Leighton House
Leighton House
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Leighton House is the former home of leading Victorian artist, Frederic, Lord Leighton (1830-1896), showcasing an exceptional collection of Victorian art throughout a unique suite of interiors, including the magnificent Arab Hall. A recent major redevelopment and extension has provided additional exhibition spaces and improved facilities. The museum now has step-free access and some exhibitions and displays, as well the new De Morgan Café, garden and shop can be visited for free. Don't miss 'Oneness', the museum's first contemporary commission on permanent display.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Kensington and Hyde Park
How to get there
- Kensington,Olympia • 6 min walk
- Kensington (Olympia) • 6 min walk
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Best nearby
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5,212 within 5 kms
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2,164 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- DunelmArtsAberdeen, United Kingdom1,130 contributionsUnique Victorian Artist's HouseYou a given a booklet when you arrive to explain the rooms which is a nice touch. There is also a film in the basement which sets the scene for the house, Leighton's art and also the artists who lived nearby. It's a remarkable house, with some stunning rooms, unlike anything I've seen before. There's also a good cafe on site. Easy to book tickets online.Visited January 2023Written 18 January 2023
- Jane LEvanston, Illinois268 contributionsInteresting Insights Into a Victorian Artist's LifeThe house is worth seeing because of some of the exquisite design features, especially the Arab Hall. I didn't feel like I learned a lot about Leighton. A film about him runs in the lower level, but there is only one bench, and people aren't really encouraged to stay to view the whole thing since there isn't enough seating. The house is worth a visit if you are interested in the Victorian period and have seen most of London's other major sites.Visited January 2023Written 29 January 2023
- KathyHoLondon, United Kingdom149 contributionsLeighton House: A Must-See Museum for Art Enthusiasts and Casual Visitors AlikeLeighton House in London is a stunning museum that was the former home of Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton. The house has been beautifully restored and offers a unique insight into the life and work of the artist. One of the most impressive rooms is the Winter Studio, which was designed to maximize the use of natural light during the winter months. The Islamic-style interior of the house is also breathtaking, with intricate carvings, beautiful tiles, and ornate mosaics. Whether you are an art lover or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, a visit to Leighton House is recommended when in London.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 March 2023
- Footprints7911413 contributionsLittle known gemThis was my third visit to the house, the first since the restoration. It's superb, it never fails to delight. The Arab Hall is worth the entrance fee on its own. The newly extended cafe serves a limited range of excellent quality food. The only criticism is the siting of the video area. People coming down the stairs had no idea there was a video showing and they were talking quite loudly which made it difficult to hear.Visited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 24 March 2023
- violet339London, United Kingdom418 contributionsNot a must-see but it has its charmsI had never heard of Leighton House. I don't think it's well known. I wasn't particularly interested in Leighton himself or his work but I was quite curious to get some sense of what an artist's life might have been like during Victorian times and to admire the architecture and decoration. The Staircase Hall, Narcissus Hall and Arab Hall were certainly beautiful and impressive, but some of the other rooms were a bit sparse. I didn't watch the video at the start. There was no room on the tiny bench in the corner down the stairs by the toilets. Not the best location for it. I can't say Leighton House is a must-see in London or anything like that but it will appeal to some and I was happy to visit myself and see something new.Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 28 March 2023
- Terry SUnited Kingdom3 contributionsLeighton House visitThe House inside is beautifully decorated with amazing tiles especially the Arab Hall. The light and decor throughout is wonderful. nice Cafe with views over garden. Only downside as far as we were concerned was at entry. We were told that the discount of 50% no longer applies for National Trust members. This is still clearly shown on the Museums London website that is linked to Leighton House searches.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 March 2023
- nycmom22New York City, New York3,151 contributionsI agree with DianaThis is an upper class home that has been added to. It is filled with light and not far from the high street. The room with tiles reminded me of Alhambra. I did watch the video and there are folding seats. Is it as interesting as The Wallace Collection? No. Attractive garden and cafe. Shop is so-so.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 April 2023
- tasgardHobart, Australia255 contributionsWell worth a visit if you have any interest in Art.Leighton House in Holland Park is a treasure sometimes overlooked in the haste to see big feature houses in the city. Situated close to Kensington High Street it is very accessible by foot, tube, bus or taxi. The House opens Wednesdays to Monday and is often teamed in promotions with the nearby Sambourne House. Leighton House is the former home and studio of the Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton. The main house was built in the 1860’s. Now it is a Museum of Art and architecture. The house filled with period furniture and artifacts. One of the main features is the Arab Hall extension filled with mosaics and marble, faithfully replicating Turkish and Egyptian interiors from the mid 1800’s. Each room represents a period of the Artists career and is furnished with period appropriate décor, paintings and sculptures. Outside, the gardens retain many of the original ornamental features with sections rebuilt adhering to the original garden design. If you have even a passing interest in art and architecture a visit to Leighton house is a must. There is a café onsite and a small shop. An admission fee is charged and donations accepted.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 July 2023
