Burgh House & Hampstead Museum
A Grade I Georgian gem where Hampstead's history, art, and community spirit converge in a beautifully preserved 1704 mansion.
A Grade I listed Queen Anne-style house built in 1704, Burgh House stands as a living testament to Hampstead's rich heritage. Originally a private residence, it now functions as an independent museum and vibrant community hub, housing nearly 5,000 artifacts spanning local history, art, and culture. The beautifully preserved Georgian building features period details including grand staircases and original panelling, complemented by rotating exhibitions, a welcoming café, and a tranquil garden. Saved from demolition by passionate locals in 1979, Burgh House embodies the power of community preservation.
A brief summary to Burgh House
- Burgh House, New End Square, London, NW3 1LT, GB
- +442074310144
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday morning to experience the house and exhibitions with fewer crowds, allowing time to appreciate the Georgian architecture and period details at a leisurely pace.
- Check the website for current temporary exhibitions before visiting, as rotating shows often feature compelling local artists, photographers, and thematic displays that complement the permanent collection.
- Allow time to explore the garden and enjoy refreshments at the Buttery café, which offers a peaceful retreat and extends the experience beyond the museum galleries.
- Combine your visit with a walk along nearby Flask Walk and Well Walk to appreciate Hampstead's picturesque streetscape and understand the neighbourhood's historical context as a spa destination.
- Inquire about special events, talks, and workshops hosted throughout the year—these intimate gatherings often provide deeper insights into Hampstead's heritage and contemporary cultural life.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Northern Line (Bank branch) to Hampstead station. Exit and follow signs toward Flask Walk and Well Walk. The journey takes approximately 25–35 minutes from central London depending on your starting point. Burgh House is located at the end of Flask Walk, a 5–7 minute walk from the station through Hampstead's charming village streets. Single fares within London cost £1.75–£3.40 depending on zones travelled.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Hampstead, including routes 24, 46, and 268, which stop near the village centre. Journey times vary from 30–50 minutes depending on traffic and starting location. Buses are frequent (typically every 10–15 minutes during daytime hours) and cost £1.75 for a single journey. From the bus stop, Burgh House is a 3–5 minute walk via New End Square.
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Walking from Hampstead Heath
If visiting Hampstead Heath, Burgh House is accessible via a pleasant 10–15 minute walk downhill through the village. The route is relatively flat once you descend from the Heath, passing through picturesque residential streets. This approach allows you to experience Hampstead's character and architecture en route to the museum.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt) can deliver you directly to New End Square. Journey times from central London typically range from 20–40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Fares generally cost £15–£35 from central areas. Parking near Burgh House is limited; the area operates a residents' permit scheme, making ride-share a practical alternative to driving.
Burgh House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Burgh House
From Private Mansion to Community Treasure
Burgh House began its story in 1704 as Brook House, built for Henry and Hannah Sewell, a prosperous Quaker haberdasher and his wife. Constructed during Queen Anne's reign, the house emerged during Hampstead's golden age as a fashionable spa destination, when wealthy merchants and lawyers flocked to the area to take the waters at Hampstead Wells Spa. In 1720, Dr. William Gibbons, the spa's physician, purchased and significantly enlarged the property, adding distinctive wrought-iron gates bearing his initials—gates that remain visible today. Over the following centuries, the house welcomed an extraordinary parade of residents: the upholsterer Israel Lewis (who famously faced a £5 fine for creating a garden nuisance), officers of the Royal East Middlesex Militia who occupied it from 1858 to 1881, and notably, Elsie Bambridge, daughter of author Rudyard Kipling, who lived here between 1933 and 1937. Her father made one of his final outings to visit her at Burgh House in 1936.Architectural Character and Preserved Details
The building exemplifies Georgian architecture with exceptional period features that have survived centuries of change. Original elements include the grand staircase, ornate fireplaces, and decorative wall panelling that speak to the craftsmanship of the early 18th century. The ground floor entrance hall opens into spaces that have been thoughtfully adapted for modern use, while the first floor retains the intimate proportions characteristic of Queen Anne design. During the 1920s, a music room was created that transformed the house into a cultural venue, hosting concerts, theatrical performances, and private events. The basement, once a functional service area with kitchen and wine cellar, now houses the welcoming Buttery café. Perhaps most enchanting is the garden, where only the terrace remains from the celebrated design commissioned by renowned garden designer Gertrude Jekyll in the early 20th century—a serene retreat perfect for contemplation or casual strolls.Rescue and Rebirth as a Museum
After serving as a community centre under Hampstead Borough Council from 1946 onwards, Burgh House faced an uncertain future. Discovered to have dry rot in 1977, the building was threatened with commercial redevelopment or demolition. Local residents rallied to its defence, launching a passionate "Keep Burgh House" campaign and raising over £50,000 to save it. In 1979, following restoration by the council and refurbishment by a newly formed charitable trust, Burgh House reopened to the public as both a historic house and museum. This grassroots preservation effort transformed the building into an independent, self-sustaining charity—a remarkable achievement that demonstrates the power of community action in protecting cultural heritage.The Hampstead Museum and Its Collections
The museum's foundation was established by Christopher and Diana Wade, passionate local historians who began collecting objects and artworks connected to Hampstead's story. Today, the collection encompasses nearly 5,000 items, continuously enriched through donations from residents, local institutions, and artists. The permanent exhibition, housed in the Heath and Wells Rooms on the first floor, traces Hampstead's architectural evolution from the 17th century to the present, showcasing the diverse styles that define the neighbourhood. Exhibits explore the lives of Hampstead's inhabitants across centuries—from wealthy merchants to working-class residents—revealing the professions, trades, and daily experiences that shaped the community. The museum holds the world's largest archive and collection of watercolour painter Helen Allingham's work, a treasure that draws scholars and art enthusiasts from across the globe.Living Gallery and Cultural Hub
Beyond its permanent displays, Burgh House functions as a dynamic cultural venue. The ground-floor Peggy Jay Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical art, while first-floor galleries present temporary shows exploring local artists, writers, and themes connected to Hampstead's heritage. Recent exhibitions have featured the intimate photography of Dorothy Bohm, landscapes by Sue Smethurst, and works celebrating local literary and artistic figures. The house regularly hosts lectures, talks, concerts, and workshops—from life drawing classes to yoga sessions—creating spaces where the community gathers to learn, create, and connect. This multifaceted approach ensures Burgh House remains relevant and engaging, serving not merely as a repository of the past but as a living centre for contemporary cultural expression.Recognition and Ongoing Stewardship
Burgh House's significance has been formally recognised through its Grade I listing on the National Heritage List for England, designating it as a building of exceptional interest. The museum achieved Full Registration in 2001 and became an Accredited Museum in 2010, with accreditation most recently renewed in 2023. In 2006, following extensive restoration supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund and Bridge House Trust, the refurbished building reopened with enhanced facilities. The 2020 rebranding—dropping "and Hampstead Museum" from its official name—clarified that Burgh House operates as a unified institution, with its single collection displayed throughout the building's public spaces. Today, it stands as a model of community-led heritage preservation, where local involvement remains central to its mission and vitality.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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Location Audience
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