more. Some participating spaces are not normally open to the public, making the weekend an opportunity to explore parts of Brentford you might ordinarily walk straight past.
Creative Mile opening times
- Friday 4 September: 6pm–9pm
- Saturday 5 September: 11am–5pm
- Sunday 6 September: 11am–5pm
Is Creative Mile Good for Families?
Yes. There are activities specifically aimed at younger visitors too, including a creative drop-in activity inspired by the LOVE theme and displays connected to the Creative Mile Youth Competition 2026.
For the Love of Brentford
There is another piece of outdoor art worth looking out for while exploring the area.
For the Love of Brentford is an outdoor installation along the canal path behind Printmakers Yard. Featuring work by 10 local artists, the installation takes inspiration from the same LOVE theme and turns the waterside route into another celebration of Brentford’s art and community. It is expected to remain in place until spring 2027.
Accessibility
Many Creative Mile venues offer step-free access, although accessibility varies between individual locations. If you’re planning to visit several studios or venues during Creative Mile weekend, it’s worth checking the official trail map before travelling so you can plan a suitable route.
Getting to Brentford Art Trail
Nearby rail stations include Brentford and Kew Bridge. Underground and Overground options in the wider area include Gunnersbury, Boston Manor and Northfields, with bus routes also serving Brentford.
If you’re visiting specifically for Creative Mile weekend, save the official map before travelling rather than simply arriving and hoping to stumble across everything.
Why This One Is On Our London Trail List
I love finding London days out where simply walking around becomes part of the experience.
Public art trails can encourage you to explore streets, waterways and little corners of an area you might otherwise never visit, and this one combines that with the opportunity to introduce children to famous artworks without expecting them to spend hours inside a traditional gallery.
For adults, there’s another layer entirely: local artists, industrial heritage, riverside Brentford and works from the National Gallery collection all crossing paths. And you really can’t argue with free.
Art On Your Doorstep Brentford – Quick Guide
- What: The National Gallery: Art On Your Doorstep
- Where: Brentford, West London
- Dates: 4 September 2026 – 14 February 2027
- Cost: Free
- Number of artworks: Up to 30 life-size National Gallery reproductions
- Theme: LOVE
- Creative Mile weekend: 4–6 September 2026
- Suitable for families: Yes
- Booking: Not required for the general trail
Planning Your Visit
Use the official National Gallery Art On Your Doorstep page and the Creative Mile website for the latest map, participating venues and activities.
If you’re planning a visit, check the official National Gallery and Creative Mile information before travelling, particularly if you want to visit individual studios or take part in activities during Creative Mile weekend.
For more free outdoor art, try our Trunks Across the Thames elephant trail guide or our Dartford Bear Hunt trail guide.