- TheCityBreakers182 contributionsBeautiful artist’s houseWe were looking for something to do before a concert in Hyde Park and came across Leighton House on Google. We are art lovers but were only vaguely aware of Leighton House, so are very pleased we found it. It is a beautiful house in Holland Park with lovely Middle Eastern decor in the main room and numerous paintings and drawings by Leighton and others from his personal collection. We enjoyed the cafe which offered nicer food than you’d usually find in a small gallery or museum. The cafe staff were lovely, but the receptionist who we spoke to didn’t tell us about starting the tour in the basement with a video, so we only found that at the end by overhearing another staff member. That didn’t detract from our experience though as this house is well worth a visit.Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 11 July 2023
- Stephanie PalmerLondon, United Kingdom4 contributionsA Magnificent HouseA breathtakingly beautiful house. An introduction film when you enter tells you about Leighton the artist and his wonder home and studio. The rooms are magnificent and the new art work created to adorn the stairs is fabulous. I want to live there!!Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 16 July 2023
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4.5
710 reviews
Excellent
425
Very good
208
Average
51
Poor
25
Terrible
2
Helen B
London, UK699 contributions
Dec. 2023 • Friends
Beautiful place to see on a dismal December day. Easy walk from Kensington Olympia. We spent a very pleasant couple of hours looking at an amazing house. Had a lovely lunch with a great view of the garden. A pity that one of the special exhibitions was closed at short notice. Fascinating insight into a Victorian artist and sculptor.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
speerbuz
Brisbane, Australia54 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
This house is off the main tourist path, but is well worth a visit. Located in Holland Park, it is easy to access by the tube. It is the former residence of Frederic Leighton, an eminent British 19th Century artist. The house is quite large and the interior is beautiful, especially the Arab Hall which is an absolute gem. There are many lovely artworks and furnishings, whilst Leighton's simple private bedroom provides quite a contrast to the sumptuousness of the rest of the house. It is also worth walking around the local area to spot other houses of the "Holland Park Circle' artistic community.
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
concise report
London, UK65 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
An incredible house full of idiosyncrasies. Highly knowledgeable volunteers entertain you with tales of Leighton et al.
Utterly fascinating and an interior lovers dream.
The details are amazing.
Utterly fascinating and an interior lovers dream.
The details are amazing.
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Akkers1
London, UK895 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
This is the house of the 19th century artist Frederic Leighton. The place is a great setting for his collections.
It was a real wow moment going into the Arab Hall as it was truly lovely and very unexpected (I hadn’t read up about the place). This was my favourite part of the house along with the Narcissus Hall.
There is also a garden which was nice, a small shop and a café area.
We both really enjoyed looking at the paintings etc and this hidden gem is well worth a visit.
It was a real wow moment going into the Arab Hall as it was truly lovely and very unexpected (I hadn’t read up about the place). This was my favourite part of the house along with the Narcissus Hall.
There is also a garden which was nice, a small shop and a café area.
We both really enjoyed looking at the paintings etc and this hidden gem is well worth a visit.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sudsey21
Hampshire, UK220 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
Leighton house is a hidden gem of London. The tour we had by a blue badge guide was excellent. Everything was explained in great details the paintings the umbience of the rooms was amazing
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul H
Surrey, UK43 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Solo
Unlike Paris, London doesn't have many galleries devoted to a single artist. So, Leighton House is quite an unusual peak into the world of an artist. It is an extra-ordinary buidling. It doesn't have any of the really well known Leighton paintings, which are understandably in the larger institutions, but there are some very nice pieces here. I particularly liked 'Michelangelo nursing his dying servant' and 'Orpheus and Eurydice'. There are works by other artists aswell, such as John Everett Millais and Byam Shaw. They also have a temporary exhibition space promoting new artists as well, which was Sharzad Gaffari when I visited. It's a really good place to visit if you're around Kensington and particularly if you've got an Art Pass.
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristybuettner
Fort Collins, CO13 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
This place is very lovely and worth a trip! Also stop and have a look at their garden! There's a fantastic little visitor there a diluted tortie Kitty!
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TokyoSean
Minato, Japan98 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Dream home of a commercially successful 19th century artist.
