The ancestral home of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Spencer family hasn’t lived in this, their London residence, since 1926. Following a 10-year refurbishment on the 18th century Palladian mansion, the building has now been restored to reflect its former splendour and is open to the public by guided tour. Built between 1756 and 1766 for the first Earl, the neo-classical house was, at this time, very much lived-in and enjoyed by its original inhabitants. Eight state rooms, each decorated in unique style using ceiling decorations, gilded palm trees, paintings and Roman murals, were employed to entertain on a lavish scale. When the family abandoned the house during the Second World War, a succession of different tenants subsequently moved in. The Ladies’ Army and Navy Club, Christies, the British Oxygen Company and the Economist Intelligence Unit all rented the property during the latter half of the 20th century. While part of the building is now offices, visitors are able to tour many of the house’s rooms in their original glory and, on selected days, amble around the recently restored grounds with their stunning views of Green Park.
Best for:
18th century glamour, Spencer family history, Palladian elegance.
Did you know?
During the Second World War the House was occupied by the nation's nursing services.
Portraits, commissioned and otherwise, are a tradition as old as art itself, with representations made of great men and women for posterity from the time ... More
This Mayfair institution is in a 17th-century building hidden down a quiet side street behind The Ritz. Decorated in a smart, traditional style, the mews ... More
Something of an unconventional choice for the Royal Academy of Arts, this major exhibition takes you on a 'journey' through the works of Anish Kapoor ...More
The Royal Academy heralds the new year with a blockbuster exhibition on the works of Vincent van Gogh - the first major solo exhibition dedicated ...More
The great Brasseries of France are the most obvious inspiration for this hugely popular restaurant, but there are few places in Paris that can match ... More
Thai food is the cuisine of the moment - green curries, red curries, satays, are everywhere. To the uninitiated,it's very difficult to recreate at home. ... More
Catalyst personal trainers are among the best in London. Get fit without doing yourself an injury, lose weight with a specially devised programme or build ... More
Famous for its famous owner, the Punch Bowl became a celebrity hang-out when Guy Ritchie split up with Madonna. The director of 'Lock, Stock' could ...More
A favourite with young royals - Princes Harry and William, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have been spotted here... all at the same time. And where ... More
Get the FREE monthly guide to London entertainment, arts, concerts, sport, book signings, and essential event information delivered directly to your inbox.
LondonTown.com has special discounts every week. The amount of discount will vary depending on the dates you are coming and how far in advance you book. All discounts are subject to availability.
Show favourites only
Report a bug, make a suggestion or just tell us your thoughts.
Spencer family's 18th London residence.
