Benjamin Franklin House
The world’s only surviving home of Benjamin Franklin.
London WC2N 5NF
Facilities
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Easily accessible without car
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Facilities for children
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No parking
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Picnic area
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Shop
Unfortunately, Benjamin Franklin House has no step-free access and no means of mobility support.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, we offer a self-guided option, where guests can drop in throughout the day and stay as long as they like. The cost of the ticket includes a souvenir newspaper-style self guide.
On Fridays, we offer a one-hour guided tour of the House, which takes guests room-by-room throughout our Grade I-listed Georgian home, highlighting significant architectural features and sharing interesting facts about the Benjamin Franklin and the family with whom he shared this home.
On Saturdays and Sundays, our Historical Experience presents visitors with a 50-minute theatrical retelling of Benjamin Franklin’s time in London, where an actor playing Polly Stevenson-Hewson guides guests through her mother’s home.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times and Visitor Information for Benjamin Franklin House
Benjamin Franklin House, located at 36 Craven Street, London, offers a variety of tours and educational experiences. Below is a detailed breakdown of the opening times, tour options, and special programs available:
General Opening Times
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed to the public. Private tours are available upon request by contacting [email protected] or calling 02078392006.
- Wednesday & Thursday: Open for Self-Guided Tours from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Friday: Open for Architectural Tours at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
- Saturday & Sunday: Open for the Historical Experience at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:15 PM.
Tour Details
- Self-Guided Tour: Explore the house at your own pace using the 'Cravenstreet Gazette' guide. Free audio guides are also available via Bloomberg Connects.
Cost: Adults £8, Concessions £6, Children 11 and under free. - Architectural Tour: A guided exploration of the Georgian features and history of the house.
Cost: Adults £10, Concessions £8, Children under 12 free. - Historical Experience: A dramatic presentation of Franklin's London years using live performance and multimedia.
Cost: Adults £12, Concessions £10, Children under 12 free.
Special Programs
- Home Education Group Visits: Tailored educational visits for home-schooled children, free of charge. Sessions are held on Tuesdays from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM or 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM. A minimum of 15 attendees (10 children and 5 adults) is required for booking.
Note: All sessions for the 2025/26 academic year are fully booked. - Chess Club Launch: A free chess club launching on 8 April 2026.
Getting Here
- By Underground: Nearest stations are Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo Lines) and Embankment (Northern, Bakerloo, District, and Circle Lines).
- By Bus: Nearby routes include 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 77a, 91, and 176.
- By Car: Parking is limited; public transport is recommended.
For further information or to book tickets, please contact Benjamin Franklin House directly.
Historic Houses members and children visit for free, and concessions are available for Over 65s, Students, and Government employees.
Self-guided Tours: £8 Adults; £6 Concessions
History & Architecture Tours: £10 Adults; £8 Concessions
Historical Experience: £12 Adults; £10 Concessions
Based on the London life and work of one of the main figures of the Enlightenment – Benjamin Franklin, our unique educational offerings include the Children’s Historical Experience, featuring an interactive live performance and the Student Science Centre’s hands-on structured and fun activities that capture children’s imagination.
Pupils at London schools can enjoy our exciting science and history workshops which our Head of Education takes to schools, bringing our in-House learning into the classroom. We also provide a range of other educational events, including our Frankly Speaking Debate Contest for students across the UK.
Primary School Visits:
Our award-winning education days take place every Tuesday in the House’s Student Science Centre. Based on the London life and work of Benjamin Franklin, our engaging activities link to and illuminate the National Curriculum.
Secondary School Visits:
A visit to Benjamin Franklin House can support both History and Politics at A Level. On the Historical Experience, students will learn about the excitement and uncertainty of Franklin’s years in London leading up to the American Revolution. They will also receive a talk from the Education Manager which delves deeper into Franklin’s political role.
Unfortunately, Benjamin Franklin House has no step-free access and no means of mobility support.
Getting here
London WC2N 5NF
Find the exact address on what3words: ///calls.tidy.giving
By London Underground
Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo Lines)
Embankment (Northern, Bakerloo, District and Circle Lines)
By Bus
There are a number of buses that stop near Craven Street. Routes 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 77a, 91, 176 all stop on the Strand.
By Car
Parking around Benjamin Franklin House is extremely limited – we urge visitors to use public transport. More information about parking in the area can be found at westminster.gov.uk.
Other houses members can visit nearby
Spencer House
27 St James's Place, London, SW1A 1NR
The Charterhouse
The Charterhouse, Charterhouse Square, Clerkenwell, London EC1M 6AN
Historic Houses Membership
Become a Historic Houses member
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Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £71 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
