Open House Festival returns from 12 to 20 September 2026, giving visitors free access to buildings and spaces across all 33 London boroughs. The programme includes places that are normally private or difficult to enter, alongside guided tours, talks, walks and drop-in visits.

Browse the official 2026 programme →

Which buildings can you visit?

The programme changes every year and includes hundreds of places, from historic landmarks and cultural venues to offices, homes and modern architecture.

Highlights announced for 2026 include guided or bookable visits at Senate House, St Pancras Chambers and Clock Tower and BBC Broadcasting House. There are also drop-in opportunities at places such as the OXO Tower, Old Royal Naval College, English National Ballet and Hackney Empire.

Availability, dates and entry arrangements differ by building, so use each official listing rather than assuming that every site is open throughout the full festival.

When and how to book

The 2026 programme is available to browse now. Bookings for free ticketed activities open at midday on Wednesday 19 August. You need to create a free Open House account before booking.

Some activities are drop-in, while others have limited capacity and need advance booking. Popular tours can fill quickly, so shortlist your priorities and register before bookings open. A free event can still require a ticket.

How to plan a good Open House day

Choose one area of London rather than collecting buildings spread across the city. Check the visit duration, entry method and last admission time for every stop, then leave a buffer between them.

For a more flexible day, combine one pre-booked highlight with nearby drop-in buildings. This gives you a strong main visit without making the whole itinerary depend on tightly timed reservations.

Accessibility and changes

Access varies because the programme includes historic, operational and privately owned buildings. Read the accessibility information on the individual listing before travelling. Open City also invites visitors with questions to contact its festival team through the official website.

Participating sites, tour times and entry instructions can change. Check your saved listings again shortly before the visit.

Useful questions

Is Open House Festival really free?
Yes. Open City describes the festival as free, including its ticketed activities. You may still need to reserve a place for capacity-controlled visits.
Can I just turn up?
Some buildings offer drop-in entry, but others require advance booking. Check the entry method on each programme listing.
Does every building open for all nine days?
No. Each building sets its own opening dates, times and visit format within the festival period.
Do I need an account?
You need a free Open House account to book ticketed activities. Creating one in advance should make booking day easier.

Source and last check

Details checked on 4 August 2026 using the official Open City festival information and official Open House Festival programme. Individual buildings, opening times and booking arrangements can change.