18 Stafford Terrace

A hidden gem in the heart of London.

Remarkably well-preserved and complete with its original interior decoration and contents, 18 Stafford Terrace is one of London's best kept secrets.

From 1875, 18 Stafford Terrace was the home of Punch cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne, his wife Marion, their two children and their live-in servants. Originally decorated by the Sambournes in keeping with fashionable Aesthetic principles, the interiors evolved into wonderfully eclectic artistic statements within the confines of a typical middle-class home.

Visiting the house

The house is now closed until September 11 2010 for its annual conservation period. We are taking bookings over the closure period in advance of the September re-opening. Please see booking information below.

Due to the nature of the house and contents, visits are by guided tours only. Tours last one and a half hours, with a 10-minute introductory video at the beginning. The house is arranged over five floors with steep external and internal stairs. We strongly recommend pre-booking of tickets for Wednesday and weekend tours.

Conventional tours

Wednesdays 11.15am and 2.15pm, Saturdays and Sundays 11.15am

Led by expert guides, the informative tours give a memorable insight into the Sambournes' lives and home, from interior decor and their eccentric possessions, to their daily acitivies.

Costumed tours

Saturdays and Sundays 1pm, 2.15pm, 3.30pm

As guests of the Sambournes, enjoy the hospitality of Marion and her staff. Based on Marion Sambourne's diaries, the costumed tours provide a dramatic account of the lives of the inhabitants of 18 Stafford Terrace.

Tickets

£6 Adult, £4 Concession (over 60, full-time students), £1 Children (under 16). Please book on 020 7602 3316 or email museums@rbkc.gov.uk