Spencer House: London’s Majestic 18th-Century Aristocratic Townhouse
Step into Spencer House, a stunning 18th-century London mansion showcasing neoclassical elegance, aristocratic history, and exquisite interiors.
Spencer House, located at 27 St James's Place overlooking Green Park in London, is one of the city’s finest surviving 18th-century aristocratic townhouses. Built between 1756 and 1766 for John, First Earl Spencer, it features exquisite neoclassical interiors by James ‘Athenian’ Stuart and a grand Portland stone façade. Restored to its Georgian splendour, the house offers guided tours through sumptuous state rooms, showcasing aristocratic life, art collections, and architectural elegance.
A brief summary to Spencer House
- 27 St James's Pl, London, SW1A 1NR, GB
- +442075141958
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Sunday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Book your guided tour in advance, especially for Sundays when the house is open to the public.
- Visit on a sunny day to enjoy natural light streaming through the large windows, enhancing the interiors.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the tour covers several state rooms and some walking within the house.
- Photography inside may be restricted due to loan agreements on some furnishings and artworks.
- Check the weather for garden access during April to October when tours include the outdoor spaces.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
Take the London Underground to Green Park station, approximately a 3-minute walk to Spencer House. The station is served by the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines. Expect a 5-15 minute journey from central London zones. The walk is on paved paths and wheelchair accessible.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Green Park or St James's Place, including routes 9, 14, and 19. Bus travel times vary but typically range from 15 to 30 minutes from central London. Buses are wheelchair accessible but can be subject to traffic delays.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
A taxi or ride-hailing service from central London takes about 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Note that parking is very limited in the area, so drop-off and pick-up are recommended rather than parking.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to Spencer House is pleasant and feasible, especially from Green Park or Piccadilly Circus. The terrain is flat and paved, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, with typical walking times of 10-20 minutes.
Spencer House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Spencer House
A Grand Vision for Aristocratic London
Spencer House was commissioned in 1756 by John Spencer, later the First Earl Spencer, and his wife Georgiana following their marriage. Seeking a magnificent London residence befitting their status and fortune, the couple chose a prime site overlooking Green Park. The house was designed initially by John Vardy in the Palladian style, but after a few years, James ‘Athenian’ Stuart took over, introducing pioneering neoclassical interiors inspired by his studies of ancient Greek architecture. The façade, faced with Portland stone, features a giant Doric portico topped with statues symbolizing hospitality, love, and the arts, reflecting the house’s role as a social and cultural hub.Architectural and Interior Splendour
Spencer House is renowned for its early neoclassical interiors, among the first fully realized in England. Stuart’s designs adorn the first-floor state rooms with classical columns, entablatures, and motifs drawn from ancient Greek and Roman art. The ground floor retains elements from Vardy’s original design, including the opulent Palm Room, with its gilded palm fronds and domed ceiling, evoking a personal temple. The Great Room, the largest state room, was designed for grand receptions and to display the Spencer family’s impressive art collection. Victorian updates in the 19th century introduced gas lighting and patterned carpets but left the neoclassical rooms largely intact.Survival, Restoration, and Public Access
After centuries as the Spencer family’s London home, the house was leased to various tenants from the late 19th century and suffered wartime damage during the Blitz. In the late 20th century, a major restoration project led by Lord Rothschild and RIT Capital Partners painstakingly revived Spencer House to its original 18th-century grandeur. Officially reopened by Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1991, the house is now open to the public for guided tours on Sundays, allowing visitors to experience its lavish interiors and rich history. The house also serves as an exclusive venue for private and corporate events.A Living Monument to Georgian Elegance
Spencer House stands as a rare survivor of the grand aristocratic palaces that once lined London’s West End. Its symmetrical façade, classical sculptures, and richly decorated interiors offer a window into Georgian high society, art patronage, and architectural innovation. The house’s gardens, accessible during good weather, provide a tranquil complement to the ornate interiors. Throughout its history, Spencer House has been a symbol of the Spencer family’s prominence and a testament to London’s architectural heritage.Notable Features and Visitor Experience
Visitors to Spencer House can admire the Painted Room, celebrated for its intricate 18th-century décor celebrating love and marriage, as well as the glittering Blades chandelier in the Dining Room, repatriated from India. Blue Badge guides lead engaging tours that illuminate the house’s history, architecture, and the lives of its aristocratic inhabitants. The house’s location near Green Park offers scenic views and a peaceful setting amidst central London’s bustle.Architectural Quirks and Historical Anecdotes
One architectural curiosity is the asymmetrical street façade caused by the Spencers’ failure to acquire an adjacent property, leaving one side incomplete. The front garden was only leased from Green Park decades after the house’s completion, adding to its unique story. During World War II, original fixtures were removed for safekeeping, reflecting the house’s resilience through turbulent times. Today, Spencer House remains a jewel of Georgian architecture and a vibrant cultural landmark in London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Republic of Texas Plaque
0.2 km
A hidden brass plaque marking where the Republic of Texas once sought recognition from the British Crown.
