November in the City of London brings an array of festive activities, cultural experiences, and seasonal events. From historic shows to sparkling light displays, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
This year, as part of Open House Festival 2024, the City of London has over 70 free things to see and do between 14 to 22 September including exploring a broad range of major historic spaces, domestic spaces, livery halls, modern buildings, as well as fascinating expert tours and talks.
Note: Some of these activities require advanced booking. Please check the Open House Festival 2024 website for all availability and information on how to visit.
Here are some ideas of what to explore during the festival.
Saturday 14 September
Dr Johnsons House.
Please check the Open House Festival 2024 website before you visit any venues or tours for opening times and accessibility information. Some of these tours and venues require advance booking. All booking must be done through the Open House Festival website.
Explore the City’s Livery Halls
- Carpenters’ Hall: Designed as a showpiece for the craft of carpentry, this Livery Hall is a sight to behold and not usually open to the public.
- Chartered Accountants’ Hall: Visit this late Victorian neo-Baroque building which has been home to ICAEW since 1893.
- Founders’ Hall: Founders' Hall boasts a unique blend of neo-Vernacular, Arts and Crafts, and Post-Modern styles. Its exterior features distinctive gabled bays, terracotta panels, and metal grilles, while the interior showcases a ceremonial staircase, ornate parlour, and a livery hall illuminated by impressive œil de bœuf windows, creating an exceptional fusion of architectural elements.
Open Days
- 25 Cannon Street: 25 Cannon Street is a 115,000 sq ft mixed-use building featuring a stunning terrace that offers incredible views of St. Paul's Cathedral.
- Barts Pathology Museum: Barts Pathology Museum, based at St Bartholomew's Hospital, houses around 5,000 medical specimens on display over 3 mezzanine levels. This Grade II Listed building is in use by students of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at QMUL and as such is very infrequently open to the public. Specimens include the skull of John Bellingham, examples of unusual diseases, and early surgical intervention.
- King’s College Maughan Library: Discover London’s first fireproof building, now a university library.
- St Bride's Church: Visit what has been called the ‘Journalist's’ Church, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
- St Mary-le-Bow: Visit the home of the famous Bow Bells, with a rich history dating back to 1080.
- Temple Bar: The last surviving gateway to the City of London, Temple Bar is 350 year olds and was also designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
- Dr Johnson's House: A rare 17th century town house just off Fleet Street and once home to Samuel Johnson for over a decade in the middle of the 18th century. It was here he had his most prolific writing period, completing his seminal Dictionary of the English Language (1755).
Guided tours
- Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre: Join a combined tour of Guildhall Art Gallery and London's Roman Amphitheatre and discover the Gallery’s wide-ranging collection of 250 works of art and the 2000-year-old remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre.
- Billingsgate Roman House and Baths: Discover some of London's best-preserved Roman remains. Advance booking required.
- New Migration Museum: Join an exclusive hard-hat site visit exploring the literal foundations of Britain's first permanent Migration Museum, opening in 2027/28. Advance booking required.
- St Paul's Triforium: Join a guided tour of the Triforium space to see items from the cathedral collections including Christopher Wren’s magnificent ‘Great Model’ made in 1673; the recently conserved Library; the Geometrical Staircase and the stunning view from the West Gallery. Advance booking required.
Talks
- Barts Pathology Museum: Barts Pathology Museum, based at St Bartholomew's Hospital, houses around 5,000 medical specimens on display over 3 mezzanine levels. This Grade II Listed building is in use by students of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at QMUL and as such is very infrequently open to the public. Specimens include the skull of John Bellingham, examples of unusual diseases, and early surgical intervention. Introduction talks will be happening during the day.
- Dr Johnson's House: A rare 17th century town house just off Fleet Street and once home to Samuel Johnson for over a decade in the middle of the 18th century. It was here he had his most prolific writing period, completing his seminal Dictionary of the English Language (1755). Join them for introductory talks.
Family Activities
- Giant Dolls House Project: Guildhall Art Gallery are hosting a fun workshop at the Gallery inviting families down to design their own shoebox building, home or place as part of growing installation that will be displayed in the Gallery.
- Guildhall Library: Head over to Guildhall Library for a day of family fun activities.
- Family Friendly Adventure Walking Tour: Not just a walking tour, but an adventure packed with activities, this tour gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the City of London – a tiny area, covering just over one square mile packed with history, exclusive rights and peculiar customs. Advance booking required.
