The Charterhouse
A historic complex of buildings in Clerkenwell, London, dating back to the 14th century.
The Charterhouse, Charterhouse Square, Clerkenwell, London EC1M 6AN
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Easily accessible without car
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Shop
Entrance to the museum, Chapel and shop is on Charterhouse Square and is step-free and wheelchair accessible. The public areas of the reception, museum display, Chapel, learning centre and cloakroom facilities are fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. There is a lift in the reception area which can be used for visitors to the Great Chamber; please let us know in advance if you require ramp access for a Saturday tour but weekday tours do not require advance notice.
– There are accessible toilet and baby changing facilities but please be aware that there is limited buggy parking.
– The nearest Changing Places toilets are at the Barbican Centre.
– We have a small number of disabled parking spaces for Blue and Orange Badge holders; please call us in advance to book a space.
– We do not have a dedicated quiet space apart from the Chapel, but you are welcome to get in touch with us before your visit to discuss your needs.
The Charterhouse is an almshouse that has been in operation since 1611, and a heritage site in the heart of London. With origins dating back to the 14th century when land which is now Charterhouse Square was used as a cemetery for victims of the Black Death, the Charterhouse has been a Carthusian monastery, a grand Tudor mansion where influential owners entertained prestigious guests, and later an almshouse and school. Today as a contemporary almshouse our residents, who are still known as Brothers although no longer exclusively men, are at the heart of our community.
We welcome visitors to come and enjoy the heritage of the site with free access to the museum display and Chapel during opening hours, or by booking onto a tour to experience more of our site. We also run a programme of seasonal events including summer Open Garden Evenings and theatre performances in the Square, and a Christmas Fair and Carol Concert.
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.
General Opening Hours
The Charterhouse Museum Display, Chapel and Shop are open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am to 4.30pm. The venue also opens outside these hours for special events, lectures, music, special tours and seasonal programming.
Guided Tours
Historic Buildings & Tours run daily Tuesday to Saturday, with two tours available each day at 11am and 2.15pm. The next tours are scheduled for 9 June.
The Charterhouse Brothers Tour is a specialist tour available Tuesday to Saturday. The next tour is scheduled for 11 June at 2.15pm.
The Charterhouse Summer Garden Tour is a seasonal offering available during spring, summer and early autumn. The next tour is scheduled for Tuesday 9 June at 1.00pm.
The Charterhouse by Candlelight is a seasonal tour running during late autumn and winter. Check the What's On page for specific dates.
Chapel Services
Chapel services are held Monday to Saturday at 8am and 5.30pm, and Sundays at 10.00am. Entry is via the Gatehouse.
Regular Community Activities
Community Space is open every Friday morning from 10.00am to 12.00pm throughout the year. This space was established in 2022 and evolved from the Winter Warm Space initiative.
Events and Special Programming
Music in the Chapel is an ongoing programme. The next event is scheduled for Wednesday 24 June at 5.30pm.
Summer Open Garden Evenings are scheduled for summer 2026 on three dates: Thursday 18 June, Thursday 23 July and Thursday 20 August, all starting at 5.30pm.
Thomas Cromwell and the London Charterhouse – a lecture by Diarmaid MacCulloch – is scheduled for Tuesday 7 July at 6pm.
The Charterhouse hosts a range of special seasonal events and lectures throughout the year. For a complete list of upcoming events and specific dates, please visit the What's On page.
Admission to the museum display and Chapel is free.
Prices for tours are £15 – £25 depending on the tour, with concessions available. Please visit What’s on for further information and prices for events.
Historic Houses Members can book for a free standard tour, please pre-book online at https://thecharterhouse.org/visit-us and select ‘Charterhouse Tour’, your preferred date and enter the code hhmembers2025 at the checkout. Please note that this code is valid only for a standard one-hour Charterhouse Tour (usually charged at £15 full price, £12 concessions) and you will be required to show a valid membership in person on the day to redeem your free tour.
We can schedule our guided tours for groups of up to 40 people and can also offer catering options including teas and coffees, and light lunches. Group bookings (minimum of 10 people) are subject to a deposit payable in advance of the tour. Attendance must be confirmed one month in advance.
Prices are inclusive of VAT and Terms and Conditions apply.
Please book using the online form (scroll down to Groups) or contact us with any queries you have on:
[email protected] or call us on 0203 818 8873
The Charterhouse is a great place for pupils to learn about the changing history of England. From monks to monarchs, discover the fascinating stories of those who have helped shape the history of our nation. We have sessions available for KS1 and KS2 pupils and we also have a variety of online and downloadable resources.
Please book here using the online form or contact us with any questions you have on:
[email protected] or call us on 0203 818 8873
Entrance to the museum, Chapel and shop is on Charterhouse Square and is step-free and wheelchair accessible. The public areas of the reception, museum display, Chapel, learning centre and cloakroom facilities are fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. There is a lift in the reception area which can be used for visitors to the Great Chamber; please let us know in advance if you require ramp access for a Saturday tour but weekday tours do not require advance notice.
– There are accessible toilet and baby changing facilities but please be aware that there is limited buggy parking.
– The nearest Changing Places toilets are at the Barbican Centre.
– We have a small number of disabled parking spaces for Blue and Orange Badge holders; please call us in advance to book a space.
– We do not have a dedicated quiet space apart from the Chapel, but you are welcome to get in touch with us before your visit to discuss your needs.
The pensioners who live in the almshouse here at the Charterhouse are very pleased to share their extraordinary home and its unique history.
Getting here
The Charterhouse, Charterhouse Square, Clerkenwell, London EC1M 6AN
Clerkenwell, London
We are located between the Barbican and Smithfield Market in Charterhouse Square, London EC1.
Nearest London Underground stations are Barbican and Farringdon: Elizabeth Line (Barbican exit at Farringdon) Circle & Hammersmith and City Line.
Rail: Thameslink at Farringdon.
Buses 4, 56, 153 (all stop at Barbican Station).
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