Apsley House
The first Duke of Wellington's London home at Hyde Park Corner, with paintings by Velázquez, Goya and Rubens in the Waterloo Gallery.
About Apsley House
Apsley House was the London home of the first Duke of Wellington and stands at Hyde Park Corner, on the edge of Hyde Park, looking across to Knightsbridge and Belgravia. The Duke bought the house and remodelled it between 1819 and 1829, and it is now cared for by English Heritage.
The rooms hold a remarkable collection. The Waterloo Gallery is hung with paintings by Velázquez, Rubens, Goya, Titian and Bruegel, and the richly decorated Dining Room displays diplomatic gifts presented to Wellington by monarchs, nations and admirers across Europe. English Heritage runs a curator's tour on the first Thursday of the month and occasional evening events.
It is a rewarding stop for anyone interested in Regency history, military history or Old Master painting, and an easy addition to a walk through Hyde Park or along Knightsbridge. Opening is Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm, with last entry at 4.30pm. Tickets are valid all day, and booking in advance online is cheaper than paying on the door. Membership of English Heritage is also available.