Where to eat and drink during Open House Festival
Check out our list of places to eat and drink during Open House Festival 2024.
Sunday 15 September
Inner Temple Garden. Photo by Paul de Bois.
Please check the Open House Festival 2024 website before you visit any venues or tours for opening times and accessibility information. Some of these tours and venues require advance booking. All booking must be done through the Open House Festival website.
Explore the City’s Livery Halls
- Carpenters’ Hall: Designed as a showpiece for the craft of carpentry, this Livery Hall is a sight to behold and not usually open to the public.
- Chartered Accountants’ Hall: Visit this late Victorian neo-Baroque building which has been home to ICAEW since 1893.
Open Days
- Inner Temple Gardens: Established by the Knights Templar in 1195, The Inner Temple has had a Gardener since 1307. Surviving The Great Fire of London, and the Blitz, the Gardens remain a secret and tranquil oasis.
- King’s College Maughan Library: Discover London’s first fireproof building, now a university library.
- St Bride's Church: Visit what has been called the ‘Journalist's’ Church, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
- St Mary-le-Bow: Visit the home of the famous Bow Bells, with a rich history dating back to 1080.
- Temple Bar: The last surviving gateway to the City of London, Temple Bar is 350 years old and was also designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
- Temple Church: Medieval architecture meets Wren's refurbishments in this inspiring building, the Mother Church of the Common Law. Discover the Magna Carta exhibit, and see where William Marshal and King John would have debated and agreed clauses of Magna Carta.
- The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple: Middle Temple Hall dates back to 1574, was visited by Queen Elizabeth I and it hosted the first performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. See the historic building and discover some of the treasures from their archives which will be on display, including the rare pair of Molyneux Globes.
Where to eat and drink during Open House Festival
Check out our list of places to eat and drink during Open House Festival 2024.
Monday 16 September
Guildhall Art Gallery.
Please check the Open House Festival 2024 website before you visit any venues or tours for opening times and accessibility information. Some of these tours and venues require advance booking. All booking must be done through the Open House Festival website.
Open Days
- Atlas House: Built in 1836, Atlas House is the former Headquarters of a global insurance company and is one of the last Georgian-era buildings still standing in the heart of The City of London. Learn about the buildings compelling history at their evening exhibit.
- St Bride's Church: Visit what has been called the ‘Journalists’ Church’, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
- St Mary-le-Bow: Visit the home of the famous Bow Bells, with a rich history dating back to 1080.
Walking tours
- Rebels, radicals & a brief history of English Activism: From medieval markets and places of execution, along the old droving roads with links to the crusades, to the green which influenced both Charles Dickens and VIadimir Lenin, this walking tour will weave a route through an area unique in history. Advance booking required.
Guided tours
- Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre: Join a combined tour of Guildhall Art Gallery and London's Roman Amphitheatre and discover the Gallery’s wide-ranging collection of 250 works of art and the 2000-year-old remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre.
Where to eat and drink during Open House Festival
Check out our list of places to eat and drink during Open House Festival 2024.
Tuesday 17 September
St Brides Church.
Please check the Open House Festival 2024 website before you visit any venues or tours for opening times. Some of these tours and venues require advance booking. All booking must be done through the Open House Festival website.
Open Days
- St Bride's Church: Visit what has been called the ‘Journalists’ Church’, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
- St Mary-le-Bow: Home of the famous Bow Bells, with a rich history dating back to 1080.
Guided tours
- Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre: Join a combined tour of Guildhall Art Gallery and London's Roman Amphitheatre and discover the Gallery’s wide-ranging collection of 250 works of art and the 2000-year-old remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre.
- Andaz Hotel Liverpool St: Andaz London Liverpool Street, a concept by Hyatt, blends rich history dating back to the 1200s with modern decor and the vibrant energy of its London neighbourhood. The hotel has notable literary connections, including Bram Stoker's Dracula, and is home to an original Masonic Temple which dates back to 1912 and is considered one of the greatest masonic temples of its time. Advance booking required.
Where to eat and drink during Open House Festival
Check out our list of places to eat and drink during Open House Festival 2024.
Wednesday 18 September
Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street.
Please check the Open House Festival 2024 website before you visit any venues or tours for opening times and accessibility information. Some of these tours and venues require advance booking. All booking must be done through the Open House Festival website.
Open Days
- St Bride's Church: Visit what has been called the ‘Journalists’ Church’, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
- St Mary-le-Bow: Home of the famous Bow Bells, with a rich history dating back to 1080.
