About Cookies On This Site
We use cookies to personalise content, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic.
We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.
You may read more about any of the purposes or vendors that we use by clicking 'More info'. REFUSE COOKIES ACCEPT COOKIES

The Charterhouse

The Charterhouse has been living the nation’s history since 1348. Encompassing seven acres between Barbican and Farringdon, the Charterhouse has been a monastery, a Tudor mansion, a boys’ school and an almshouse, which it remains to this day. Open Tuesdays-Sundays, there is a free museum and access to the Chapel, as well as several fascinating daily tours, some of which are conducted by almshouse residents. Several of the stunning rooms included on the tour are also available to hire.


The mission of the Charterhouse is to provide housing, care and support for older people in need, while sharing the heritage and preserving it for future generations.

Residents of the almshouse are still known as ‘Brothers’, now a purely traditional term acknowledging the Charterhouse’s monastic past, and now include women.

The public are invited to discover the Charterhouse’s dramatic history in the free museum, and can also explore the fine Jacobean chapel, and browse in the shop free of charge. Daily tours can be booked to see more of the seven-acre historic site where medieval and Tudor architecture and interiors are well-preserved. There is also a purpose-built Learning Centre from which the Charterhouse runs the exciting Learning Programme for schools, families, and adult learners.

Please note: Due to the nature of the site as a functioning almshouse, the Charterhouse may occasionally need to change opening times or close at short notice. They will endeavour to always give good notice of this on the homepage


ACCESSIBILITY

All public areas of the museum including the reception area, learning centre and cloakroom facilities are fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. The chapel is also fully accessible for wheelchair users. A wheelchair is available to borrow during your visit.

There are accessible toilet facilities and baby changing facilities in the museum reception area.

Large print guides are available in the museum.

Please note that the historic buildings of the Charterhouse include some uneven surfaces and a cobbled courtyard. We therefore advise visitors to wear sensible footwear and dress appropriately.

There are easy alternative routes for wheelchair users on all stops on the tour.

Seating is available at most of the stops on the tour.


HOW TO REACH

By underground: The nearest underground stations are Barbican and Farringdon.

Turn left out of Barbican station and then left again onto Carthusian Street, until you see Charterhouse Square’s green fences. Follow the path into Charterhouse Square, staying on the path until it forks to the left and right. Take the right fork until you reach the wrought-iron gates, emblazoned in gold with the motto, Deo Dante Dedi.

From Farringdon underground station turn left and walk up Cowcross Street. When you reach the traffic lights keep Smithfield Market to your right and follow the road past Barclays turning left into Charterhouse Square. You will see a pub called the Fox and Anchor and large black gates which mark the entrance to the square. Keep going past Malmaison hotel and the red post box until you see the wrought-iron gates emblazoned in gold with the motto Deo Dante Dedi. Please feel free to phone the museum team on 0203 818 8873 if you require any assistance.

By bus: Buses 4, 56, and 153 stop on Aldersgate Street, near Carthusian Street.

By car: There are a small number of disabled parking spaces for Blue and Orange Badge holders. Please call in advance to book a space on 020 7490 7738.


ADMISSION

Visiting the museum, chapel and shop is free of charge.

The Charterhouse highly recommends you combine your visit to the museum with one of the fascinating tours of the site. There are several tours daily, either with one of the professional guides, or a tour with more of an insider perspective led by one of the residents of the almshouse. Please see the Tours page for booking information.


VISITOR INFO

ADDRESS:
Charterhouse Square London
EC1M 6AN London
England
United Kingdom

EXHIBITIONS

  • Explore the Charterhouse

    exposition

GET THE
CLOUDGUIDE APP NOW!

CloudGuide is a free app and platform to bring digital content of cultural institutions and tourist attractions to your own smartphone. Download now and enjoy the visit!

DOWNLOAD NOW AND ENJOY THE VISIT!