Pickering Pl
0.2 km
Discover Pickering Place, London's smallest square, a hidden Georgian courtyard steeped in duels, diplomacy, and timeless charm.
St. James's Palace
0.2 km
Discover the Tudor grandeur and royal ceremonies at London’s oldest palace, the enduring heart of British monarchy.
Beau Brummell Statue
0.3 km
The dandy who revolutionised menswear and defined Regency elegance in bronze.
St James's Square
0.4 km
London’s oldest garden square, where Georgian elegance meets centuries of power, politics, and high society in the heart of Westminster.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth,The Queen Mother Memorial
0.5 km
A dignified London memorial honoring King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, through iconic bronze statues and historic symbolism.
Burlington House
0.5 km
A grand 17th-century mansion on Piccadilly, now home to the Royal Academy of Arts and Britain’s leading learned societies, blending Palladian elegance with centuries of art and science.
3 Carlton House Terrace
0.5 km
Elegant Grade I listed townhouse in London’s historic Carlton House Terrace, blending royal heritage with refined Georgian architecture.
Guards Crimean War Memorial
0.6 km
A poignant bronze tribute in central London honoring the valor and sacrifice of ordinary soldiers in the Crimean War.
3 Savile Row
0.6 km
Historic Georgian townhouse in London, famed as The Beatles’ Apple Corps HQ and site of their legendary 1969 rooftop concert.
Equestrian statue of Edward Ⅶ
0.6 km
Majestic bronze tribute to King Edward VII in the heart of London’s historic Waterloo Place, blending regal artistry with imperial heritage.
Allies (Churchill & Roosevelt)
0.6 km
A life-size bronze sculpture on New Bond Street celebrating Churchill and Roosevelt’s historic wartime alliance and enduring friendship.
The Royal Military Chapel (The Guards’ Chapel)
0.6 km
Discover the historic charm and serene beauty of The Royal Military Chapel, a hidden gem in London's rich cultural landscape.
Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus
0.6 km
London's dazzling heart: iconic neon lights, legendary Eros statue, and the pulsing epicentre of West End entertainment.
Bomber Command Memorial
0.6 km
A powerful tribute in Portland stone and bronze to the 55,573 RAF Bomber Command aircrew who lost their lives in WWII, set in the heart of Green Park, London.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lock & Co. Hatters
0.2 km
Discover centuries of British hat-making tradition at Lock & Co., the world's oldest hat shop since 1676, crafting iconic styles for royalty and legends.
Clarence House
0.2 km
Explore Clarence House, the historic London residence of King Charles III, showcasing royal heritage, exquisite art, and elegant Regency architecture.
Lancaster House
0.2 km
Lancaster House: London’s neoclassical masterpiece blending royal history, political heritage, and elegant government hospitality near Buckingham Palace.
Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Shop
0.2 km
Discover the rich heritage and exquisite selection of wines at Berry Bros. & Rudd, London's historic wine shop and event venue.
The Queen's Chapel
0.2 km
Discover the elegant 17th-century Palladian chapel beside St. James’s Palace, steeped in royal history and architectural refinement.
Christie's London
0.2 km
Christie's London, at 8 King Street, is a historic and prestigious auction house renowned for its world-class art and luxury sales since 1766.
