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The biggest architectural celebration of its kind in the world, London\u2019s Open House<\/a> Festival gives the capital\u2019s keenest \u2014 and nosiest \u2014 design fans a chance to snoop around famous landmarks and the city\u2019s most spectacular private homes. <\/p>\n Last year\u2019s edition welcomed 375,000 visitors to 830 open days and events across all 33 London boroughs. This year\u2019s event, which runs from September 12 to 20, is shaping up to be even bigger and better.<\/p>\n London Open House Festival<\/p>\n Anna-Rose McChesney<\/p>\n Think of the programme as split into three types of visit: balloted entry, bookable slots and drop-in visits. All are free, but you\u2019ll need to be quick if you\u2019re going to bag a ticket to some of the headline events. Last year most slots were snapped up in 20 minutes, according to festival organisers.<\/p>\n Bookings open at 12pm on August 19 this year, so be sure to set your reminders now. Here\u2019s what you need to know. <\/p>\n While the majority of events are open to drop-in visitors, some of the landmark open days or tours are ticketed because they have a maximum capacity. So it\u2019s first come, first served on Wednesday, August 19 when bookings open. <\/p>\n The iconic Lloyd\u2019s of London<\/strong><\/a> building in Lime Street in the City is taking part in this year\u2019s Open House Festival as part of its own 40th anniversary celebrations. Designed by British architect Lord Rogers and opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1986, the specialist insurance and reinsurance marketplace was awarded a Grade I listing in 2011.<\/p>\n Lloyd’s of London<\/p>\n Jason Alden\/Lloyds<\/p>\n It\u2019s known as the \u201cinside-out\u201d building, because Lord Rogers\u2019 design placed the staircases, loos, glass lifts and pipes on the outside, leaving space for a spectacular central atrium that rises 60 metres to a steel and glass barrel-vaulted roof. Tours are taking place at various times on September 19. <\/p>\n A tour of Leadenhall Market<\/strong><\/a> may not sound the most impressive booking, until you discover that guided walks on September 19 and 20 include an exclusive visit to the Roman ruins beneath. Situated in Gracechurch Street, in the heart of the Square Mile and the centre of what was Roman London, it was originally a market for meat, poultry and game. Underneath lie the remains of a forum (market) and basilica (courts), which aren\u2019t usually open to the public. <\/p>\n In previous years, entry to the BT Tower<\/strong><\/a> in Fitzrovia and BBC Broadcasting House<\/strong><\/a> in Marylebone was by ballot only, whereas this year the landmarks are available to book. Take a trip to the BT Tower\u2019s famous revolving floor (158m high) at various times on September 19 and 20, or have a guided walking tour of the BBC\u2019s Art Deco-fronted headquarters on September 19.<\/p>\n BBC Broadcasting House <\/p>\n Jeff Overs<\/p>\n In another rare chance to see inside a London landmark, the Wapping Hydraulic Power Station<\/strong><\/a> is open for tours on September 19 and 20. Built in 1890, it was the last hydraulic power station in London to be decommissioned, in 1977, and has been closed for the past decade. An ambitious restoration plan is set to get under way which will see it transformed into a centre for experimental arts. <\/p>\n Wapping Hydraulic Power Station Boiler House<\/p>\n Wapping Hydraulic Power Station<\/p>\n An early look at the drop-ins\u2026 <\/p>\n At busy times there are likely to be queues to some of the best-known sites, so wear comfortable shoes and pack your sense of humour. Or head to some of London\u2019s most spectacular private homes opening their doors to visitors this year. <\/p>\n Home to English National Ballet, the Mulryan Centre<\/strong><\/a> is a 93,000 sq ft state-of-the-art space on London City Island. Opening this year, the centre is offering the public a chance to go behind the scenes, watch professional dance rehearsals and even enjoy family dance (for children aged three to seven), adult or Bhangra Ceilidh workshops accompanied by live music. The drop-in sessions, workshops and guided tours are taking place on September 19.<\/p>\n In Greenwich, the Old Royal Naval College<\/strong><\/a> is opening up spaces usually off-limits to the public. Head to the Open House table in Lower Grand Square (the open-air courtyard between College Way and the Thames) to book in person, on the day. Highlights will include entry to Admiral\u2019s House<\/strong>, from 11am to 5pm on September 13, where the Morning Room displays a collection of items relating to Lord Nelson. Walking tours of the Jacobean Undercroft<\/strong>, on September 12 and 13, will offer a rare chance to see inside the undercroft of the Queen Anne building which is the only remaining intact room from Greenwich Palace \u2014 the birthplace of Henry VIII, Mary I and Elizabeth I.<\/p>\n An early Victorian home in the Barnsbury conservation area, the Barnsbury Flat<\/strong><\/a> is a masterclass in compact city living. Having been reconfigured for a young family by Fynn Architects, the flat is packed with cabinetry ideas \u2014 the kitchen has been designed as a piece of furniture rather than a separate room \u2014 and storage solutions. Drop in on September 12 between 10am and 4.30pm for a tour and talk with the architect and interior designer. <\/p>\n![\"London](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/London-Open-House-Festival.jpeg\")
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