Day Planner
What to do on site:
Which English Heritage properties are nearby?
Which other places of interest are nearby?
What to do on site:
House
Suggested time needed: 1.5 hours
You arrive in the very heart of central London.
Enter the great hallway and pause in the comfortable seating area where visitors can browse through leather-bound albums of images of Wellington, his descendants, and Apsley House.
Pass the stunning colossal nude statue of Napoleon by Canova as you make your way up the stairwell.
Gaze at the amazing art treasures, including paintings by Rubens and Van Dyck.
Be astounded at the palatial Waterloo Gallery with its red plush upholstery and the vast collection of silver plate and unique porcelain, given as trophies from grateful nations.
Catch a glimpse of the fine views over Hyde Park from your own private viewing spot as you look out of the elegant windows.
Events
Keep an eye out for the spectacular celebrations of Waterloo Weekend, happening in June each year, celebrating the Duke of Wellington's famous victory over Napoleon. For further details, see www.english-heritage.org.uk/events
Shop
Suggested time needed: 10-15 mins
The gift shop, conveniently located by the ticket desks (which you can visit without going round the house), has a wide range of specialist books, postcards, traditional food, English country wines and gifts inspired by the Duke of Wellington.
Which English Heritage properties are nearby?
Wellington Arch: directly opposite
Why not combine your visit to Apsley House with visiting Wellington Arch, situated across the road. Set in the heart of Royal London at Hyde Park Corner, Wellington Arch is a landmark for Londoners and visitors alike. George IV originally commissioned this massive monument as a grand outer entrance to Buckingham Palace. The statue is the largest bronze sculpture in Europe, and depicts the angel of peace descending on the chariot of war. A joint ticket is available for visitors of both properties.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/wellingtonarch
Which other places of interest are nearby?
Hyde Park: 1.3 miles
Open from 5am until midnight all year round, this is one of London's finest historic landscapes covering 142 hectares (350 acres) of land. With over 4,000 trees, a lake and plenty of scope for roller blading, picnicking and nature watching, this is an ideal retreat from the busy streets of London.
http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde_park/
Royal Academy:
The Royal Academy of Arts, founded in 1768, is the oldest fine arts institution in Britain. Universally renowned for hosting some of the capital's finest temporary and touring exhibitions, treasures on permanent display include paintings by Reynolds, Gainsborough, Constable and Turner, Queen Victoria’s paintbox, the only Michelangelo sculpture in the country, the unfinished marble tondo of the Madonna and Child and the famous copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. Browse around the two gift shops or take a break in the appetizing restaurant or outdoor café.
www.royalacademy.org.uk