Walking tours
- A city is not a museum: how London adapts and changes: This tour explores how London of the 21st century works and how it might work in the future. Advance booking required.
Guided tours
- Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre: Join a combined tour of Guildhall Art Gallery and London's Roman Amphitheatre and discover the Gallery’s wide-ranging collection of 250 works of art and the 2000-year-old remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre.
- Andaz Hotel Liverpool St: Andaz London Liverpool Street, a concept by Hyatt, blends rich history dating back to the 1200s with modern decor and the vibrant energy of its London neighbourhood. The hotel has notable literary connections, including Bram Stoker's Dracula, and is home to an original Masonic Temple which dates back to 1912 and is considered one of the greatest masonic temples of its time. Advance booking required.
- Billingsgate Roman House and Baths: Discover some of London's best-preserved Roman remains. Advance booking required.
Where to eat and drink during Open House Festival
Check out our list of places to eat and drink during Open House Festival 2024.
Thursday 19 September
Billingsgate Roman House and Bath.
Please check the Open House Festival 2024 website before you visit any venues or tours for opening times and accessibility information. Some of these tours and venues require advance booking. All booking must be done through the Open House Festival website.
Guided tours
- Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre: Join a combined tour of Guildhall Art Gallery and London's Roman Amphitheatre and discover the Gallery’s wide-ranging collection of 250 works of art and the 2000-year-old remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre.
- Andaz Hotel Liverpool St: Andaz London Liverpool Street, a concept by Hyatt, blends rich history dating back to the 1200s with modern decor and the vibrant energy of its London neighbourhood. The hotel has notable literary connections, including Bram Stoker's Dracula, and is home to an original Masonic Temple which dates back to 1912 and is considered one of the greatest masonic temples of its time. Advance booking required.
- Billingsgate Roman House and Baths: Discover some of London's best-preserved Roman remains. Advance booking required.
- Crescent House: Join a tour entitled ‘Bombed out Basements to ‘Courtyards in the Sky’ and discover the Grade II Crescent House, influenced by Corbusier’s Maisons Jaoul, the final part of Golden Lane Estate and forerunner to the Barbican. Inside, their homes are as relevant today as in 1962. Advance booking required.
Where to eat and drink during Open House Festival
Check out our list of places to eat and drink during Open House Festival 2024.
Friday 20 September
Please check the Open House Festival 2024 website before you visit any venues or tours for opening times and accessibility information. Some of these tours and venues require advance booking. All booking must be done through the Open House Festival website.
Open Days
- St Bride's Church: Visit what has been called the ‘Journalists’ Church’, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
- St Mary-le-Bow: Home of the famous Bow Bells, with a rich history dating back to 1080.
- Dr Johnson's House: A rare 17th century town house just off Fleet Street and once home to Samuel Johnson for over a decade in the middle of the 18th century. It was here he had his most prolific writing period, completing his seminal Dictionary of the English Language (1755).
Guided Tour
- Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre: Join a combined tour of Guildhall Art Gallery and London's Roman Amphitheatre and discover the Gallery’s wide-ranging collection of 250 works of art and the 2000-year-old remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre.
Walking tours
- Smithfield Market early morning: This early morning tour with a City Guide provides a perfect opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of the City of London’s last surviving market at first hand. Advance booking required.
- Sisters in the City: A walking tour celebrating the lives of women who have made their mark on the City of London over the centuries, from Boudicca to the Suffragettes. Advance booking required.
- Immigrant London: Around 35% of Londoners were born outside the UK - it’s always been a city of immigrants and refugees. Hear the stories of the bankers, the builders, the child refugees and many others and their impact on the City for over 2000 years. Advance booking required.
Talks
- The London Centre: Join a talk on The London Model showcasing London’s historical and physical development. Advance booking required.
- Dr Johnson's House: A rare 17th century town house just off Fleet Street and once home to Samuel Johnson for over a decade in the middle of the 18th century. It was here he had his most prolific writing period, completing his seminal Dictionary of the English Language (1755). Join them for introductory talks.
Where to eat and drink during Open House Festival
Check out our list of places to eat and drink during Open House Festival 2024.
Saturday 21 September
Photo Credit: Niki Gorick Photography
Please check the Open House Festival 2024 website before you visit any venues or tours for opening times and accessibility information. Some of these tours and venues require advance booking. All booking must be done through the Open House Festival website.
