Cecil Sharp House
Britain's first folk arts centre, preserving English folk music and dance traditions since 1930.
A Grade II-listed cultural landmark in Camden dedicated to English folk music and dance, Cecil Sharp House opened in 1930 as the headquarters of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. This neo-Georgian building houses Kennedy Hall, a celebrated performance venue with a sprung ballroom floor, alongside the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, concert spaces, and a café. The venue hosts regular folk music and dance events, conferences, and private functions, and features a striking 1954 mural by abstract painter Ivon Hitchens depicting English folk traditions.
A brief summary to Cecil Sharp House
- 2 Regent's Park Rd, London, NW1 7AY, GB
- +442074852206
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-11 pm
- Thursday 9 am-11 pm
- Friday 9 am-11 pm
- Saturday 9 am-11 pm
- Sunday 9 am-11 pm
Local tips
- Check the events calendar before visiting—Cecil Sharp House primarily functions as a performance and event venue rather than a traditional museum. Many of the best experiences involve attending concerts, dance workshops, or ceilidhs.
- Visit the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library if you have a serious interest in folk music research or history. The collection is extensive and includes rare manuscripts and recordings, though advance notice may be required for some materials.
- Don't miss the Ivon Hitchens mural in Kennedy Hall—one of the UK's largest murals, it's a masterpiece of abstract art depicting English folk traditions and is worth viewing even if you're not attending an event.
- The café and bar are welcoming spaces to relax and soak in the folk music atmosphere. They're open during events and often feature folk-themed refreshments and a convivial crowd.
- Arrive early for popular events to secure good seating in Kennedy Hall and to explore the building's architectural details and historical features at a leisurely pace.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground (Tube)
Camden Town station on the Northern Line is the closest underground station, approximately 400 metres west of Cecil Sharp House. Journey time from central London varies by starting point but typically ranges from 10–25 minutes depending on your origin. The station is well-served with frequent trains throughout the day. From the station exit, follow signs toward Regent's Park Road; the building is clearly marked and accessible via a straightforward walk through Camden's streets.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area around Cecil Sharp House, including routes 24, 27, 29, 31, 46, 88, and 134. Journey times from central London typically range from 20–40 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. Buses run frequently throughout the day and evening. The nearest bus stops are on Regent's Park Road or nearby streets; check Transport for London's journey planner for the most direct route from your location.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Black cabs and ride-sharing services such as Uber operate throughout London and can deliver you directly to 2 Regent's Park Road. Journey times from central London typically range from 15–30 minutes depending on traffic conditions, which are heaviest during rush hours (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM weekdays). Costs vary but expect to pay £12–25 from central locations. This option offers direct access and is particularly convenient if carrying equipment or attending evening events.
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Walking
Cecil Sharp House is accessible on foot from Camden Town station (approximately 15–20 minutes) or from Regent's Park (approximately 10–15 minutes). The surrounding area is well-lit and pedestrian-friendly with clear pavements. Walking is a pleasant option during daylight hours and allows you to explore Camden's vibrant neighbourhood. The building's location near Regent's Park makes it accessible from the park's walking routes.
Cecil Sharp House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Cecil Sharp House
A Living Monument to Folk Heritage
Cecil Sharp House stands as Britain's first dedicated folk arts centre, a Grade II-listed building that has served as the cultural heart of English folk music and dance for nearly a century. Located on Regent's Park Road in Camden, North London, the building was originally conceived as a purpose-built headquarters for the English Folk Dance Society, founded in 1911 by Cecil Sharp himself. Designed by architect Henry Martineau Fletcher in the neo-Georgian style, the building opened on 7 June 1930, five years after Sharp's death in 1924. The house was named in honour of Sharp's extraordinary legacy as a collector and preserver of English folk traditions, work that fundamentally shaped the revival of folk music and dance throughout the British Isles.Architectural Significance and Design Innovation
The building's most striking architectural feature is Kennedy Hall, a large concert and performance space distinguished by its sprung ballroom floor designed specifically for dancing. The hall's acoustic properties were carefully engineered by architect Hope Bagenal, a friend and collaborator of Fletcher, ensuring that the space functions as an exceptional venue for both music and movement. Beyond Kennedy Hall, Cecil Sharp House contains several smaller performance and rehearsal spaces, teaching rooms, administrative offices, and the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library and Archive—a comprehensive repository of folk music manuscripts, recordings, and research materials that continue to serve scholars and musicians worldwide.Resilience Through War and Restoration
The building's history reflects both vulnerability and remarkable resilience. During the Second World War, Cecil Sharp House was struck by four bombs in September 1940, causing severe damage to the entrance, stairs, and main hall. Fortunately, the library's collection had been moved to Cheshire for safekeeping, preserving this invaluable archive. After the war, architect John Eastwick-Field was commissioned to restore the building, which reopened in 1951. The restoration included a significant artistic intervention: the musicians' gallery, destroyed during bombing, was replaced by a monumental mural painted by British abstract pastoral artist Ivon Hitchens. Completed in 1954, this mural depicts English folk dances and traditions and was, at the time of its unveiling, the largest single-wall mural in the United Kingdom.A Thriving Contemporary Venue
Today, Cecil Sharp House functions as an active and popular venue for concerts, workshops, conferences, and private functions. The building hosts regular performances by folk musicians and dancers, educational events, and community gatherings that continue the work Cecil Sharp began over a century ago. In 2015, the venue was voted as one of London's 20 best music venues by readers of Time Out magazine, reflecting its enduring significance in the capital's cultural landscape. The English Folk Dance and Song Society, which operates the building, became a regularly funded National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England in 2009, ensuring the continuation of its mission to preserve, promote, and celebrate folk traditions for future generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
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