- Heritage

Kensington Palace

Generations of royal Women have shaped this stylish palace. Currently the palace is holding an Enchanted Palace interactive exhibit, and as a result some other areas are closed. Through the State Apartments there are stunning installations from leading and new fashion designers interwoven with the palace’s own enchanting history. The birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria, the palace first became a royal residence for William and Mary in 1689. The famous Orangery was built in 1704 by Queen Anne, and George II’s wife, Queen Caroline, another keen gardener, added further improvements…

Leighton House Museum

Leighton House was the home of Frederic, Lord Leighton 1830-1896, painter and President of the Royal Academy, built between 1864-1879. It was a palace of art designed for entertaining and to provide a magnificent working space in the studio, with great north windows and a gilded apse. The Arab Hall is the centrepiece of the house, containing Leighton’s collection of Islamic tiles, a gilt mosaic frieze and a fountain. Victorian paintings by Leighton, Millais and Burne-Jones are on display…

Linley Sambourne House

Linley Sambourne House is the former home of the Punch cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne and his family. Almost unchanged over the course of the last century, the house provides a unique insight into the life of an artistic middle-class family. The majority of the original decoration and furnishings remain in situ exactly as left by the Sambournes. All visits are by guided tour with special dramatic tours available and an introductory video. Larger groups can visit jointly with Leighton House Museum just 10 minutes walk away…

Little Holland House

The home of Frank Dickinson (1874-1961) artist, designer and craftsman, who dreamt of a house that would follow the philosophy and theories of William Morris and John Ruskin. Dickinson designed, built and furnished the house himself from 1902 onwards. The Grade II* listed interior features handmade furniture, metal work, carvings and paintings produced by Dickinson in the Arts and Crafts style…

William Morris Gallery

The William Morris Gallery is the only public Gallery devoted to William Morris - designer, craftsman, writer, socialist and conservationist - and displays an internationally important collection illustrating his life, achievements and influence. William Morris was born in Walthamstow in 1834. The Gallery is housed in the 18th Century Water House, Morris’ family home from 1848 to 1856…

Myddelton House Gardens

Created by the famous plantsman and Fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society, E A Bowles, the gardens have year round interest. From the January snowdrops, through to springtime flowering daffodils, summer roses and autumn crocus, there’s always something in the gardens to interest the visitor. National Collection of Bearded Iris…

The Octagon, Orleans House Gallery

Stroll along a peaceful riverside road into secluded woodland gardens, to find a stunning 18th century interior design. Orleans House has a rich and vibrant history, from the baroque Octagon room, which was designed by renowned architect James Gibbs, to a main gallery which hosts five temporary exhibitions each year - ranging from the historical to the contemporary…

Palace Of Westminster

The first Palace of Westminster was erected on this site by Edward the Confessor in 1042 and the building was a royal residence until a devastating fire in 1512. After this, the palace became the two-chamber Parliament for government - the House of Lords and the elected House of Commons. Following a further fire in 1834, the palace was rebuilt by Sir Charles Barry and decorated by A W Pugin…

Pitzhanger Manor-house

Pitzhanger Manor-House, Ealing’s flagship cultural venue, is a restored Georgian villa once owned and designed by the architect Sir John Soane in 1800. Rooms have been restored using Soane’s highly individual ideas in design and decoration. The residence now also functions as a contemporary arts venue with a lively programme of events and exhibitions…

St George's Cathedral, Southwark

Neo-Gothic rebuilt Pugin Cathedral bombed during the last war and rebuilt by Romily Craze in 1958…