Explore the City’s Livery Halls
- Armourers’ Hall: Join a guided tour of this late Georgian Livery Hall rebuilt in 1839 and see its stunning 1870s lantern ceiling, with displays of historic arms and armour throughout the building. Advance booking required.
- Bakers’ Hall: Bakers' Hall was established on it is current site in 1505. The current building dates from 1964, and is a unique collaboration of old and new, and is the first of the post- World War II livery halls to be built in a Modernist idiom.
- Coopers’ Hall: Coopers' Hall is a late 17th century, timber-framed merchant's house with a Georgian frontage. See inside the building a discover their display of artefacts of the coopers' trade.
- Drapers’ Hall: Dating from the 1770's, see the Livery Hall with royal portraits, The Court Room hung with King Louis XV Gobelin tapestries and items from their archive which will be on display.
- Founders’ Hall: Founders' Hall boasts a unique blend of neo-Vernacular, Arts and Crafts, and Post-Modern styles. See inside and discover their ceremonial staircase, ornate parlour, and a livery hall illuminated by impressive œil de bœuf windows, creating an exceptional fusion of architectural elements.
- Leathersellers’ Hall: Take a tour of the new Livery Hall behind a retained 1920s façade. The interiors have been innovatively designed by Eric Parry Architects to incorporate features of previous Halls, playing with concepts of time in a way that reflects key aspects of the Leathersellers as an ancient London livery company that values its long history while playing a full role in modern society and looking ahead to the future. Advance booking required.
- Painters’ Hall: Acquired in 1532 and rebuilt in 1670 after the Great Fire, the Hall was partially destroyed in 1941 by enemy action and rebuilt in a Neo-Georgian style in 1960. When you visit you will be able to see the original charter, portraiture and stained glass.
- Wax Chandlers’ Hall: Join a talk and a guided tour of Wax Chandlers Hall and see the original charter and grant of arms from Richard III 1484 on its walls. Advance booking required.
- Farmers & Fletchers in the City: Farmers and Fletchers' Hall is one of the 44 Livery Halls in the City of London. Join them for tours of the hall, demonstrations on the heritage craft of Fletching and a history talk about the Worshipful Company of the Fletchers.
Open Days
- Bank of England Museum: Discover the story of the Bank of England through their fascinating historical objects and works of art and see a reconstruction of 1793 Bank of England Stock Office by Sir John Soane.
- Dr Johnson's House: A rare 17th century town house just off Fleet Street and once home to Samuel Johnson for over a decade in the middle of the 18th century. It was here he had his most prolific writing period, completing his seminal Dictionary of the English Language (1755).
- St Bride's Church: Visit what has been called the ‘Journalists’ Church’, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
- St Mary-le-Bow: Home of the famous Bow Bells, with a rich history dating back to 1080.
- St Lawrence Jewry: Another City of London church designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1671 this is the official church to the City of London Corporation. During the open day visitors will be able to learn about its the recent conservation project and church fabric, join tower tours, listen to organ recitals, and enjoy delicious refreshments.
- St Mary Aldermary: First mentioned c1080, this is the oldest of the City churches dedicated to St Mary and is the only Wren church built in the Late Gothic style after the Great Fire of London, 1666.
- St Michael's Cornhill: A church building has occupied this site for at least a thousand years. Join them for mini organ recitals and guided tour of the building.
- St Vedast alias Foster: A 12th century church, the building escaped total destruction during the Great Fire of 1666, and was restored. Christopher Wren was eventually called in to rebuild St Vedast, completing the work in October 1673.
- St Margaret Pattens Guild Church: For at least 900 years a church dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch has stood on this site. At least three versions of the church were built; the previous one was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666. Wren designed the present church which was built between 1684 and 1687.
- Temple Bar: The last surviving gateway to the City of London, Temple Bar is 350 years old and was also designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
Walking tours
- Empire City: A walk through the City of London from the Thames up to the site of the former HQ of the East India Company, looking at buildings and architecture built during the time of British Empire. Advance booking required.
- London Skyscrapers: A walking tour of London's most iconic skyscraper cluster which considers the many social and economic influences which have pushed buildings higher, reflects on campaigns which seek to curtail tall building aspirations, and focusses in on some of London's most famous skyscrapers. Advance booking required.
- The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker: Trade and craft associations have flourished for many centuries. The City of London companies, now collectively known as the Livery, are unique in their survival, number and diversity. The social and economic conditions which gave birth to the original guilds have long since been overtaken by the development of industry and commerce, but the livery companies still flourish today.
- Barbican and Gardens: Learn about the architecture of the Barbican, a fascinating development and an icon of Brutalist architecture.
- The Great Fire of London: Learn about the Great Fire of 1666, the conflagration that devastated most of the City, thousands of houses, many churches and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Heroes and Villains of the City: City of London was founded by Romans nearly 2000 years ago. During its existence there were many heroes, but also some villains. Over the years many murders, hangings and executions took place here. During this tour you will visit some of these sites to learn about the good, the bad and the ugly. Sherlock Holmes, William Wallace, Bloody Mary and more...
- From Prejudice to Pride: Join a City Guide to explore the stories of queer monarchs; the Cathedral convenience; erotic theatre; cross-dressers and find out what Henry VIII had to do with it all. Advance booking required.
- Bartholomew Fair: Markets, Mayhem and Merriment: This tour with a City Guide will uncover 800 years of history and happenings associated with the incident-packed Bartholomew Fair. Advance booking required.
- Muslim history of the City: On this tour, discover the deep connections of Salahuddin Ayubi and marvel at the UK's oldest Muslim statues, dating back 1000 years. Uncover the legacy of England’s most famous Middle Eastern immigrant and delve into fascinating tales of crime and health in history. Advance booking required.
Guided tours
- Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre: Join a combined tour of Guildhall Art Gallery and London's Roman Amphitheatre and discover the Gallery’s wide-ranging collection of 250 works of art and the 2000-year-old remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre.
- Broadgate Tower: A rare opportunity to gain insight into the workings of this globally renowned architecture, engineering and urban planning practice, based in an iconic SOM-designed building. Advance booking required.
- Guildhall: Join a tour of the Guildhall complex, the seat of the City of London Corporation, and discover the Great Hall where numerous historic events have taken place, the Crypts, Old Library and Livery Hall.
- Maggie’s Barts: Maggie Barts opened in December 2017 and is a unique, welcoming and uplifting place providing free practical, emotional and social support for people with cancer, their families and friends. The design and architecture is vital to the care Maggie’s offers and to deliver the calm environments that make the people who visit and work in their Centres feel safe, valued and comfortable in an atmosphere that stimulates their imagination and lifts their spirits. Advance booking required.
- Mansion House: Join a tour of the official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, and a Grade I listed building built in 1739, by Architect George Dance the Elder. Advance booking required.
- New Migration Museum: Join an exclusive hard-hat site visit exploring the literal foundations of Britain's first permanent Migration Museum, opening in 2027/28. Advance booking required.
- St Bartholomew’s Hospital: Join a guided tour of the Grade I listed North Wing at St Bartholomew’s Hospital and see two of England’s most important interiors, the Great Hall, and the Hogarth Stair with its large paintings by William Hogarth. Advance booking required.
- St Margaret Pattens Guild Church: For at least 900 years a church dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch has stood on this site. At least three versions of the church were built; the previous one was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666. Wren designed the present church which was built between 1684 and 1687. Guided Tours will be happening throughout the day.
- The London Museum: Special behind-the-scenes tour of London Museum’s new home at Smithfield, currently under construction. Apply through the ballot.
Talks
- Dr Johnson's House: A rare 17th century town house just off Fleet Street and once home to Samuel Johnson for over a decade in the middle of the 18th century. It was here he had his most prolific writing period, completing his seminal Dictionary of the English Language (1755). Join them for introductory talks.
- Guildhall Library: Join expert librarians to discover the fascinating history of Guildhall Library and view items from some of its impressive collections, including Peter de Riga’s early 13th-century bible and the late 14th/early 15th century Chronicles of France, and the Nuremberg Chronicle (1493).
Family Activities
- Open House Family Day at the London Museum: Come and enjoy a family day out at the construction site. Put on your hard hat to clamber on a tipper truck, or take part in Play Cycles free loose parts play, arts and crafts activities, music making and storytelling sessions. Drop in, no advance booking required.
Where to eat and drink during Open House Festival
Check out our list of places to eat and drink during Open House Festival 2024.
Sunday 22 September
Temple Bar.
Please check the Open House Festival 2024 website before you visit any venues or tours for opening times and accessibility information. Some of these tours and venues require advance booking. All booking must be done through the Open House Festival website.
Explore the City’s Livery Halls
- Apothecaries’ Hall: Explore the oldest surviving Livery Hall in the City during their open day.
