Mansion House: The Lord Mayor of London's Historic Residence
Explore Mansion House, the grand 18th-century Palladian residence of the Lord Mayor of London, steeped in history and civic grandeur.
Mansion House, located in Walbrook, London EC4N 8BH, is the official residence and office of the Lord Mayor of London. Built in the 18th century in the Palladian style by George Dance the Elder, this Grade I listed building features grand architectural elements such as a temple portico with Corinthian columns, exquisite interiors including the Egyptian Hall and Ballroom, and a remarkable collection of art and silverware. Typically closed to the public, Mansion House opens for exclusive guided tours on Tuesdays, offering a glimpse into London's civic heritage and grandeur.
A brief summary to Mansion House
- Walbrook, London, EC4N 8BH, GB
- +442076262500
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Pre-book your guided tour for Tuesday afternoons well in advance, as tickets are limited to 40 and not sold on the door.
- Arrive at least 10 minutes before your tour to allow for security checks and smooth entry.
- Wear comfortable shoes as some parts of the art collection are only accessible via stairs.
- Check the official website for any closures due to private events or public holidays.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the London Underground to Bank station, which is the closest step-free access station to Mansion House. From there, it is approximately a 5-minute walk through the City’s financial district. Bank station serves the Central, Northern, Waterloo & City, and DLR lines. Single fares range from £2.50 to £5.00 depending on payment method and time.
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Bus
Several London bus routes serve the area around Mansion House, including routes 15, 17, 21, 43, and 141. Bus travel times vary but typically take 15–30 minutes from central London locations. Contactless payment or Oyster cards are accepted, with fares around £1.75 per journey.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in the City of London, walking to Mansion House is an excellent option. The terrain is flat and paved, suitable for wheelchair users. Walking times vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point.
Mansion House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Mansion House
Architectural Grandeur Rooted in History
Mansion House stands as a magnificent example of Palladian architecture, designed by George Dance the Elder and constructed between 1739 and 1752. Its grand façade features a temple portico supported by six Corinthian columns and a pediment adorned with a symbolic sculpture of the City of London trampling its enemies. The building was erected on the former Stocks Market site, replacing an inconvenient practice where Lord Mayors lodged in various livery halls. Mansion House was conceived as a permanent official residence and office for the Lord Mayor, reflecting the City of London's importance as a global financial centre.Sumptuous Interiors and Historic Rooms
Inside, Mansion House boasts a series of opulent rooms that showcase centuries of civic history. The Egyptian Hall, named for its column arrangement, serves as a grand reception space, while the Ballroom hosts formal banquets and official functions. The Drawing Rooms, decorated in mid-19th century style, contain the Nile Suite commemorating Nelson’s naval victories and house part of the Harold Samuel art collection. Private chambers such as the Lord Mayor’s Parlour offer insight into the ceremonial life of the office. The building also contains one of the finest collections of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings, along with an extensive gold and silver plate collection.The Role of Mansion House in Civic Life
Mansion House is not only a residence but a vibrant centre of the City of London's civic and governmental activities. It hosts state banquets, political discussions, and the annual Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Mansion House Speech, a key event in the UK’s economic calendar. Over the centuries, it has welcomed royalty, heads of state, and dignitaries, cementing its role as a symbol of London's heritage and influence. The building’s cellars, once used as prisoners’ cells, now serve as storage, illustrating its layered history.Visiting and Accessibility
While Mansion House is generally closed to the public due to its active official use, it opens for weekly guided tours every Tuesday afternoon (except in August and on public holidays). These tours, led by City of London Guides, allow visitors to explore the grand rooms and the Harold Samuel Collection. The building is equipped with accessibility features including a ramp, lift access to all floors, disabled toilets, and a sound loop in the Egyptian Hall. However, some artworks are only viewable via stairs. Tours require pre-booking and are limited to groups of up to 40 people.Preservation and Changes Over Time
Mansion House has undergone various alterations since its completion. Roof pavilions were removed in the late 18th and mid-19th centuries, and the main entrance was relocated due to roadworks. Refurbishments in the 1860s, 1930s, and early 1990s have helped preserve the building’s grandeur while adapting it for modern use. Its Grade I listing ensures protection of its architectural and historic significance.Symbolism and Legacy
More than a residence, Mansion House symbolizes the City of London’s resilience and prestige, born from the vision to rebuild after the Great Fire of 1666. Its name, historically used to denote official residences, reflects its status. The building continues to embody the traditions, governance, and ceremonial life of the City, making it a unique landmark in London’s rich urban tapestry.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.1 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
113 Cannon St
0.2 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.2 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
Cornhill Fountain
0.2 km
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
Historic England
0.3 km
Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.3 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.4 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Lloyd's of London
0.5 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Queen Victoria St
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant charm of Queen Victoria Street, a historic thoroughfare in London, blending modern attractions with rich history.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
0.5 km
Medieval guild church with Wren's only 'true spire'—a 950-year sanctuary in the City's financial heart.
