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.
The Charterhouse is a historic site and almshouse located in London, offering a variety of tours, events, and public access to its museum, gardens, and chapel. Below is a detailed summary of its offerings and opening times:
General Opening Hours
The museum display, shop, and chapel are open to the public from 10:30am to 4:30pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Visitors can explore these areas for free during these hours.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are available during opening hours and must be booked in advance. The tours include:
- Charterhouse Tour: A 60-minute tour led by a professional guide, available at 11:00am and 2:15pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
- Brother's Tour: A 90-minute tour led by a resident Brother, providing a unique perspective on the Charterhouse's history and life. Available on Thursdays and Saturdays.
- Garden Tour: A 60-minute tour of the Charterhouse's gardens, available during spring and summer.
- House and Garden Tour: A 120-minute comprehensive tour of the site, available from June to September by special booking.
- Art and Historic Interiors Tour: A 75-minute tour focusing on the site's historic interiors and art collection, available by special booking.
- Charterhouse by Candlelight: A 60-minute evening tour available from October to March, featuring the site lit by candlelight.
- British Sign Language Tour: A 60-minute tour led by a Deaf BSL guide, available by special booking.
Special Events
The Charterhouse hosts seasonal events, lectures, and services. For example, Choral Evensongs are held in the chapel, and Charterhouse by Candlelight tours are available during autumn and winter evenings.
Community Space
The Community Space is open every Friday from 10:00am to 12:00pm, offering a place for quiet time, hot drinks, and conversation.
Access and Facilities
The site is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access to public areas. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available. Assistance dogs are welcome, and large print guides are provided in the museum.
Admission Prices
Tour prices range from £12 to £30, depending on the type of tour. Historic Houses members can book the standard Charterhouse Tour for free with a valid membership.
Location and Transport
The Charterhouse is located at Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6AN. The nearest stations are Barbican and Farringdon. Limited paid parking is available nearby.
For further information or to book tours, visitors can contact the Charterhouse at 0203 818 8873 or email [email protected].
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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