Apsley House
- History enthusiasts
- Art lovers
- Families with children
What Visitors Say
A great museum celebrating the Duke of Wellington. Lots of fine art pieces, some taken from Napoleans own possession. If you have the English Heritage family voucher then use it here. Its also close to the two main parks n attractions.
The London town house of the Duke of Wellington where he entertained European heads of state and nobility. You can see 2 floors including the massive ballroom and dining room. There is plenty of his personal possessions and furniture on display. The main display is his collection of paintings which show his interests as well as the history of the period. You'll learn a lot about the life and times of the Iron Duke. The audio tour is free and informative.
Hugely impressive English Townhouse built in the late 1700’s and later home of the 1st Duke of Wellington. Brilliant collection of Battle of Waterloo memorabilia, artworks and personal items from Wellington himself. Recommended!
Without a doubt you can't get a better address than Apsley house historically know as No1 London. Its by Hyde Park Corner opposite Wellington Arch, and was the home of the Duke of Wellington. This was an amazing visit so much to see in the museum and rooms, There's so many oil paintings that you could spend hours going through them all. Like Wellington Arch, Apsley house is another property caretakered and managed by English Heritage. Loads of guides are available with a wealth of knowledge also you can pick up an electronic tour guide. The property and belongings are exceptionally well cared for. There is so much here definitely allocate a good 2 or 3 hours so you don't miss anything. There is a very nice little gift shop here so we'll worth a look there as they have some lovely things you can pick up to remember your visit. Big thankyou to the awesome staff that puts so much effort in. Definitely be coming again as I'm sure we missed a few things.
A marvel in the middle of London! I went today to visit with my husband, and what a joy ✨️ an elegant house full of beautiful art. One of the very few remaining aristocratic homes in London. Must See ArtworksAntonio Canova's colossal nude statue of Napoleon (as Mars the Peacemaker)a 3.45m tall marble sculpture at the foot of the grand staircase originally commissioned by Napoleon himself, but captured and given to Wellington. It's one of the most striking and iconic pieces in the house. The "Spanish Gift" paintings .Around 83 Spanish royal collection works (originally looted by Joseph Bonaparte and recovered by Wellington), including masterpieces by Diego Velázquez ( The Waterseller of Seville, Portrait of a Gentleman) Francisco Goya Titian, Rubens, Correggio, Murillo, Brueghel, and others These hang throughout the state rooms and are a major draw for art lovers. The Waterloo Shield! magnificent silver gilt presentation shield honoring Wellington's victory.Porcelains (like the Deccan dinner service), silverware, busts (including Canova works), military orders, swords, and gifts from emperors, tsars, and kings. My favourite was Yellow Drawing Room (or Yellow Room)one of the most elegant and beautiful. Original Adam fireplace, Wyatt interiors, delicate ornamentation, pier glasses, and artworks (including a Canova bust). I'm so happy that I went. I couldn't have left London without seeing this beautiful home. Every room is more beautiful than the last, with so much to see. If you are in London, do not miss this gem . It's near the Hilton hotel and easy to get to by bus or underground.
Highlights
Waterloo Gallery
Feasts, politics and memoryHere the Duke hosted the yearly Waterloo Banquet—dining as commemoration.
State floor
Spanish ‘Royal Gift’ Paintings
Masterpieces with a diplomatic backstorySpanish monarchs rewarded Wellington with works by Velázquez and peers after Napoleonic defeat.
Picture galleries
Canova’s Napoleon
A colossal rival, captured in marbleAntonio Canova sculpted Napoleon as ‘Mars the Peacemaker’; its presence here reframes victory.
Stair hall
SIlver & Ceremonial Gifts
Trophies that travelled empiresOrders, swords and splendid services chart how military success became soft power.
Cases off the state rooms
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
Apsley House’s address became a London in-joke: mile-zero of aristocratic town life, hence the nickname ‘Number One, London’.
The annual Waterloo Banquet ran for decades after 1815, turning dinner into remembrance and elite networking in the same room you walk through.
Benjamin Dean Wyatt remodelled the house for the first Duke—much of the restrained exterior hides surprisingly lavish interiors.