Apsley House and Wellington Arch: Hyde Park Corner's Spring Visit

Most people pass through Hyde Park Corner at speed, on the way to Knightsbridge, Mayfair or the park. Spring is the moment to stop. Two English Heritage properties face each other across the junction: Apsley House, the London home of the first Duke of Wellington, and Wellington Arch, the monument opposite. Together they make one of the most rewarding, and least crowded, cultural afternoons on the edge of Knightsbridge.

Apsley House

Known for generations as Number One, London, Apsley House sits at 149 Piccadilly. The first Duke of Wellington remodelled it between 1819 and 1829, and it still feels like the house of a victorious general who liked to entertain. The interiors are grand without being overwhelming, and the scale makes it far easier to enjoy than a palace. The two rooms not to miss:

• The Waterloo Gallery, a long, gilded room hung with the Duke's paintings.
• The Dining Room, laid with the diplomatic gifts presented to Wellington by monarchs, nations and admirers.

The picture collection is extraordinary for a private house, with masterpieces by Velázquez, Rubens, Goya, Titian and Bruegel. For a deeper look, curators lead a tour on the first Thursday of each month, from 11.15am to 12.30pm. The Apsley House page has current opening times and prices, and booking ahead online can save money.

Wellington Arch

Across the road, Wellington Arch is crowned by what English Heritage describes as the largest bronze sculpture in Europe: the Angel of Peace descending on the Chariot of War. Inside, displays explain the arch's history, the second floor tells the story of the Royal Regiment of Artillery from 1914 to 1918, and the top two floors host changing exhibitions of contemporary art from the Vigo Gallery.

The real prize is outside, on the balconies, which give panoramic views over central London. Time it well and you may see the Household Cavalry riding beneath the arch on their way to or from the Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade. Check the Wellington Arch page before you go, as access arrangements can change.

Planning the afternoon

• Days: both are currently open from Wednesday to Sunday. Apsley House opens from 11am and Wellington Arch from 10am, with last entry at 4.30pm at each.
• Order: start at the arch for the views while the light is good, then spend longer at Apsley House.
• Membership: English Heritage membership covers both, along with hundreds of other sites.
• Time needed: allow around two hours for the pair.

Afterwards, Hyde Park is a step away, and the hotel bars around Hyde Park Corner make a civilised place to end the day. On a fine evening, a walk along Rotten Row towards Knightsbridge is the perfect way home, with the park at its greenest in late spring.

Getting there

Hyde Park Corner station on the Piccadilly line has exits right beside both buildings, and Knightsbridge station is about ten minutes' walk west along Knightsbridge. Pair the visit with a stroll through Hyde Park, and find more ideas in our things to do guide.