London Open House Festival

The festival features a wide range of properties, from iconic skyscrapers like the Lloyd’s building to sustainable private residences such as the eco-friendly Green Lodge in Putney. In Greenwich, the Old Royal Naval College offers access to typically restricted areas, including Admiral’s House and the Jacobean Undercroft, which is the only remaining intact room from the original Greenwich Palace. These sites showcase a mix of historic heritage and modern design.

Participation is organized into three categories: drop-in visits, pre-booked slots, and balloted entry for high-demand locations. While all events are free, many ticketed sessions require advance registration through a system that opens in mid-August. Organizers advise that popular slots are often claimed within minutes of the booking system going live, though many locations remain open for walk-in visitors throughout the nine-day period.

In addition to building tours, the program includes walking tours and architect-led sessions designed to increase public understanding of urban design and London’s diverse architectural history. The event has grown to be a significant cultural fixture, previously attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to events spanning every corner of Greater London.