The Stately HomesA list of every visitable house in the United Kingdom

Red House

London, England

4.4 / 5 · 649 Google reviews


Red House

Key facts

Operator
National Trust
Condition
Intact
Access
Staffed, ticketed
Entry pass
National Trust Explorer Pass

Pinpoint

Red House, Red House Ln, London, Bexleyheath DA6 8JF

Telephone 020 8303 6359

Possible Opening Hours*

*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

Monday11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
SundayClosed

Red House in Bexleyheath was designed for William Morris and is regarded as a birthplace of the Arts and Crafts movement, a must-visit for reviewers with an interest in architecture and design. Visits are guided and by booking only, with knowledgeable volunteers well prepared to answer design-related questions. Some original decor has been uncovered by National Trust conservation work, though only a limited number of rooms are open to the public.

Worth the trip

The original decor uncovered by conservation work, offering a direct link back to Morris's design principles.

Before you go

The tour isn't wheelchair friendly and the garden has narrow, uneven gravel paths - and note there's no shop or tea room on site, with parking a 15-minute walk away or on local streets.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.4 / 5 across 649 Google reviews

Reviewers are mixed on Red House: fans of William Morris and design praise it as essential viewing, citing the well-read volunteer guides and original decor uncovered by conservation work, but several flag real practical downsides. Only a small number of rooms are open, with half the house blocked off for private use, and there is no shop or tearoom on site despite scones being advertised on the website. Access is limited to pre-booked, quickly-selling tickets, and one long-time visitor felt the tour lacked spark and that the house had little furniture left considering how prolific Morris and Co were. The garden remains open to all without booking and includes a second-hand bookshop, and the tour itself is not wheelchair accessible.

House in Bexleyheath designed for William Morris, regarded as a birthplace of the Arts and Crafts movement

“Iconic William Morris House. Quiet. Fascinating history. The National Trust has done a lot of work revealing some original decor. You have to book.”- Nigel Hague, visitor review

Practical notes from visitors

Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.

Parking
“Parking in a local park (15 minutes walk away) is the given option on the NT app and website, but the is parking on the local streets.” - Gary Jelks
Guided tours
“The guide we had was very knowledgeable but had clearly done this many, many times before and the spark was just not there.” - Gary Jelks
Terrain & accessibility
“The tour is not wheelchair friendly and neither is the garden with narrow uneven paths and gravel.” - Kitty pole
Facilities
“No café tho for scones as advertised on the website.” - Helena Corasidi

Common questions about Red House

Where is Red House?

Red House is in London, England, at Red House, Red House Ln, London, Bexleyheath DA6 8JF.

Do you need a ticket to visit Red House?

Yes - Red House is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.

What is the highlight of visiting Red House?

The original decor uncovered by conservation work, offering a direct link back to Morris's design principles.

Is Red House a ruin or still intact?

Red House is largely intact - House in Bexleyheath designed for William Morris, regarded as a birthplace of the Arts and Crafts movement.