Southwark Bridge
0.6 km
A graceful steel-arched Thames crossing with a rich history, distinctive green-and-yellow detailing, and a key role in London’s illuminated river landscape.
St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
0.6 km
Medieval dual-nave church with 800+ years of history, royal relics, and remarkable resilience.
London Bridge
0.6 km
Historic London Bridge, a vital Thames crossing blending centuries of engineering with modern urban life.
Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
0.6 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval layers of London's historic city wall nestled within the peaceful St Alphage Garden in Barbican.
St Anne & St Agnes Church
0.6 km
Discover the serene St Anne & St Agnes Church, a historical Anglican gem in London, offering stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Stephen Walbrook
0.0 km
Discover the serene beauty and historic grandeur of St Stephen Walbrook, Wren’s architectural gem with its iconic dome and modern artistic altar.
1 Poultry
0.1 km
A striking postmodern landmark in London’s financial heart, blending bold design, rich history, and panoramic rooftop views.
London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE
0.1 km
Discover the ancient Roman Temple of Mithras beneath Bloomberg’s headquarters in a captivating blend of archaeology, immersive art, and history in London’s heart.
IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
0.1 km
Historic Anglican church in London’s financial district, blending striking Baroque architecture with rich heritage and vibrant community life.
City of London
0.1 km
Discover the City of London’s unique fusion of ancient history and modern finance in the vibrant Square Mile.
The Royal Exchange
0.2 km
A historic neoclassical landmark in London’s financial heart, blending centuries of commerce with luxury shopping and fine dining.
Bloomberg Arcade
0.2 km
A vibrant blend of independent dining, public art, and Roman history in the heart of London’s Square Mile.
Lombard St
0.2 km
Discover Lombard Street, London’s medieval banking hub where historic signs and financial legacy meet in the heart of the City.
St Mary Abchurch
0.2 km
Discover the tranquility of St Mary Abchurch, a historic church designed by Sir Christopher Wren in London's financial district, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Change Alley
0.2 km
Historic passageway in London’s financial heart, where coffee houses sparked the birth of modern stock trading and commerce.
Bank of England Museum
0.2 km
Explore over 300 years of British financial history and try lifting a real gold bar at this free, interactive museum in the heart of London’s financial district.
St Margaret Lothbury
0.2 km
Discover St Margaret Lothbury, a Baroque masterpiece by Christopher Wren nestled in London's financial heart, rich with history and exquisite woodwork.
Royal Exchange
0.2 km
London’s historic Royal Exchange: a grand neoclassical hub where centuries of commerce and culture converge in the heart of the financial district.
Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange
0.2 km
Historic crossroads where London’s financial legacy meets neoclassical grandeur and luxury shopping in the heart of the City.
Threadneedle St
0.3 km
Discover Threadneedle Street, the historic financial artery of London, home to the Bank of England and centuries of economic heritage.
Essential places to dine
Madison
0.4 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
14 Hills
0.6 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
0.9 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.0 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
George
1.0 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.0 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.0 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
St. John
1.2 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.3 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.3 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Restaurant Story
1.4 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Lyle's
1.5 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.5 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.7 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
The Clove Club
1.7 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Borough Yards
0.8 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Barbican Shop
0.8 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Traders Gate
0.9 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Hay's Galleria
0.9 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Tower of London Shop
0.9 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Middlesex Textiles
1.0 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.0 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.1 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Smithfield Market
1.1 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Spitalfields Market
1.2 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Commercial St
1.2 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Fashion St
1.3 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Sclater Street Market
1.3 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.3 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.4 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.3 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.4 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bootlegger
0.4 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
0.7 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.7 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Moonshine Saloon
0.8 km
Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
Dirty Dicks
0.9 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Astronomer, EC1
0.9 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
1.0 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Bell
1.0 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Aviary
1.0 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Discount Suit Company
1.1 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
Black Parrot
1.1 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Punch Tavern
1.1 km
Historic Victorian Gin Palace on Fleet Street, famed for its Punch magazine heritage and vast gin selection in the heart of London.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.3 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
XOYO LONDON
1.4 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
London Best Night Clubs
1.4 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
The Hoxton Pony
1.5 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Trafik
1.7 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Ministry of Sound
1.8 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.9 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
E1
2.0 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Proud Late
2.0 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
2.2 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Cirque Du Soul
2.2 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.2 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.2 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Corsica Studios
2.3 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.3 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
