Kenwood House
What Visitors Say
I'd recommend buying the ticked in advance, so you don't have to wait (it's free)! The library was the reason I was interested to visit and it did not disappoint! So so beautiful, also all the other smaller rooms and intricate details, artworks and architecture was beyond beautiful! They even have a Singer Sargent painting, which I loved!
Kenwood House is a stunning neoclassical villa set on the edge of Hampstead Heath, surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens. The elegant interiors and impressive art collection, including masterpieces by renowned artists, make it a fascinating place to explore. It’s a perfect blend of history, architecture, and peaceful natural scenery.
So beautiful place to visit. English heritage house with old and fabulous history. I have been there for Halloween and absolutely enjoyed it. It was amazing scary time, with a lots of actors walking on the road, lights and decorations. Recommending you to buy tickets in advance, as it's really lovely place to visit for Christmas or any another day.
It's a lovely place with so much to see. Each room has its own brochure introducing each piece of artwork. Sitting on the sofa reading the brochures while enjoying the paintings is a very pleasant experience. The volunteers are also very warm and friendly. They are always ready to share their knowledge of the artworks with visitors, and it is lovely to have a chat with them.
This place has a lovely house and huge grounds to enjoy. It is free entry to the grounds for walk and there is admission fee for the house. Collections inside the house are beautiful and all volunteers are so kind and informative. The architecture and paintings are extraordinary. So many things to enjoy.
Highlights
Adam Library
Robert Adam’s neoclassical showpieceRemodelled c.1764-79, the library’s pale colours, apsed end and intricate plasterwork reveal how Adam turned rooms into ‘harmonies’ of architecture, furnishings and light.
Ground floor, south wing
Rembrandt Self-portrait
Late work by RembrandtPainted in the 1660s, the ageing artist studies himself with thick, luminous paint; every ridge of brushwork shows how he built light from darkness.
First floor, Picture Gallery
Vermeer Guitar Player
Rare Vermeer in BritainJohannes Vermeer’s c.1672 canvas catches music mid-note. It was famously stolen in 1974 and later recovered, adding a modern chapter to its quiet scene.
First floor, Picture Gallery
Capability Grounds
Picturesque heathland settingSweeping lawns, woodland and water frame the house like a landscape painting, refined in the late 18th century to give long, unfolding views over London.
Gardens and lake, outdoors
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
Johannes Vermeer’s ‘The Guitar Player’ was stolen from Kenwood in 1974 and later recovered.
Robert Adam’s remodelling created the signature library interiors between the 1760s and 1770s.
Kenwood’s art includes a late Rembrandt self-portrait painted in the 1660s.
The house sits on the edge of Hampstead Heath with long views towards central London.
