Visiting Kenwood House in London

Discover the charm of Kenwood House, a historic gem nestled in the picturesque Hampstead, North West London.

Image: Kenwood House. Hampstead. June 2023. © MTotoe

Located in Hampstead, North West London, Kenwood House is a remarkable historic mansion renowned for its architectural grandeur and impressive art collections. The estate encompasses the house itself, beautiful gardens, woodlands, parkland, and a picturesque lake, providing a delightful day out for visitors. The house showcases neoclassical architecture and is adjacent to Hampstead Heath, offering breathtaking panoramic views of London. Its renowned collection includes masterpieces by esteemed artists such as Gainsborough, Reynolds, Rembrandt, and Turner.

Image: Kenwood House. Hampstead. June 2023. © MTotoe

Originally remodelled in the 18th century as a stately home for Lord Mansfield, the estate has seen subsequent redesigns and changes of ownership. The estate remained in the possession of the Mansfield family until it was purchased by Edward Guinness, the first Earl of Iveagh in 1922. Following his bequest to the nation in 1928, Kenwood House has become renowned as both an art gallery and a historical landmark, overseen by English Heritage. Visitors can explore the library and ionic portico added by Robert Adam during the remodelling and the adjacent dairy added by the 2nd Earl and Countess of Mansfield. The house also offers glimpses into the lives of past residents, including the intriguing figure of Dido Belle.

Image: Dido Belle by Mikéla Henry-Lowe. Kenwood House. Hampstead. June 2023. © MTotoe

Kenwood House was once owned by the Murray and Guinness families and dates back to the early 17th century. Renowned architect Robert Adam remodeled the house in the 18th century, adding a splendid library and an impressive Ionic portico. The adjacent dairy was later added by the 2nd Earl and Countess of Mansfield. In 1925, Edward Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh, acquired the house and bequeathed it to the nation upon his death. Since then, Kenwood House has been open to the public and has also served as a filming location for notable movies like Notting Hill, Mansfield Park, and Sense and Sensibility.

What to see at Kenwood House

Kenwood House is a popular destination for those seeking to explore a grand stately home and appreciate its remarkable architecture and interiors. Renowned architect Robert Adam's remodelling work in the 18th century is responsible for much of the building's splendour, with the Great Library being a particular highlight. Visitors are also drawn to the house to admire the exquisite paintings by renowned artists like Gainsborough, Rembrandt, Turner, and Vermeer, sourced from the private collection of Edward Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh.

Image: The Adam Library, Kenwood House. Hampstead. June 2023. © MTotoe

Image: The painted ceiling by Antonio Zucchi in the Robert Adam library. Kenwood House. Hampstead. June 2023. © MTotoe

Spanning 112 acres, Kenwood House offers not only a glimpse into its opulent interiors but also stunning gardens. The expansive grounds encompass woodlands, a charming dairy, and sculptures by prominent artists such as Barbara Hepworth, Eugène Dodeigne, and Henry Moore. The gardens provide breathtaking views of London, while the dairy, built in the late 18th century, served as a hub for producing dairy products used within the house.

Image: Pieter Van den Broecke, the subject of this portrait by Frans Hals (1633). Dining Room at Kenwood House. Hampstead. June 2023. © MTotoe

Kenwood House features notable rooms, such as the Dining Room, adorned with red velvet curtains and showcasing magnificent artworks. The Music Room, originally created for the Countess of Mansfield.

Image: The Exchange of Produce by François Boucher (Left). Miss Murray 1825-27 by Thomas Lawrence (Right). Kenwood House. Hampstead. June 2023. © MTotoe

Image: Steps in the Adam Library, Kenwood House. Hampstead. June 2023. © MTotoe

The Gardens at Kenwood offer a delightful sight, particularly during spring when bluebells bloom. Visitors can enjoy picturesque walks along the lakeside and through the woodland. Additionally, the Housekeeper's Room provides engaging family activities, which add to the family friendly experience at Kenwood

What’s on at Kenwood House?

You can enhance your visit to Kenwood House with expert-guided Highlight Tours available on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, showcasing the collection's most remarkable highlights. Gain deeper insights into the key items through engaging Spotlight Talks held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Image: Robert Adam's ceiling in the Hall. Drawing Room of Kenwood House Hampstead. June 2023. © MTotoe

Families are invited to embark on an interactive adventure along Mac's Kenwood trail, bringing the history of the house and estate to life. Delight in unique treasures as you browse the diverse shops, offering an array of distinctive gifts. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the volunteer-run secondhand bookshop nestled in Mansion Cottage, where every purchase contributes to the restoration and upkeep of Kenwood.

Image: Kenwood House. Hampstead. June 2023. © MTotoe

Throughout the year, Kenwood House hosts a variety of great events, including open-air cinema screenings, theatre performances, enchanting heritage walks, and an incredible Christmas lights display. Click here for the latest events.

Food at Kenwood House

 Kenwood House is home to two delightful cafes: The Brew House Cafe and The Steward's Room. At the Brew House Cafe, you can top up your energy with a delicious breakfast or enjoy a selection of sandwiches, salads, baguettes, or their mouth-watering Victoria sponge. On Sundays, treat yourself to a mouth-watering roast dinner. The Steward's Room offers convenient grab-and-go options, including drinks, treats, and sandwiches.

Image: Cider and Architecture Digest on the lawn of Kenwood House

In addition to the cafes, Kenwood House is a fantastic place to have a picnic. On a sunny summer day, you can spend half the day exploring the house and grounds and then relax with a picnic in the beautiful surroundings. And when you're ready for a refreshing drink, the nearby Spaniards Inn, just a short 10-minute walk from the house, provides a charming setting to unwind and enjoy a few drinks.

Kenwood House is open daily and current opening times are 8am-6pm for the grounds, 10am-5pm for the house and 9am-6pm for the cafe.

Location: Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, London, NW3 7JR. Website: english-heritage.org.uk.