From 14 to 22 September, the Open House Festival takes place in London. This exciting event contains a range of activities across London. Read on to find out what’s taking place within London Heritage Quarter.
Victoria Station Arcade
Opened in 1911, Victoria Station Arcade is one of the most important parts of Victoria Station as well as one of London’s prime examples of Edwardian architecture. Drop by on 21 September for a guided tour, as well as a talk about the history of the site. Book here to secure a place.
55 Broadway
One of London’s most iconic art deco buildings, as well as being TfL’s former headquarters, 55 Broadway are opening their building for the Open House festival. Featuring a tour, as well as their evening exhibition display, book here to secure your place on 16 September.
Thorney Island Society Archives
What happened to the historic river Tyburn? Author, Vic Keegan, is delivering a speech at the The Thorney Island Society Archives on 14 September about this seemingly forgotten chapter of London history, which has left experts contemplating for years. Book here to secure your spot.
City of Westminster Archive Centre
This building was created in order to gather and store documentation spanning hundreds, in some cases thousands, of years of the city’s history. Although open to the public, be sure to come by to the guided tour on 14 September to get the most out of your visit. Book here.
Westminster Abbey
Built in the 11th century by Edward the Confessor and then rebuilt in the 13th century by Henry III, this special tour takes you down to the original 11th century spaces, not usually accessible to the public, for a different experience of the iconic building. It takes place on 21 September. Book here to secure a place.
10 Downing Street
One of the most important addresses in the country, take a tour of the historic site on 14 September. The tour will feature a guided walk around the Prime Ministers residence, and you will learn about the secret history of how decisions are made that affect the country. Book here.
‘World War II in Westminster’ Walking Tour
This exciting tour covers military, government and civilian life during World War II, guiding you through the areas and buildings in the heart of London in which the effort took place. Aiming to go above and beyond the usual information shared during these kind of talks, don’t miss this engaging and interesting experience on 15 and 22 September. Book here.
The British Academy
Drop by on 15 September to get a guided tour of the British Academy, one of London’s finest examples of Georgian architecture. The building features beautiful interiors, with art around every corner and within every detail. Click here to book.
St James Piccadily
This church, initially designed by Christopher Wren, is opening its doors on 14, 15, 21, and 22 September. Featuring 400 years of historic design, with multiple notable architects having their influence on the space, St James is a must visit for anyone interested in art or architecture. Book here.
Canada House
Canada House is a historic site, owned by the Canadian government for almost 100 years, is offering tours on 14 September. The site, as well as being a fine example of Regency architecture, contains a wide range of the best of Canadian art and design, from traditional to contemporary. The sites exhibition space is also open to the public, so be sure to stop by after the tour. Book here to secure your spot.
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
On the 20th of September, come by the National Portrait Gallery for a guided tour of the historic building. As well as this, on the same day, they are hosting a design challenge, an architecture drawing workshop, and a DJ workshop. Click here to book.
St Martin-in-the-Fields
This is one of the oldest churches in London and was the first to have a free lending library and the first religious broadcast. The beautiful Baroque inspired building hosts many events, concerts, and even silent discos in the Crypt, as well as does a huge amount of charitable work for the homeless. Discover the beautiful historic site in a tour on 14 September. Click here for more.
Benjamin Franklin House
Arguably one of the most important figures in American history, Benjamin Franklin resided in this residence for 16 years between 1757 and 1775. The house is hosting open days on 14 and 15 September, and this will include areas of the house usually unseen by the public. As the only surviving Franklin residence, it is certainly worth dropping by. Click here for more information.
The Royal Society of Arts
The RSA are having an open house for the festival on 15 September. This will allow you to go see the entire historic site, and learn about some of the famous figures who have visited and worked here. From family activities to guided tours, learn more here, as there’s certainly something for everyone.
Lost Aldwych
Behind the bustling streets of Aldwych are a series of alleys and back streets, which lay at the heart of the history of London. Go on a walking tour, on 14 September, to discover the hidden history of this iconic strip. Bookings are available here.
Tour of the Strand, Aldwych
The recent development of the Strand has been acclaimed as “One of the best things to happen to London in years”, turning a road into a comfortable and sleek public space. Discover the history of the site and enjoy the space on this tour, on 16 September. Discover more here.
Two Temple Place
Two Temple Palace is a building created by William Waldorf Astor, one of histories richest men. The residence acts a biography, containing many details pertaining to his heritage, upbringing and personal interests. These small details come together to create a grand, visually stunning site which is hosting open days on 15 and 22 September. Click here to learn more about the historic site.
