Apsley House

School Visits

'Number One London' is a Regency masterpiece, a political seat, a metropolitan mansion, a treasure trove of artwork and artefacts, and a home. Apsley House is a central London landmark boasting diverse learning opportunities and offers a unique insight into aristocratic life in Regency London.

 

Curriculum links

Support your teaching in a fun and engaging way, with a visit to Apsley House

  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places in your own locality
  • KS1-2 Language & Literacy
  • KS2 History: Study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS2-3 History: A local history study
  • KS1-4 Art & Design
  • KS3 History: Ideas, political power, industry and Empire: Britain 1745-1901

Free Self-Led Visits

The home of the first Duke of Wellington and his descendants, Apsley House offers a unique learning experience for school groups. The house and its stunning interiors provides a unique insight into Regency aristocratic life in London, whilst the artwork and artefacts reveal the clash of Empires which helped define modern Europe at the Battle of Waterloo. Use one of our free Apsley House Classroom Kits themed around the Battle of Waterloo to help you make the most out of your visit. See the resources section below for more information.

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Plan Your Trip

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip. We also offer free planning visits once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: No parking available on site but there are excellent transport links nearby, including Hyde Park Corner Underground and several bus stops.
    • SHOP: On-site gift shop selling a range of items.
    • TOILETS:  Unisex toilet facilities are available in the house. Please note, the house does not have disabled toilets.
    • EDUCATION ROOM: Currently unavailable.
    • LUNCH: There is no lunch space at site.
    • BAG STORAGE: There is no bag storage at site.
    • ACCESSIBILITY: Access to the house is via a cobbled forecourt. There are 6 steps to the entrance. There is a lift on site, but this can only be accessed by 8 steps from the main entrance. Level access from the lift to the first floor and basement gallery.
    • WET WEATHER: Visits to the inside of the house will not be disrupted by wet weather.
  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments.

     

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group
  • Education Site Opening Times

    We offer free self-led education visits during school term time*. 

    *Free education visits are not offered on UK public holidays or during the operation of additional fee paying public events at English Heritage sites.

    • April-3 November: Wednesday-Sunday 11-5pm
    • 4 November-22 December: Wednesday-Sunday 11-5pm
    • 4 January-31 March: Saturday-Sunday 11-4pm

Learning Resources

  • Apsley House Activity Trail (KS2)

    Use our Activity Trail to explore the Duke of Wellington's home at Apsley House.

  • Curators' Collections: Apsley House

    Explore objects from our collections at Apsley House to learn more about the Duke of Wellington, his military campaigns and art collection.

  • Homes Through History: Apsley House

    Meet Matilda Cross, the housekeeper at Apsley House, to find out more about what life was like inside the home of the 1st Duke of Wellington.

  • The Battle of Waterloo: A Timeline

    Use this short video to better understand the timeline of events during the Battle of Waterloo.