Mansion House
Walbrook, London, Greater London, EC4N 8BH
Dominating the street by the Bank of England is Mansion House, a Palladian stately home that’s fronted by a temple portico and flanked by stairs on either side. If it looks important, it’s because it is: This has been the home and office of the Lord Mayor of London since the mid-18th century. While most daily visitors are officials on business, curious sorts can also peek inside on a prebooked guided tour.
The basics
The Mansion House's location in the center of the City of London, the financial and geographical heart of the UK capital, means London sightseeing tours often pass by. Walking tours focusing on the City of London typically take travelers to the most famous monuments in the district, including St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, the Royal Exchange, and Leadenhall Market.
Bus and coach tours tend to cover more ground, combining City of London sights with attractions situated in other parts of the capital, such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square. Entrance to Mansion House is by guided tour only: tours last for an hour and take place on Tuesdays.
Things to know before you go
Mansion House tickets must be booked in advance.
Mansion House has wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
The building has an elevator and all floors are wheelchair accessible. However, some of the artwork is only visible from the stairs.
Mansion House tours are not suitable for visitors under 14.
Arrive at least 10 minutes in advance of the tour start time to allow for security checks.
How to get there
Take the Tube (Central, Northern, or Waterloo & City lines) to Bank. Mansion House is just a few steps from the station.
When to get there
Guided tours of Mansion House take place on Tuesdays and during the annual Open House London event in September. There are no tours in August. If you plan on exploring the surrounding area, be mindful of when you come. You'll find large crowds of suited office workers during the weekday rush hours yet is strangely quiet at weekends.
The Lord Mayor’s Show
Every year in November, Mansion House serves as the starting point for the Lord Mayor’s Show. The procession, which features floats, bands, and performers— as well as the Lord Mayor in a gold coach—marks the annual inauguration of the new Lord Mayor of London. Spectators crowd the sidewalks along the parade route, while many more watch the spectacle live on television.
Who lives in the Mansion House in London?
Since the 18th century, the Mansion House in London has served as the home and office of the Lord Mayor of the City of London. Whoever holds that position can reside in the grand building, notable for its classical-style pillars and central location.
Is Mansion House accessible?
Yes, Mansion House is fully accessible. As well as a ramp leading to the entrance of the building, there's a lift to all floors and accessible toilets. There's also a sound loop in the Egyptian Hall. The nearest tube station, Mansion House, is not step-free, but the nearby Bank station is.
Is photography allowed on a Mansion House tour?
Yes, you can take photographs during the Mansion House tour. If you want to use professional filming equipment, you'll need to get permission from the City of London borough in advance. You can snap pictures with your smartphone of both the interior and exterior of the monument.
What do you see on a tour of Mansion House?
On a tour of Mansion House, you'll visit grand 18th-century rooms such as the Salon, Drawing Room, and Egyptian Hall, adorned with crystal chandeliers, Italian marble statues, and intricate plasterwork, plus Dutch and Flemish art from the Harold Samuel collection.
What time is a Mansion House tour?
Tours of Mansion House happen every week on Tuesdays, except during August and on public holidays that fall on Tuesdays. Tours start at 2pm and last around one hour, but you must arrive 10 minutes early to undergo the required security checks. Pre-booking is a must.
Who are Mansion House tours run by?
The City of London corporation, the governing body of the historic City of London Square Mile, operates Mansion House tours. You'll explore the grand residence with an accredited City of London guide, who are all experts on the rich history of this compact yet culturally rich and significant area of England's capital city.
Ways to explore
To visit inside Mansion House, book a 1-hour tour directly via the City of London website. Numbers are capped at 40 people, and tours showcase the interior rooms and the Harold Samuel Collection of Dutch and Flemish art. Paintings, sculptures, and gold plates are among the finds. If you’re an art fan, opt for a Mansion House Art Collection private tour, led by an art guide; you need to book three months in advance.
Many City of London sightseeing tours also pass by, with walking tours, hop-on hop-off tours, and private black taxi tours all available.
Accessibility
Mansion House is partially wheelchair accessible with a ramp, disabled restroom, and an elevator. Some of the art collection is located on staircases. Mansion House tube station is not wheelchair accessible, so use Blackfriars instead.
Age limits
No child tickets are available, although full-time students pay the concessional rate. The tours are not suitable for under 14s.
What to pack
Valid photo ID (passport or driving license) for security checks
What to wear
Comfortable shoes for walking
Not allowed
No flash photography
Amenities
Restrooms on-site, many eateries and shops in the vicinity
Address
Mansion House is in the City of London, a central-east finance district known as the Square Mile. It’s walkable from London landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Monument to the Great Fire of London, and the Millennium Bridge.
Driving
You need to pay the London Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) fee, if applicable for your vehicle. Parking nearby is limited and expensive, so it’s best to take public transport if you can.
Public transportation
Take the tube to Mansion House or Blackfriars via the District and Circle line, or to Blackfriars station on a Thameslink train. Alternatively, take the 26 or 15 buses from central London, which both stop at Mansion House.
Best times to visit
Mansion House is only open for prebooked guided tours. Arrive 10 minutes in advance for security checks.
Best days to visit
Visit whenever you can get a place on a tour, which all take place midweek.
Best months to visit
Any month, except August or public holidays when there are no tours.
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