36 Craven Street, London WC2N 5NF
Benjamin Franklin House
Museum & collection
Place photograph
7.7
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.7For nearly sixteen years, from 1757 to 1775, Benjamin Franklin lived in this London house. It is described by the house and visitor sources as his only surviving home; today, tours bring its rooms and Franklin’s London years into view.
A rare chance to enter the surviving London home of Benjamin Franklin, rather than encounter his story only through monuments or museum cases. Its Georgian rooms, steep staircases and theatrical weekend presentation give the history a tangible, house-sized scale.
Atmospheric · Historic
Find your way
Open map36 Craven Street, London WC2N 5NF
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The experience
Choose a self-guided visit on a listed self-guided day, a Friday History & Architecture tour, or the weekend theatrical Historical Experience. Allow around 1–2 hours; confirm current times and ticket arrangements with the house.
Things to do
Take a self-guided house visit
Explore the historic home at your own pace on a listed self-guided day. Confirm the current schedule and ticket arrangements with the official site.
1–2 hours
Join the Friday History & Architecture tour
Take the timed tour through the rooms of the Grade I-listed Georgian home, with architectural features and details about Franklin and the family he shared the house with.
1 hour
See the weekend Historical Experience
At weekends, an actor portraying Polly Stevenson-Hewson presents a theatrical retelling of Franklin’s time in London. Check the official site for current availability.
50 minutes
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Step into Franklin’s London home
- 01
Check the official visit page and select a current tour date and format.
- 02
Explore the historic rooms on a self-guided visit, or choose a Friday History & Architecture tour.
- 03
Look closely at the house’s Georgian architectural features and imagine Franklin’s years here, 1757–1775.
Verified history
Benjamin Franklin lived at the house for nearly sixteen years, from 1757 to 1775. The supplied visitor sources identify it as his only surviving home. The house is a Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse; its Friday History & Architecture tour discusses the building and Franklin’s life there.
Hidden details
The house’s five-storey layout — The historic visit moves through a five-storey townhouse, with a staircase between each floor. The floors and stairs are described as uneven and sloping.
Architectural details in the historic rooms — The Friday History & Architecture tour highlights significant features of the Grade I-listed Georgian home. The supplied sources do not identify particular features, so check the tour for details on the day.
When to go
· Choose a tour time that suits the preferred format; Friday tours are listed at hourly intervals from 11am to 4pm. Confirm current times before visiting.
The attraction is an indoor historic-house visit; the supplied sources give tour schedules rather than a seasonal advantage.
Weather is not a stated factor in the supplied visitor information. Check current opening and tour arrangements before travelling.
What to look for
- 01
Notice the Georgian rooms and architectural features highlighted on the Friday tour. The building’s five floors, staircases and changing levels are part of the experience
- 02
visitor seating is available in the historic rooms.
The story
Science, Literature
Best time to go
Year-round; check tour availability and book or confirm arrangements before visiting.
Plan around the tour format you want: self-guided visits are listed Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday; Friday offers timed History & Architecture tours. Check the official schedule before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Solo · Couples
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11am-4pm
- Thursday: 11am-4pm
- Friday: 11am-4pm
- Saturday: 11am-4pm
- Sunday: 11am-4pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A ticketed historic-house visit. The official site lists self-guided visits Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and timed History & Architecture tours on Friday. Check the official visit page before travelling, as schedules may change.
Check before visiting
Parking
No parking is listed by Historic Houses; the house is described as easily accessible without a car. Check current transport options before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Restrooms are in the basement; there is no accessible restroom.
Food & drink
No café or food service is confirmed in the supplied sources. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Guide and hearing dogs are permitted throughout the house. Other dogs: check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The five-storey house has stairs between floors, with uneven and sloping floors. There is no wheelchair or step-free access and no accessible restroom. Handrails and visitor seating are available in historic rooms. Pushchairs cannot be used through the building and can be left at reception.
Cost
Paid; Historic Houses members are listed as receiving free admission. Check current ticket details.
Check before visiting
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Benjamin Franklin House
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
