The London Open House Festival returns this year from September 13 to 21, offering unprecedented access to some of the city's most remarkable architectural treasures. This year's edition promises to be the biggest and boldest yet, spanning all 32 London boroughs and the City of London, with more than 800 free open days and events showcasing landmark architectural projects, government buildings, community spaces, towering skyscrapers, and the city's most fascinating residential properties.
Among this year's confirmed highlights is Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from the 11th century that features stunning examples of Gothic and Medieval architecture. The festival will also include venues from the Olympic Park, such as the London Aquatics Centre, Sadlers Wells East, and The Loop, a circular economy hub at Hackney Wick. Visitors can join a park-wide architectural tour led by experts from Allies and Morrison.
Other notable attractions include the Museum of Homelessness, housed in an 1869 former park keeper's lodge that was created from scratch by people with experience of homelessness. Architecture enthusiasts can visit the first Lewisham self-build houses designed by Walter Segal at 11 Elstree Hill, and explore Leadenhall Market, a covered market with roots in Roman Londinium that now houses 40 retail and restaurant brands.
The popular Golden Key Academy walking tours have expanded this year to include the first tour designed for joggers, appropriately titled "south of the river at speed!" Other walking tours feature "Bricks of Brick Lane" and "Belgravia's 200 years of glory: from swamp to splendour." The festival will once again operate its coveted Building by Public Ballot collection, providing visitors with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to step inside London's most remarkable and protected buildings through a free and fair ticket allocation system.
Justine Simons, London's deputy mayor and guest curator for the 2025 festival, emphasized the cultural significance of the event. "Culture is bringing us together, building real life, human connections," Simons said. "Culture is supporting our health and wellbeing, offering our young people a positive life path and revitalizing our neighborhoods."
The Croydon area features particularly exciting offerings this year, with several unique attractions drawing special attention. Highlights include "Polaroids of Croydon," a walking tour led by author John Gridrod, and a visit to The Wilderness, the garden originally created by Rev William Wilks, former secretary of the Royal Horticultural Society and breeder of the Shirley poppy. South Norwood Library will also open its doors to visitors.
One of the most anticipated Croydon attractions is the rare opportunity to explore the historic Croydon Almshouses, with guided tours around and inside one of the borough's most significant historical buildings, dating back to 1596. David Morgan, Croydon Minster archivist, will lead some of these specialized tours, offering expert insights into the building's rich history.
For younger visitors, the festival includes a special family-friendly attraction called the Gigglemugs tour. Award-winning storyteller Bernadette Russell will lead tours of Croydon Town Hall specifically designed for children ages five to eight, though siblings and adults are welcome to join this imaginative exploration of the municipal building.
Bookings for the festival opened earlier this week, and participants must register on the Open House website to secure their places for these mostly free events. The comprehensive program preview and registration details are available on the festival's official website, offering visitors the chance to plan their architectural adventures across London's diverse neighborhoods.
