Open House Festival

Neighbourhoods

Back to neighbourhoods

Lower Thames

From Temple in the west to the Tower in the east, Lower Thames takes you a journey through time along the riverside. Explore the opulent Mansion House, seat of the Lord Mayor, the only sailing club in the City, and the wonderfully preserved remains of a Roman villa with its own Bath House.

Drop in

Bakers' Hall

livery hall

There has been a Bakers' Hall on our current site since 1505. The current incarnation dates from 1964, and is a unique collaboration of old and new. The hall was originally designed by Trehearne and Norman, Preston and Partners in conjunction with Past Master William Newcome- Wright) and is the first of the post-war [World War II] livery halls in a Modernist idiom.

Trehearne and Norman, 1964

Guided tour

Billingsgate Roman House & Baths

historical house, walk/tour, miscellaneous

Some of London's best Roman remains, comprising late 2C house with a 3C bath house built within its courtyard. First discovered in 1848.

Roman , 200

Drop in

Inner Temple Gardens

garden

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. Today the Garden is managed for beauty and biodiversity, providing a haven for people and wildlife in the heart of the City.

Robert Marnock, 1870

Guided tour

Mansion House

historical house, civic

The official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, retaining its 18C character, with superb plasterwork and wood carving.

George Dance the Elder, 1739

Drop in

Painters' Hall

livery 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. The original charter, portraiture and stained glass are of particular interest.

D. E. Harrington, 1961

Drop in / Guided tour

St Margaret Pattens Guild Church

religious

Take a guided tour of a beautiful example of a Wren church with unique features

Christopher Wren, 1687

Drop in

St Mary at Hill

religious, event, concert/performance space, walk/tour

Built after the Great Fire of London (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 Wren’s vision.

Sir Christopher Wren, 1677

We will be opening the Hall and Library of the Middle Temple on Sunday 15 September between 12 and 4pm for tours.