The Green Park
0.3 km
A tranquil Royal Park in central London offering peaceful lawns, historic memorials, and scenic views near Buckingham Palace.
Canada Memorial
0.3 km
A serene and symbolic tribute in Green Park honoring Canadian soldiers’ sacrifices and the enduring bond with the United Kingdom.
Canada Gate
0.3 km
Discover the elegance and historical significance of Canada Gate, a stunning landmark in London's Green Park, celebrating the bond between Canada and the UK.
Piccadilly Arcade
0.3 km
Step into Piccadilly Arcade, a refined Edwardian shopping haven blending heritage tailoring, unique boutiques, and timeless London charm.
Masons Yard
0.3 km
Discover Mason's Yard, a historic London square blending rich artistic heritage with cutting-edge contemporary galleries in the heart of St James's.
White Cube Mason's Yard
0.3 km
Premier contemporary art gallery in St James's, free admission, architectural landmark housing international exhibitions.
Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk
0.3 km
A serene 7-mile circular walk through London's Royal Parks, honoring Princess Diana’s life, legacy, and connection to iconic royal landmarks.
Burlington Arcade
0.4 km
Step into Burlington Arcade, a historic 1819 luxury shopping gallery in London, where Regency charm meets exclusive boutiques and timeless traditions.
Queen Victoria Memorial
0.4 km
A majestic tribute to Queen Victoria, blending imperial grandeur with artistic symbolism at the heart of London’s royal landscape.
Essential places to dine
Great British Restaurant
0.1 km
Elegant British dining in the heart of St James’s, blending traditional flavors with modern sophistication in a tranquil hotel setting.
Seven Park Place by William Drabble
0.1 km
An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair offering refined British-French cuisine by Chef William Drabble in an elegant Art Deco setting.
Golden Lion
0.2 km
Historic 1690s pub in St James's offering classic British fare, rich heritage, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near Buckingham Palace.
Quaglino's
0.3 km
Glamorous basement brasserie with live music, cocktails, and theatrical dining in St. James's.
HIDE
0.3 km
Discover refined Modern European cuisine with panoramic Green Park views at HIDE, a Michelin-starred gem blending innovation and elegance in Mayfair.
Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
0.4 km
Michelin-starred modern British dining in an elegant 1930s-style Mayfair setting, offering inventive tasting menus and impeccable service.
Wild Honey St James
0.6 km
Michelin-starred French-influenced cooking in a Grade II-listed banking hall, where refined technique meets understated elegance.
Kricket Soho
0.7 km
Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
NOPI
0.7 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in Soho at NOPI, Ottolenghi’s innovative restaurant known for shareable, seasonal dishes.
The Punch Bowl
0.8 km
Historic Mayfair gastropub where three centuries of character meet contemporary British cuisine and award-winning hospitality.
Mele e Pere
0.8 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
The English Grill
0.8 km
Classic British dining perfected with expertly grilled steaks and seasonal delights in a refined, elegant setting near London’s iconic theatres.
Bantof
0.8 km
Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
The Pem
0.8 km
Elegant modern British dining in Westminster, honoring heritage with exquisite seasonal menus and refined ambiance.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
0.8 km
Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
John Lobb St. James
0.2 km
Where 170 years of royal patronage meets handcrafted perfection in every stitch.
Turnbull & Asser Jermyn Street
0.3 km
Discover Turnbull & Asser on Jermyn Street, the quintessential British shirtmaker blending heritage craftsmanship with timeless elegance since 1885.
Floris London
0.4 km
Experience nearly three centuries of British fragrance heritage at Floris London’s historic boutique on iconic Jermyn Street.
Hard Rock London Rock Shop
0.6 km
Discover exclusive rock ’n’ roll merchandise and iconic memorabilia at London’s legendary Hard Rock Rock Shop on Old Park Lane.
The Queen's Shop
0.6 km
Exclusive royal gifts and British heritage souvenirs steps from Buckingham Palace, blending luxury, tradition, and timeless elegance in a charming London boutique.
Lillywhites
0.6 km
London's iconic sports megastore at Piccadilly Circus—where athletic excellence meets retail tradition.
