Open House Festival London 2026: Amazing Places to Explore for FREE This September
If you’re looking for free things to do with the family in London this September, put Open House Festival firmly on your list! 🏛️✨
Taking place from 12–20 September 2026, Open House Festival gives Londoners and visitors the chance to step inside some of the capital’s most fascinating buildings, discover hidden spaces and explore parts of the city that you might not normally get to see.
And the best bit? It’s free! 🎉
From historic buildings and unusual homes to gardens, contemporary architecture, behind-the-scenes tours and family-friendly activities, there’s plenty to discover across London.
🏛️What is Open House Festival?
Open House Festival is an annual celebration of London’s architecture, buildings, neighbourhoods and public spaces, organised by Open City.
For one week each September, hundreds of buildings and places across London open their doors to the public – including some that are rarely, if ever, accessible.
It’s a brilliant opportunity to see a different side of the capital and discover the stories behind the places we pass every day.
And you don’t need to be an architecture expert to enjoy it!
For families, it can be a fun way to turn a day out into an adventure of discovery – exploring somewhere new, learning a little history and perhaps finding a hidden London gem along the way.
Image courtesy of Open House Festival website.
📅 When is Open House Festival 2026?
Saturday 12 – Sunday 20 September 2026
The festival takes place across all 33 London boroughs, so there are opportunities to get involved wherever you live.
Different boroughs have particular Open House activity taking place across the festival weekends, so it’s worth checking the programme and planning ahead.
Olympia – BA ARC Behind the Scenes Tour with AEG, image courtesy of Open House Festival and Olympia.
👨👩👧👦 Why families will love Open House Festival
There’s something particularly exciting about being allowed through a door that’s normally closed to the public!
Depending on the venue, you could find yourself exploring:
🏛️ Historic buildings – discover fascinating architecture and London’s past.
🏡 Unusual homes – peek inside houses and spaces that you wouldn’t normally be able to visit.
🏗️ Contemporary architecture – see some of London’s most interesting modern buildings and designs.
🌳 Gardens and outdoor spaces – discover beautiful green spaces and landscapes.
🚶 Walking tours – explore different neighbourhoods and learn more about the places around you.
🎨 Special activities and events – look out for workshops, talks and activities taking place throughout the festival.
Some experiences are drop-in, while others need to be booked in advance. Many of the bookable activities are also free.
LUC 60th Anniversary – Chandos Park Guided Tour. Image courtesy of Open House Festival and Chandos Park.
🔎Discover a different side of London
One of the best things about Open House Festival is that it encourages you to look at London differently.
That familiar building you walk past every week? There could be a fascinating story behind it.
A neighbourhood you’ve never explored? There might be a beautiful building or hidden garden waiting to be discovered.
It’s also a great excuse to explore a different part of London as a family.
Why not choose an area you’ve never visited before, find a couple of Open House venues nearby, and make a day of it?
Charing Cross Library Drop In / Talk. Image courtesy of Charing Cross Library and Open House Festival 2026.
💡 LittleBird tip: Plan your day
With so many events taking place across London, it can be tempting to try to cram too much into one day!
Instead, pick two or three places you’d particularly like to visit and build your day around them.
Remember to check whether each venue is:
✔️ Drop-in or requires booking
✔️ Suitable for children
✔️ Accessible for pushchairs
✔️ Indoors or outdoors
✔️ Running at particular times
Some popular tours and activities can book up quickly, so don’t leave it until the last minute if there’s something your family really wants to see.
English National Ballet, BSL Guided Tour/Drop In. Image courtesy of Open House Festival / English National Ballet.
💷 Is Open House Festival free?
Yes! Open House Festival is a fantastic opportunity to explore London without spending a fortune.
The majority of festival activities are free, although some experiences may have specific booking requirements.
This makes it a particularly good option for families looking for budget-friendly days out during September.
🗓️ When should you go?
The festival runs for nine days, from 12–20 September, giving you plenty of opportunities to find something that fits around school, work and weekend plans.
Different areas of London have activities taking place on different days, so use the official programme to search by date, borough and type of activity.
Explore the Open House Festival 2026 programme
🌟 Make a day of it!
Open House Festival is a brilliant reminder that you don’t always need to spend lots of money to have an exciting family day out in London.
You could discover a building you’ve never seen inside, explore a new neighbourhood, take a walking tour and finish the day with a picnic in the park – all while discovering a little more about the amazing city on our doorstep.
So grab your explorers, check the programme and get ready to open the door to a different side of London! 🚪🏛️✨
📍 Open House Festival 2026
When: 12–20 September 2026
Where: Across London
Cost: Many events are FREE
Perfect for: Families, curious kids, budding architects and anyone who loves exploring London
👉 Check the Open House Festival programme and start planning your family adventure.
All information correct at time of publishing but please check individual venue information before travelling, as opening times, booking requirements and age suitability vary.
Have a great time!
From the LittleBird team xo