149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, London W1J 7NT
Apsley House
Country house
Place photograph
7.1
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Grand
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.1The London home of the Duke of Wellington, where diplomatic gifts, a celebrated art collection and a colossal statue of Napoleon tell the story of victory at Waterloo.
Apsley House earns its place for the rare chance to step inside a surviving aristocratic London home and see Wellington’s collection in its historic setting. The Waterloo Gallery and the nearly naked Napoleon sculpture give the story a striking physical focus.
Grand · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open map149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, London W1J 7NT
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Explore the Duke of Wellington’s London home and its collection of art and diplomatic gifts. Focus on the Waterloo Gallery, the richly decorated Dining Room and the Canova sculpture of Napoleon.
Things to do
Explore the Waterloo Gallery
Visit the gallery highlighted by English Heritage as a principal feature of the house.
See the Canova sculpture of Napoleon
Look for the sculpture of Napoleon by Canova; the Wellington Collection says it was originally commissioned by Napoleon himself.
Look closely at Wellington’s diplomatic gifts
The Dining Room is described by English Heritage as glittering with gifts presented to Wellington by monarchs, nations and admirers from across Europe.
See paintings from the Spanish royal collection
The Wellington Collection describes Spanish paintings rescued from Joseph Bonaparte’s baggage train at the Battle of Vitoria in June 1813.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours; visit duration not officially specified.
Quick Escape: Wellington’s house and the Waterloo Gallery
- 01
Check English Heritage’s current opening and admission details before setting out.
- 02
Explore the historic rooms and make the Waterloo Gallery your main stop.
- 03
Look for the diplomatic gifts and the Canova sculpture of Napoleon.
Half day · Half day; allow time for the house and a walk in nearby Hyde Park.
Make a Half Day of It: Apsley House and Hyde Park Corner
- 01
Visit Apsley House during its published opening hours.
- 02
After the house, take a walk in Hyde Park; the supplied visit account describes the park approach and nearby green space.
- 03
Check current park conditions and any access information before visiting.
Verified history
The first Duke of Wellington bought Apsley House and remodelled it between 1819 and 1829. Its collection reflects his public status and international connections: English Heritage highlights gifts from monarchs, nations and admirers, while the Wellington Collection describes Spanish paintings rescued from Joseph Bonaparte’s baggage train at the Battle of Vitoria in June 1813. The house remains the London residence of the Dukes of Wellington, according to the Wellington Collection.
Hidden details
Napoleon as a guest in Wellington’s house — The Wellington Collection says the Canova sculpture of Napoleon was originally commissioned by Napoleon himself. It makes a pointed centrepiece in the home of the man who defeated him.
A collection with a battlefield connection — The Wellington Collection identifies Spanish paintings rescued from Joseph Bonaparte’s baggage train at Vitoria in June 1813.
Regency rooms still used as a London home — The Wellington Collection describes Apsley House as a unique survival of an aristocratic home in central London and says it remains the London residence of the Dukes of Wellington.
When to go
· Visit during the published opening hours; last entry is listed as 4.30pm.
The experience is centred on indoor historic rooms and collections. The supplied official information lists opening Wednesday–Sunday but does not establish a seasonal advantage.
The house visit is indoors. Check current travel and opening information before setting out.
Worth pairing with
Hyde Park
A nearby park walk can extend a house visit into a half-day outing. The supplied visit account describes approaching the house through the park and nearby green space.
What to look for
- 01
The Waterloo Gallery
- 02
the Canova sculpture of Napoleon, originally commissioned by Napoleon
- 03
gifts presented to Wellington by monarchs and other admirers
- 04
Spanish paintings acquired from the Spanish royal collection, including works rescued from Joseph Bonaparte’s baggage train after the Battle of Vitoria in 1813.
The story
War & battle, Royalty
Best time to go
Open Wednesday–Sunday; a year-round indoor visit. Check current opening arrangements before travelling.
Choose a day the house is open, Wednesday–Sunday. Allow time to explore the rooms and collection; last entry is listed as 4.30pm.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Art lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11am-5pm
- Thursday: 11am-5pm
- Friday: 11am-5pm
- Saturday: 11am-5pm
- Sunday: 11am-5pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Open to visitors Wednesday–Sunday, 11am–5pm; last entry 4.30pm. Admission applies; check English Heritage for current prices and booking details.
Check before visiting
Parking
No visitor parking information verified. Check before visiting.
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Toilets
English Heritage source information lists a wheelchair-accessible toilet; confirm current facilities before visiting.
Food & drink
No on-site food information verified. Check before visiting.
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Dogs
Check with English Heritage before visiting with a dog.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
Source information lists a wheelchair-accessible toilet but no wheelchair-accessible car park. Other access details are not verified; contact English Heritage before visiting.
Cost
Paid
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Apsley House
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
