The Charterhouse
London, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Charterhouse (charitable foundation)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Charterhouse Square, Barbican, London EC1M 6AN
Telephone 020 3818 8873
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The Charterhouse in Smithfield is a former Carthusian monastery and almshouse complex, run by an independent charity. Reviewers describe a free museum, chapel and cloister covering its Carthusian history, with a guided tour needed to see the rest of the complex. What visitors comment on most is that the place is still lived in and working, with layers of different periods visible in the fabric.
Worth the trip
The Brother's tour, led by a resident of the almshouse, which reviewers say makes the visit far more personal than a standard guided tour.
Before you go
Reviewers note the museum, chapel and cloister can be visited free while the wider complex needs a booked guided tour, so decide which you want before you go.
Reviewers consistently rate the guided tour as the thing worth booking, with one highlighting a tour led by a resident Brother as making the visit feel personal. The small museum, chapel and cloister are described as free to visit and worth seeing in their own right, with the stained glass and the range of history covered singled out. Visitors describe staff as welcoming, one mentioning free tea, coffee and a pastry before the tour, and note that the tour fee goes towards upkeep and the residents. Several advise checking tour availability in advance, as places are limited.
Former Carthusian monastery and almshouse complex in Smithfield, run by an independent charity.
“Really cool free museum, cloister and chapel guiding through Carthusian history. Also some noteworthy stained glass panels.”- Naoki Matsumoto, 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.
- Guided tours
- “A guided tour allows visitors to see the changes made over successive eras, reflecting the broader historical transformations of London.” - Wilhelm Lau
- Facilities
- “The small gift shop is varied and even though the museum is small it covers a lot, including the Black Death and previous scholars at the school.” - Helen
Common questions about The Charterhouse
Where is The Charterhouse?
The Charterhouse is in London, England, at Charterhouse Square, Barbican, London EC1M 6AN.
Do you need a ticket to visit The Charterhouse?
Yes - The Charterhouse is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Charterhouse (charitable foundation). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting The Charterhouse?
The Brother's tour, led by a resident of the almshouse, which reviewers say makes the visit far more personal than a standard guided tour.
Is The Charterhouse a ruin or still intact?
The Charterhouse is largely intact - Former Carthusian monastery and almshouse complex in Smithfield, run by an independent charity.
