What to know: Have you ever walked past a closed off historic mansion, a grand embassy, or a giant skyscraper in London and wished you could see inside? Every September, the Open House Festival makes that possible. For nine days, hundreds of private historic buildings, design studios, and secret spaces open their doors to the public completely free of charge.
The festival was founded in 1992 by director Victoria Thornton to celebrate great architecture and give everyday citizens access to spaces normally locked behind private security. It is an unforgettable experience for both children and adults. You can explore private livery halls in the City, climb hidden clock towers, and tour award winning eco homes across all 33 London boroughs. While many venues operate as simple walk ins, popular landmarks require advance registration or an online ballot. Check the festival website now to reserve spots before slots fill up.
Address:
Locations across Greater London
Contact:
Online booking only
Event Start Date:
September 12, 2026
Event End Date:
September 20, 2026
