Fenton House
What Visitors Say
You have to book in advance to visit this place, I was hunting for months to be able to get a spot but it was worth the wait. The house itself is a nice country house, with a 3 tier levelled garden but what is inside is the gem! Porcelain collection, painting collection and a huge collection of old musical instruments which are played regularly. It was magic to listen to the sound of these instruments and learn how they work. Loved the story behind the collection. I would recommend this house!
There were interesting tapestries and China. There were old harpsichords, which I believe were left there by the Royal Academy of Music. A volunteer played one of the instruments throughout the day. The top floors of the house were closed without notice as a volunteer did not show up. The garden was beautiful. Overall, it was slightly interesting. It seems that they can't figure out exactly what to do with the house.
Ah, Fenton House. If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering around a 17th century merchant’s mansion that somehow survived London’s endless attempts at “modernisation ” (aka bulldozing history to build Pret a Mangers), then congratulations you’ve found a new spot. The house itself is lovely, full of period furniture and art that screams, “I’m valuable, please don’t touch.” It’s basically a museum of things you’ll never own, displayed in rooms you could never afford, maintained by people who definitely judge your shoes as you walk through. Every creaky floorboard whispers, “You’re not worthy.” And honestly, fair. But the real gem is the garden. Imagine a lush oasis of calm, right in Hampstead, where you can stroll through manicured lawns, gaze at orchards, and quietly pretend you’re a character in Bridgerton.
I had the chance to visit this house early on a Sunday. It has been on my list for a while and definitely it exceeded my expectations. Both garden and house are kept beautiful and in good condition. It displays very interesting pieces with an amazing collection of porcelain figures and several musical instruments. During our visit, a lady played beautifully several of the pianos displayed on the rooms, transporting us back to the old times of the house. Totally worth it a visit.
Lovely warm sunny afternoon when I visited in April, beautiful peaceful garden. Interesting talk from one of the guides gives you some insight to the recent history of the house. 'Charming' is how I'd describe it, with some fascinating collections to investigate.
Highlights
Keyboard Time Travel
Harpsichords, spinets and virginals show how music lived before the piano age.On some days you’ll hear them played—wood and wire filling small rooms with bright sound.
Music rooms, upper floors
Merchant’s Taste
Porcelain, pictures and stitched panels map aspiration and trade.Collections read like a ledger of status and global connections.
Principal rooms
Garden & Orchard Calm
An oasis with seasonal colour and Hampstead breezes.Box hedges and fruit trees frame city views that feel rural.
Walled garden and lawns
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
The early keyboard collection stems from Captain George Benton Fletcher, who donated instruments to the National Trust to be heard, not just seen.
Parts of the house retain late-17th-century fabric—small-pane sash windows, steep stairs, and thick walls that make music intimate.
The walled garden includes an orchard—rare this close to central London—and seasonal displays often outshine the interiors.
