By Luke Chapman
Open House Festival returns between the 13th and 21st of September 2025. Run by Open City, a charity empowering local communities to learn about the areas in which they live, Open House Festival opens up and celebrates often closed spaces around London each year.
Included with this yearly festival is, of course, a bunch of exciting events taking place across the Square Mile, including walking tours, building visits and more. It’s a great opportunity to take part in something unique, engage with the area in which we all spend so much time, and see something you can’t see for the rest of the year!
The Livery Halls
Unique to the square mile, livery halls house the City of London’s many Livery Companies, institutions known for upholding the credentials of the industry in which they’re based throughout history.
As part of the Open House Festival, many of the City’s Livery Companies will be opening their halls to the public to give a peek into an otherwise closed and exclusive world hidden in and around the square mile.Some highlights include:
And so many more! Don’t forget to book on the Open House website if you want to see these.
Stationers Hall © SusannahFields
Open Days
A key part of Open House is unique buildings and spaces around London opening their doors to visitors for a rare opportunity to peek inside. So many spaces around the Square Mile are welcoming in visitors across the week; here are some of our favourites:
- Leadenhall Market
- St Brides Church
- Smithfield Market
- Guildhall and Guildhall Library
- Bank of England Museum
Walking Tours
As well as the doors to many buildings flying open to welcome you in, a group of guides can whisk you around London, guiding you on a range of topics from the Romans to the internet infrastructure of London. Some highlights you might want to check out:
- The Romans of London
- Film locations around the City
- The City at night
- Pubs and Taverns of the City
- Historic and Modern Buildings in the City
As well as these, there is a huge collection of unique talks taking place such as a weekend model talk at The London Centre. Head to the Open House Festival website and search these events to book your space today!