Benjamin Franklin House, London
This historically significant townhouse, dating back to 1730, stands as the sole surviving residence associated with Benjamin Franklin, the multifaceted American statesman, scientist, writer, and inventor. Franklin made this house his home and workplace for 18 years (1757-75), in the period leading up to the American Revolution. During this time, while he was advocating for the interests of the British colonies (known as the U.S. today), this house effectively functioned as the first informal American embassy. Eventually, Franklin returned to America, where he played a pivotal role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and shaping the U.S. Constitution.
The restored Georgian home has intentionally been left without furnishings, allowing to fully appreciate its original architectural elements: 18th-century paneling, stoves, beams, bricks, and windows. Visitors are guided by a costumed character portraying Polly Hewson, the daughter of Franklin's landlady. Through immersive video projections and recorded voices, this experience transports visitors back to Franklin's era, where he and his "housekeeper" shared this cozy space, while his wife and daughter remained in Philadelphia.
On Fridays, you can join a guided tour that delves into both the building's architectural intricacies and Benjamin Franklin's personal story. Additionally, a guided walking tour of the surrounding area, lasting up to 90 minutes, commences from the house at noon.
The restored Georgian home has intentionally been left without furnishings, allowing to fully appreciate its original architectural elements: 18th-century paneling, stoves, beams, bricks, and windows. Visitors are guided by a costumed character portraying Polly Hewson, the daughter of Franklin's landlady. Through immersive video projections and recorded voices, this experience transports visitors back to Franklin's era, where he and his "housekeeper" shared this cozy space, while his wife and daughter remained in Philadelphia.
On Fridays, you can join a guided tour that delves into both the building's architectural intricacies and Benjamin Franklin's personal story. Additionally, a guided walking tour of the surrounding area, lasting up to 90 minutes, commences from the house at noon.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Benjamin Franklin House on Map
Sight Name: Benjamin Franklin House
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
South Bank Walking Tour
The South Bank is a stretch of the Thames in London that is beautiful to walk through because there are so many iconic and magnificent things to see along the way. A lively and ever-changing area at the heart of London’s cultural scene, it also has the advantage of offering views across the Thames to some of the most famous buildings anywhere. The Palace of Westminster is the major feature in... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Walk around Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, the British monarch's official residence, is a must-see for anyone visiting London, but so are the adjacent royal establishments that give a unique window into the royal way of life. On this self-guided walking tour, along with Buckingham Palace and its memorable fountain, you will visit the St. James's private royal residence, the wonderful Queen's Gallery, and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
London's Historic Pubs Walk
If there’s any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
City of London Walking Tour
The City of London, widely referred to simply as the City (with the capital C), is also colloquially known as the Square Mile, for being just 1.12 sq mi in area. Situated on top of the original Roman center of commerce, called Londinium, established in 43 AD, this neighborhood is the historic and financial heart of the British capital. It has been a major meeting point for international business... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Shakespeare's London Walking Tour
Often called England's national poet or simply "the Bard", William Shakespeare is revered as one of, if not the greatest playwright this world has ever seen. The dramas, such as Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth are among the finest creations in the English language, translated into every major language and performed more often than those of any other author.... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Harry Potter Walking Tour I
The arrival of Harry Potter books, followed by tremendously successful Hollywood adaptation, has made London an even more popular destination now with the Harry Potter fans all over the world. The list of attractions in the city associated with Potter’s journeys includes both, newly-invented as well as some long-standing locations.
On Part I of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
On Part I of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
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