Red House
London, England
Photo: Ethan Doyle White, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Ethan Doyle White, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Ethan Doyle White, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
- Membership
- Covered by National Trust annual membership - what it costs per visit
- Nearest station
- Bexleyheath, 0.6 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- House in Bexleyheath designed for William Morris, regarded as a birthplace of the Arts and Crafts movement
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.
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- Nearest parking at Danson Park, 1 mile away (DA6 8HL); charge at weekends and Bank Holidays
- Access
- Ramped access/slopes; accessible toilet; designated parking; seating available
- Facilities
- Shop and bookshop; toilets; guided tours
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs only
- Safety
- Steps and uneven terrain
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.
At a glance
Who to know
William Morris · co-designed it with the architect Philip Webb in 1859 as his own family home
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
Red House reviews · 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.
“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.