Buckingham Palace Shop
0.7 km
Official royal souvenirs at the palace gates: chinaware, gifts, and memorabilia that bring Buckingham Palace's grandeur home with you. (162 characters)
Bond St
0.7 km
London's most exclusive luxury shopping street, where three centuries of elegance meet contemporary high fashion.
LONGCHAMP
0.7 km
Discover French luxury and craftsmanship at Longchamp’s elegant Bond Street boutique in London’s exclusive Mayfair district.
Cool Britannia
0.8 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and vintage photography moments just steps from Buckingham Palace in a lively and welcoming shop.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
0.8 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.8 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
Kingly Ct
0.8 km
A vibrant three-storey courtyard in Soho offering eclectic global dining and unique shops in a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
Hamleys
0.9 km
Seven floors of toy wonder in London's most iconic toy shop since 1760.
Thomas Goode & Co
0.9 km
Two centuries of royal patronage and uncompromising luxury in London's most prestigious chinaware emporium.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Below
0.3 km
Discover Below at HIDE, a hidden Mayfair cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks and rare spirits beneath a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Adam & Eve
0.7 km
Classic Westminster pub pouring real ales and hearty grub amid historic streets—a cozy haven near Parliament and the Abbey for authentic London pints.
Two Chairmen
0.8 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty pies, fresh ales, and classic British cheer just steps from St. James's Park and Parliament.
Disrepute - Soho
0.8 km
Descend into Soho's glamorous underworld at Disrepute, where 1960s scandal meets masterful cocktails in velvet-clad vaults—Soho's seductive late-night escape.
The New York Bar
0.8 km
A polished hotel lounge opposite Buckingham Palace — handcrafted cocktails, tasting events and piano-accompanied afternoons in plush, traditional surroundings.
Bbar
0.8 km
Chic Victoria cocktail bar beneath a living wall, blending South African zest with inventive drinks, hearty bites, and unforgettable afternoon teas near Buckingham Palace.
Cahoots London
0.8 km
Step into a 1940s London underground tube station and enjoy creative cocktails in a vibrant, theatrical vintage setting.
The Thin White Duke
0.8 km
Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
Blue Boar Pub
0.8 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty British classics in a cozy, historic setting near Abbey and Parliament—perfect for ales, roasts, and relaxed evenings.
Duke of Argyll
0.8 km
Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
All Bar One Leicester Square
0.9 km
Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
All Bar One Victoria
0.9 km
Sophisticated wines, global bites, and lively vibes on Victoria Street – London's go-to for stylish drinks and casual feasts near Westminster's heart.
Westminster Arms
0.9 km
Historic Westminster pub with parliamentary division bell, Shepherd Neame ales, and cozy alcoves steps from Abbey and Parliament—timeless British charm in political heart.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
0.9 km
Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
The Blind Pig at Mary's est. 2024
0.9 km
Discover a stylish Mayfair speakeasy blending inventive cocktails, retro charm, and attentive service in London's vibrant Pollen Street scene.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Tabu London
0.3 km
Escape Mayfair's polish for Tokyo's neon-lit Shinjuku alleys at Tabu London—retro gaming vibes, caged dancers, hip-hop beats, and upscale bites fuel epic nights.
The Scotch of St James
0.4 km
Legendary Mayfair speakeasy where 60s rock stars jammed and today's elite dance till dawn in velvet-clad intimacy.
LUXX CLUB LONDON
0.4 km
Experience Mayfair’s premier luxury nightclub with dazzling lights, top DJs, and exclusive VIP vibes at LUXX CLUB LONDON.
The Cuckoo Club
0.5 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
Tiger Tiger London
0.7 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
TSQ Club
0.8 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Luxe Club
0.8 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.8 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
Café de Paris
0.8 km
Step into London’s iconic West End nightclub where history, glamour, and electrifying cabaret create unforgettable nights.
The Penthouse London
0.9 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.9 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
Sophisticats Soho
0.9 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
The Box Soho
0.9 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Sunset night club
1.0 km
Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
Zoo Bar & Club
1.0 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
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
