Apsley House (Wellington Museum)

The Basics

Built in 1778, the Apsley House—home to (and known to some as) the Wellington Museum—was originally home to Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington. Today the stately mansion, which is open to the public, is sumptuously decorated with palatial, gilded interiors. Its impressive Wellington Collection includes nearly 3,000 Spanish, Dutch, and Flemish paintings and sculptures by well-known artists such as Goya, Velázquez, Van Dyck, and Pieter Bruegel, as well as other pieces of fine art.

Entrance to the museum is included on some art-themed and comprehensive London tours. Holders of the Overseas Visitors Pass receive reduced admission, as do children aged 5 to 17 years.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Apsley House is ideal for art, design, and history enthusiasts.

• Group tours are available for parties of 11 or more.

• Multimedia touchscreen guides, included with admission, are available in English, German, Spanish, and British Sign Language.

• The on-site shop offers myriad items related to the First Duke of Wellington, art, architecture, and the Battle of Waterloo.

• Limited, free parking is available on-site for disabled visitors and must be arranged in advance.

• The museum is not wheelchair accessible, as there are five steps to the front door (no ramp) and no accessible bathrooms. Once inside, there is an elevator with eight steps down to it.

How to Get There

Apsley House is located in the southeast section of Hyde Park. Parking near the park is limited, so it’s recommended to use public transport. Many buses stop near Hyde Park, and the Piccadilly line’s Hyde Park Corner tube station is about a 1-minute walk from the museum.

When to Get There

Apsley House is open year-round; check the website for current opening hours. In London’s warmer spring and summer months, you can take advantage of Hyde Park’s many picnic spots before or after a museum visit.

Wellington Arch

Located in Hyde Park, across the street from Apsley House, Wellington Arch was originally built as an entrance to Buckingham Palace. It later became a victory arch commemorating Britain’s victory against Napoleon. Visitors are treated to spectacular panoramic London views from the arch’s balconies, and there is a permanent museum on the ground level. The arch, which is open most days (check the website for hours), has an elevator and is wheelchair accessible.

Ways to explore

Built in 1778, the Apsley House—sometimes known as the Wellington Museum—was originally home to Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington. Today, the stately mansion, which is open to the public, is sumptuously decorated with palatial, gilded interiors. Its impressive Wellington Collection includes nearly 3,000 Spanish, Dutch, and Flemish paintings and sculptures by artists such as Goya, Velázquez, Van Dyck, and Pieter Bruegel, as well as other pieces of fine art.

Beyond independent visits, entrance to the museum is included on some London art-themed and sightseeing tours.

Accessibility

The building is not wheelchair accessible: the lift is only accessible via steps, and there are no ramps, accessible restrooms, or step-free access to the building. British Sign Language (BSL) tours, induction loops, and audio-descriptive tours are available. Service dogs are welcome.

Age limits

None; children under age 5 enter free

What to pack

Small bag, card/cash

What to wear

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for sightseeing outdoors in neighboring Hyde Park.

Not allowed

Interior photography, food and drink, smoking, large bags (there’s no bag storage available on-site)

Amenities

Audio guides, gift shop, restrooms, occasional guided tours

Address

Apsley House is pretty difficult to miss for London visitors, thanks to its prime position at Hyde Park Corner. While there are many ways to get there, public transit is your best bet.

Driving

Apsley House sits at Hyde Park Corner on a major traffic roundabout in central London. Parking here is extremely limited, so public transportation is strongly recommended.

Public transportation

Take the Piccadilly line to Hyde Park Corner station, which is adjacent to Wellington Arch and directly next to Apsley House. It’s effectively front-door delivery.

Best times to visit

The museum is typically open 11am to 5pm in the summer season and has slightly shorter hours in the winter months. Visit near opening or closing to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

Opening days are usually from Wednesday through Sunday, with weekdays being less crowded. The house has a seasonal opening schedule and may close on additional weekdays during winter, so check ahead of your visit for the latest hours.

Best months to visit

Spring and summer (April through August) offer better weather and longer opening hours.

Special events

Guided tours are offered on the first Thursday of each month. The mansion gets decked out for the holidays, too.