- Stationers’ Hall: Explore Stationers Hall and see selected items from the archives on display as well as a book binding exhibition.
Open Days
- St Bride's Church: Visit what has been called the ‘Journalists’ Church’, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
- St Mary-le-Bow: Home of the famous Bow Bells, with a rich history dating back to 1080.
- St Lawrence Jewry: Another City of London church designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1671 this is the official church to the City of London Corporation. During the open day visitors will be able to learn about its the recent conservation project and church fabric, join tower tours, listen to organ recitals, and enjoy delicious refreshments.
- St Mary At Hill: Built after the Great Fire of 1666, St Mary at Hill survived two further major fires, and stood unscathed through the Blitz. Although marked by its experiences, the spectacular interior retains the beauty and grace of Wren’s vision. When you visit stay for one of their convers and selection of tea, coffee and cakes.
- Temple Bar: The last surviving gateway to the City of London, Temple Bar is 350 years old and was also designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
Walking tours
- The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker: Trade and craft associations have flourished for many centuries. The City of London companies, now collectively known as the Livery, are unique in their survival, number and diversity. The social and economic conditions which gave birth to the original guilds have long since been overtaken by the development of industry and commerce, but the livery companies still flourish today.
- Barbican and Gardens: Learn about the architecture of the Barbican, a fascinating development and an icon of Brutalist architecture.
- The Great Fire of London: Learn about the Great Fire of 1666, the conflagration that devastated most of the City, thousands of houses, many churches and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Heroes and Villains of the City: City of London was founded by Romans nearly 2000 years ago. During its existence there were many heroes, but also some villains. Over the years many murders, hangings and executions took place here. During this tour you will visit some of these sites to learn about the good, the bad and the ugly. Sherlock Holmes, William Wallace, Bloody Mary and more...
- From Prejudice to Pride: Join a City Guide to explore the stories of queer monarchs; the Cathedral convenience; erotic theatre; cross-dressers and find out what Henry VIII had to do with it all. Advance booking required.
- Bartholomew Fair: Markets, Mayhem and Merriment: This tour with a City Guide will uncover 800 years of history and happenings associated with the incident-packed Bartholomew Fair. Advance booking required.
- Muslim history of the City: On this tour, discover the deep connections of Salahuddin Ayubi and marvel at the UK's oldest Muslim statues, dating back 1000 years. Uncover the legacy of England’s most famous Middle Eastern immigrant and delve into fascinating tales of crime and health in history. Advance booking required.
- Spitalfields - stories of the people: For hundreds of years, Spitalfields has been a place where those seeking safety, work, and community have settled. They all leave their mark in streets buildings in an area rich in history and architectural interest. Advance booking required.
- Slavery and the City: Explore sites and institutions with direct links to the history of slavery and hear why the apologies were made in 2020, whilst wandering within the story packed streets and alleyways of the Square Mile. Advance booking required.
- Hawksmoor: The Devil's Architect?: Join your tour guide for a tour of Hawksmoor’s finest church, Christ Church, Spitalfields, where they’ll unlock the history of this fascinating area and building, as well as learning a new skill; how to ‘read’ a church. Covering the controversial myth about Hawksmoor and the occult, the tour will explain the social context of the construction of this church and its architectural importance.
Guided tours
- Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre: Join a combined tour of Guildhall Art Gallery and London's Roman Amphitheatre and discover the Gallery’s wide-ranging collection of 250 works of art and the 2000-year-old remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre.
- 4 Bayer House: A maisonette with much of the original detailing and finishes, it forms part of Golden Lane Estate which was the first public housing to be listed. The estate is Grade ll listed, with one building, Crescent House listed Grade ll*. Advance booking required.
- Golden Lane Community Centre: Join one of the guided tours around the Golden Lane Estate Community Centre as well as their tours around the estate.
- Guildhall Complex: Join a tour of the Guildhall complex, the seat of the City of London Corporation, and discover the Great Hall where numerous historic events have taken place, the Crypts, Old Library and Livery Hall.
- Mansion House: Join a tour of the official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, and a Grade I listed building built in 1739, by Architect George Dance the Elder. Advance booking required.
Where to eat and drink during Open House Festival
Check out our list of places to eat and drink during Open House Festival 2024.
Self-Guided Walks
If you're looking for more things to do in the City of London during Open House Festival 2024 there are also lots of self-guided walks that you can take at anytime of the year. From Mission Impossible filming locations, The Great Fire of London to exploring literary greats there's something for everyone.
