The Carlyles' House
Georgian terraced house in Chelsea where Thomas and Jane Carlyle lived for over 40 years, kept much as it was in Victorian times.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Carlyles' House is a Georgian terraced house in Chelsea, built in 1708. Thomas and Jane Carlyle moved in on 10 June 1834, when it was still numbered 5 Cheyne Row (it became number 24 in 1877), and they lived there for more than 40 years. Thomas Carlyle was one of the best-known writers of Victorian Britain, and Jane was known for her wit.
After the couple had died, the house was bought through public subscription. The Carlyle's House Memorial Trust opened it to visitors in 1895, and it later passed to the National Trust. The building is listed Grade II*. In 2026 the National Trust changed its name to The Carlyles' House to give more recognition to Jane's part in the household.
The rooms are kept very much as they were in the Carlyles' day. Visitors see furniture the couple owned, some of their books (many on loan from the London Library, which Thomas helped to found), and pictures and portraits, including works by Whistler and Helen Allingham. A soundproof room built at the top of the house in 1854 shows how hard Carlyle tried to find quiet for his writing. At the back is a small walled garden with a fig tree.
Highlights
- Rooms kept with original Victorian fixtures and fittings
- Soundproof study built in the top storey in 1854
- Books from the Carlyles' library, many on loan from the London Library
- Portraits including works by Whistler and Helen Allingham
- Small walled garden with a fig tree
- Founded
- 1895
- Operated by
- National Trust
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £12 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £6free up to age 4 · Children aged 5 to 17 pay £6; children under 5 are free |
| Families | £302 adults and up to 3 children |
| 1 adult and 2 children | £18 |
Prices are for house and garden entry (adult aged 18 and over). National Trust members are admitted free. Tickets must be booked in advance for a timed slot.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: not available
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The house is not suitable for wheelchair users because of its many stairs; the entrance is up steps and the upper floors and basement are reached by stairs only. The only toilet is outside, off the garden path, with limited access. Only guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed. An access statement is available from the National Trust.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £30 · 2 adults and up to 3 children |
- Baby changing facilities: not available
A family ticket is available. The only toilet is outside and has no changing facilities.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Sloane Square station · 15-min walk
Underground: Sloane Square or South Kensington, each about a 15-minute walk (the Sloane Square route follows King's Road). Bus: routes 11, 19, 22, 49 and 319 to Carlyle Square, then walk via Bramerton Street, Glebe Place and Cheyne Row; route 170 to Albert Bridge. Train: Victoria station is about 2 miles away, then bus 170. Check TfL for engineering works, especially at weekends.
By car
Limited metered parking on nearby streets.
Cycling: the nearest route is National Cycle Network route 4. Bike parking is on the Embankment and there are cycle hire docking stations nearby (Chelsea Embankment, Phene Street and King's Road). Cheyne Row is behind the Carlyle statue on the Embankment.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
One outside toilet in the garden.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Entry is by timed ticket only; there is no walk-in admission. |
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