Burgh House and Hampstead Museum

About the museum

Burgh House is a Grade I listed house in Hampstead Village, built in 1704 and extended in 1720. It was first built by a family of haberdashers from the City of London and later extended by a doctor who promoted the Hampstead Wells spa and its mineral waters. It stayed mostly a private home until the middle of the twentieth century.

In 1946 the house became a community centre for Hampstead Borough Council. The council later closed it because it was expensive to maintain, and in 1979 a group of local residents saved the building by setting up a trust and leasing it. The trust carried out structural repairs with strong local support and returned the house to community use.

Today Burgh House is run as an independent charity that combines a historic house, a museum, an art gallery and an events venue. The accredited museum collection was begun in 1979 by Christopher and Diana Wade and includes artworks, objects, documents, textiles, furniture and photographs about the house, Hampstead and its residents. Displays are rotated regularly and temporary exhibitions in the rooms and in the Peggy Jay Gallery show the work of local artists.

Highlights

• Grade I listed house dating from 1704 and 1720
• Museum collection about Hampstead, its residents and artists
• Changing exhibitions in the historic rooms and the Peggy Jay Gallery
• Garden and courtyard cafe
• Free entry

Founded

1979

Operated by

The Burgh House CIO (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry to the house and exhibitions is free; donations are welcome because the charity receives no government or council funding. Members receive a 10% discount in the cafe.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ground floor, including the Music Room, Library, shop and both art galleries, is step-free, but there is no step-free access to the first floor because of the building's listed status. Wheelchair users can use an accessible entrance at the rear of the house on New End Square by ringing the buzzer. An accessible gender-neutral toilet with a baby changing table is in the Peggy Jay Gallery. The garden terrace is step-free, while the indoor cafe is reached by a few steps with handrails. Assistance dogs are welcome. A dedicated disabled parking bay is available. Burgh House is an accredited dementia friendly venue, and a virtual tour is available online.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities

Children and families can follow explorer trails through the collections, available at the desk or to download from the website. A Black history of Hampstead trail is also offered. The accessible toilet has a baby changing table.

Getting there & parking

The museum recommends public transport or taxis. There are two bike racks outside the house on New End Square.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

The cafe on the lower ground floor and in the garden and courtyard serves breakfast, brunch, cream tea and cakes baked in the house kitchen. It does not take bookings and accepts cash and cards. Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome in the house and cafe.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The Music Room, the Library and the Peggy Jay Gallery can be hired for weddings and civil partnerships, parties, celebrations of life, concerts, talks, plays, meetings, filming and photography, and exhibitions.

Plan your visit