Spencer House Museum

Spencer House is an 18th-century aristocratic townhouse in the St James’s district of London, originally built for the Spencer family. It is notable as one of the best-preserved examples of high-style Georgian domestic architecture and interior design in the city.

The interior contains a succession of reception rooms with classical decorative schemes and original fittings that date to the mid-1700s. The house has been subject to restoration and selective conservation to present representative period rooms to visitors.

Built in the mid-18th century, the house was designed and fitted out for a leading aristocratic family and has been altered and maintained across subsequent centuries. In the 20th and 21st centuries parts of the building have been used for both private and public purposes, including guided visits and events.

Spencer House sits on St James’s in central London, a short walk from Green Park and other royal and government precincts in the City of Westminster.

• Access: An 18th-century aristocratic London townhouse with richly decorated period interiors that are opened to the public for guided tours on a limited basis.

Spencer House is in St James’s, central London, a very short walk from Green Park station (Piccadilly, Victoria and Jubilee lines) - roughly 2-5 minutes on foot from the station exits to St James’s Place. It is also within easy walking distance (about 8-10 minutes) of Piccadilly Circus and other central London tube stations.

By car expect central London traffic and limited parking; arriving by Tube is usually quickest.

• Book a guided tour or timed-entry in advance-Spencer House opens limited times for public tours and private events can close it on short notice, so reservations avoid disappointment.
• Plan your visit to include the State Rooms and the top-floor ceilings; the guided tours focus on the lavish reception rooms and original decoration that many casual passersby miss.
• Check for photography restrictions and arrive a little before your slot to view the façade and entrance on St James's Place - the house is in a busy central area and short guided groups mean late arrivals may be refused.