Leighton House London
An architectural masterpiece
There are treasures to discover in every room of Leighton House, the home and studio of Victorian artist Frederic Leighton: paintings, ceramics, tapestries, books… However, the domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for. Decorated from floor to ceiling with mosaics, marble columns, and Middle Eastern tiles, it is pure Orientalist fantasy. Other highlights include the Silk Room – a sumptuous gallery space where Leighton hung paintings given to him by artistic contemporaries – and the newly restored Winter Studio.
Leighton began building the house in the 1860s with the help of renowned architect George Aitchison, but it was a project that would consume him right up until his death in 1896. Extensions were added as the artist traveled more and his collection of art, textiles, and pottery expanded, and at the same time other purpose-built studio houses began to pop up around it. This artists’ colony became known as the Holland Park Circle.
One other such property – Sambourne House in nearby Stafford Terrace – is also open to the public as a museum, and visitors can buy a joint ticket to get discounted entry to both. Tickets to Leighton House are sold on a ‘pay what you want’ basis on the first Monday of every month, and anyone with a National Art Pass can enter for free all year round.
Find your way with 221 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in London
Fitzrovia Chapel
An architectural masterpiece
Aside from its compelling history, what really sets Fitzrovia Chapel apart is its extraordinary gold mosaic ceiling. So don't forget to look up!
By
Madeline
Gowers
London Review Bookshop
A must for book lovers
Twice a week, all the tables are pushed to one side, and the bookshop is transformed into an intimate venue for author talks, film screenings and debates.
By
Madeline
Gowers
Strawberry Hill House
London’s Gothic castle
Walpole spent most of his life transforming the building into his own ‘little Gothic castle’, with battlements, arched doorways and stained glass windows.
By
Madeline
Gowers
Book 28 Library
A tiny queer utopia
What really sets Book 28 apart, is their commitment to sourcing intersectional literature that would be unlikely to appear in your average public library.
By
Madeline
Gowers
Woburn Walk
A taste of Regency London
Designed in 1822 by Thomas Cubitt (the architect behind large parts of Belgravia & Pimlico), Woburn Walk retains many of its original Georgian shopfronts.
By
Madeline
Gowers
Alba Caffè
A taste of the Mediterranean
Savour your food, indulge in good conversation and when you’ve scraped your plate clean, go out onto the patio for a long, drawn-out coffee in the sun.
By
Madeline
Gowers
Isabella Plantation
A Colourful Botanical Retreat
Despite its popularity, Isabella Plantation remains a serene retreat. Pack a picnic and soak in its dazzling seasonal blooms.
By
Sarra
Kassem
Naroon
Authentic Persian food
Everything I’ve tried in this restaurant is delicious and plentiful. I love the bread, the dips and I can guarantee that their saffron rice is to die for!
By
Angelina
Ivanova
Redemption Roasters
Coffee with a cause
I immediately fell in love with Redemption Roasters for their strong mission, big social impact, and great coffee of course. Plus an excellent brunch menu!
By
Angelina
Ivanova
The Three Johns
Angel's Go-To Beer and Pizza Pub
If you end up in The Three Johns, expect historic charm with a modern twist, craft beers, tasty pizzas, and a spacious, stylish setting for a night out.
By
Sarra
Kassem
Heading to London?
221 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to London?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 221 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
Our team loves London
Get to know our other Spotters from London
As featured on:
