The programme for Open House features dozens of new buildings to explore.
Open House Festival returns from 12-20 September 2026, with over 800 venues and activities in the programme. It's an annual chance to snoop around buildings that are normally off-limits. Some need booking, but most are 'drop-ins' for which you can just turn up.
With so much choice, deciding where to go can be mentally taxing. So we were delighted to hear that the website has a new filter that shows only 'new for 2026' results (find it on the 'all listings' drop-down). It's a handy tip if you're an old hand at Open House, and have previously ticked off most of the mainstays.
Here, then, is a subjective pick of some of the highlights that are new for this year, listed in chronological order. Do search further, however, as this is only a small selection.
John Lobb, St James's
St James's Street features a run of traditional, long-lived shops. Among them is shoemaker John Lobb, where the rich and famous go to be elegantly shod. Take a tour of the shop and backrooms of this Georgian building. We could list some of their famous clients, but here's a photo of the storage area we took on a previous visit:
West Ham Pumping Station
You might have heard of Abbey Mills and Crossness, now meet their smaller, younger cousin. Built in the late 19th century to raise local sewage up into the Northern Outfall Sewer, the pump house contains a pair of mighty beam engines.
Ongéan, Herne Hill
Open 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20 September
Railway arches are always a tempting prospect, especially when they have artist studios, a cafe and an 'edible garden' built into them. That's the deal at Ongéan, which opens on multiple dates through the festival.
St George the Martyr, Bloomsbury
Not exactly an off-limits building — besides being an open church, St George had a lovely public cafe for many years. However, for Open House you'll get the chance to "Climb a ladder into the roof space above one of London's best-kept secrets and come face to face with Hawksmoor's beautiful ceiling." Tours are free and need to be booked on the day (so you may have to get there early and come back later).
Carbonic gas works, Lea Bridge Road
Open 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20 September
Artist studios are a common feature of Open House, but this is the only one based inside an 18th century factory, where fizzy drinks might have been invented.
Resonance FM, Southwark
Take a look around the independent radio station. "The station champions free expression and artistic diversity, providing a platform for local and international voices across arts & culture."
County Hall, Kingston
Until recently, Surrey was in the unusual position of having its county hall in a different county (Greater London). Open House offers a rare chance to look round the Edwardian building in Kingston, where "visitors will be guided through the corridors, chambers and hidden corners of this historic seat of local government".
Gaumont State Theatre
Now a church, this extraordinary cinema/theatre could seat over 4,000 people. The art deco building features one of the largest fully functioning Wurlitzer organs in Britain. Performers here have included The Beatles, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.
Of course, the Open House programme contains hundreds of other buildings, returning from previous years. Check out the full programme here.
