Fenton House
- History enthusiasts
- Music lovers
- Families with children
What Visitors Say
Lovely gardens. A collection of harpsichords one of which was being played. Views of the admirals house that constable painted and even a constable sketch. A David Cox and a possible Turner.
Lovely house and stunning gardens. Staff nice and helpful. Vast collection of musical instruments. Nothing is labelled and there's not much on the history of the house. There are a few information packs but these seem very limited especially when the house is busy. Gardens are the highlight and imagine are beautiful on a warm day. Didn't notice a shop or cafe (could have missed them!) so keep in mind.
A real gem of a place that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of London. From the moment we arrived, the informative welcome talk set the scene brilliantly and added so much context to the visit. The gardens are lovely—beautifully laid out and a perfect place to wander or simply relax. We actually returned later to enjoy a picnic lunch there, which made the visit even more special. Make sure you head up to the attic floor and step out onto the balcony—the views across London are fantastic. It’s also fascinating to spot the house that inspired the Admiral’s House in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, as well as a nearby home once owned by Ridley Scott. Highly recommended for a peaceful and interesting escape.
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!
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.
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.
