Best Historic Houses to Visit: Red House
Venture south of Bexley Heath to find an oasis of garden design and historic architecture at Red House
Just a stone's throw from London, Red House was commissioned by the founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, William Morris. Designed by the architect Philip Webb, and visited by a host of Pre-Raphaelite artists from Edward Burne-Jones, to Dante Gabriel Rossetti, to Ford Madox Brown, it’s no surprise Red House is prized as a rare example of domestic architecture and garden design.
Don’t miss the Pre-Raphaelite wall painting or Morris’ early floral designs in the bedroom, discovered in 2013.
Practical
Price: Free for National Trust Members. Non-members for grounds and house: adult £8.40 and child £4.20
Where? From London Bridge, Charing Cross, Waterloo or Victoria train stations to Bexleyheath, then ¾ mile walk south. By car: M25 junction 2 to A2 for Bexleyheath.
When: Admission is by guided tour only at 11, 11:30, 12, 12:30 and 1 (Booking is essential; please call 0208 304 9878 to reserve your place)
Disabled Access: Access to the ground floor of the house, and limited pre-bookable mobility parking.
