Open House London 2026 runs 12-20 September, opening 800+ buildings across all 33 boroughs for free. Here's my pick of 15 buildings and tours worth booking or queuing for.

London, a city renowned for its rich history and captivating architecture, opens its doors wide during the annual Open House London event. As this year's event approaches (taking place between 6-17 September) I'm thrilled to present a curated list of must-visit locations that promise to take you on a journey through time, culture, and design. From university campuses to diplomatic residences, prepare to be captivated by the architectural wonders that define our global metropo

London Open House Festival is the annual celebration of London’s most fascinating buildings. During the past three decades, the organizers have always put together the most captivating programmes, inviting curious Londoners to explore impressive homes, best-known historic buildings, or astonishing pieces of architecture that grant limited to no access to the public throughout the year. For two weeks only, our capital's most fabulous places open their doors to explorers FOR FR

Canary Wharf’s heartless towers of steel and glass are about to get a ground-breaking makeover aimed at increasing its almost non-existent biodiversity and Londoners couldn’t be happier. During the first chapter of this unique initiative, a green spine will be created through the centre of the Canary Wharf estate. The new natural public realm will burst with lush parks, waterside access, luxuriant gardens, performance spaces, boardwalks, new bridges, and floating pontoons. Th

Historic England calls it an almost unique British example of symbolic expressionism: concrete staircases modelled first in clay, a theatre curved for eurythmy, and a rhubarb-leaf ceiling over the cafe. It has a timeless Viennese charm, and that turns out not to be a coincidence.