Apsley House: A Museum Worth Visiting in London Travel

On International Museum Day, May 18, The London Pass introduces you to a museum that is both historically significant and rich in content—Apsley House. You might think, 'I've barely even heard of this place, what's so special about it?' Don't worry—let's first talk about the master of the house, the Duke of Wellington.

Travelers familiar with history will certainly know Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. This British Army general during the Napoleonic Wars, known as the 'Iron Duke,' was one of the most influential military and political figures of the 19th century. After joining forces with the Prussian army to decisively defeat Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, he was subsequently awarded the rank of Field Marshal by seven countries and was called 'the conqueror of the world's conquerors' by Tsar Alexander I of Russia. In a 2002 BBC poll of the '100 Greatest Britons,' he ranked 15th.

After multiple victories in the Peninsular War and the Napoleonic Wars, Wellesley was created Duke of Wellington. He purchased Apsley House, located at the entrance to Hyde Park, as his London base during his political career. Over time, he continuously expanded the house, gradually shaping it into its present appearance. The house has an interesting nickname—Number One, London—because it was the first large building seen when entering London from the Knightsbridge tollgate.

Today, part of this elegantly decorated house serves as the residence of the 8th Duke of Wellington, while the remainder is open to the public as a museum. It is dedicated to commemorating the Duke of Wellington and his achievements, preserving the splendid interior decoration and its rich collection of treasures and artworks, as well as a vast array of memorabilia and primary sources documenting the Duke's military and political career.

The museum's Waterloo Gallery was added in 1828. Many of its porcelain collections were gifts from European monarchs expressing their gratitude to the Duke for defeating Napoleon. Their exquisite craftsmanship is astonishing, and they remain a highlight of the house to this day.

In addition, the museum has collected many of the Duke's personal items, such as clothing, decorations, trophies, medals, souvenirs, and weapons, which vividly tell the story of his illustrious military campaigns.

Image source for this article: English Heritage

Address of Apsley House: 149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, London W1

Opening hours: 11:00 – 17:00

Ticket price: £12.5, free admission with The London Pass