Best to visit on a sunny day when natural light fills the atrium and stairwell.
Near the Design Museum, so good to visit together.
The area is still home to a lot of celebrities, so worth a walk around visiting stylish cafes and shops.
Best to visit on a sunny day when natural light fills the atrium and stairwell.
Near the Design Museum, so good to visit together.
The area is still home to a lot of celebrities, so worth a walk around visiting stylish cafes and shops.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debster1962
Thundersley, UK294 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Friends
A great Victorian hideaway full of beautiful objects, hidden away behind Kensington High Street. Worth seeking out, especially on a rainy day!
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie Palmer
London, UK4 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Friends
A breathtakingly beautiful house. An introduction film when you enter tells you about Leighton the artist and his wonder home and studio. The rooms are magnificent and the new art work created to adorn the stairs is fabulous. I want to live there!!
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can I come with kids ?!? I have a very interested young boy (7years) who would like to visit . And the second is 1 year . And how much is ticket ?
Chris W
Naseby, UK87 contributions
To be honest I’m not sure there is enough to interest young children as it’s not really made with children in mind. If your 7 year old knows what is there and is really keen to visit then I would say go ahead, but it probably won’t take you long to go round.
Catherine M
London, UK7 contributions
Is Leighton House open on Fridays
Pollyp2301
Horsham, UK73 contributions
YEs , it is open on Fridays. well worth a visit
Carolyn M
London, UK9 contributions
How much is entry
shoogslondon
london63 contributions
Although it's not a National Trust property, they offer a reduction to National Trust members. As a NT member, it cost me £3.50. I can't remember the full price. I think it was either £5 or £7
RegGiovanna
London, UK69 contributions
How long roughly to see the House and the Pre R. exhibition. I'm disabled not in a wheel chair but would need to sit at times. Thank you.
Doramy B
York, UK56 contributions
Agree with other visitors 40 mins to 1 hour. You can sit at many places. Really enjoyable experience.
Linda T
San Francisco, CA147 contributions
We have never been to London, and will be there only a short time. Is this Museum far from the Tate Britain and the Albert & Victoria Museums? Please forgive any incorrectness in the names -- I am going from memory. We are stopping in London primarily to see the pre-Raphaelite art. Thank you in advance!
Kule Dude
Bromsgrove, UK979 contributions
The major art galleries may be a better option if you have limited time available. E travelled by tube rather than bus and it was a good 15/20 minutes walk from the nearest tube.
Have you considered Birmingham City Art Gallery? One hour twenty minutes by train from central London, and trains every 20/30 minutes during daytime. This gallery has the most important collection of Pre Raphaelite art worldwide. 3000 items, although only a small proportion on show at any one time.
Check out their website. Enjoy the trip!
Jenika I
London, UK572 contributions
are photos (without flash, of course) allowed?
henrietta sophi... w
London, UK36 contributions
No but you know the tiles are amazing.. you can find images in google.
Its really beautiful worth going there first!
james s
Leicester, UK9 contributions
We are in London next Friday my wife wants to see pre raphaelite paintingsperhaps the Tate and then to Leighton house what advice please many thanks. James
Ana G
London, England, United Kingdom2 contributions
Dear James; Please note that on Friday 17 July Leighton House is open until 9pm and from 6pm we offer our visitors a complimentary glass of wine and the chance to picnic in Leighton's garden. Look forward to seeing you and your wife. Best wishes, Ana Garcia; Marketing & Press
Susan L
Epsom, United Kingdom15 contributions
How long should we allow for a visit?
Ana at Leighton House Museum
London, UK
Hello, thank you for your query. You are allowed to stay in the House as much as you want; we agree with most of the previous visitors who kindly commented here and we would suggest at least one hour for a thorough visit; extra time seating in the Arab Hall is always a treat! Hope it helps and hope you enjoy your visit. Leighton House Museum
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Frequently Asked Questions about Leighton House
- Hotels near Leighton House:
- (0.05 km) Holland Park Road II by onefinestay
- (0.14 km) Amazing 3 Bedroom Flat with Balcony in Kensington for up to 6 people
- (0.35 km) Monarch House Serviced Apartments
- (0.33 km) London Visitors Hotel
- (0.38 km) Safestay London Kensington Holland Park
- Restaurants near Leighton House:
- (0.01 km) Leighton House Cafe/the De Morgan Cafe
- (0.16 km) La Piccola Deli Pasticceria
- (0.13 km) Romulo Cafe and Restaurant
- (0.21 km) Il Portico
- (0.14 km) Apadana Persian Restaurant