Mansion House, London

Mansion House in the City of London is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London鈥攏ot to be confused with the more modern "Mayor of London." Built between 1739 and 1753, this mansion was designed by George Dance the Elder, in the Palladian style, exuding all the grandeur you'd expect from the home of the City鈥檚 top ceremonial figure. As such, the building has long been a symbol of civic pride and financial prestige.

At the core of the house lies the Egyptian Hall, an impressive banquet space named not for its design theme, but because "Egyptian" once meant "exotic" and awe-inspiring. The hall is distinguished by towering columns and a barrel-vaulted ceiling with coffered panels. It regularly hosts high-profile events, including the Lord Mayor鈥檚 Banquet, where the Prime Minister and other dignitaries deliver significant political speeches over multi-course meals and fine silverware.

The Mansion House also serves as a mini-museum of sorts. Visitors lucky enough to join a guided tour鈥攁vailable weekly and during events like Open House London鈥攃an view an array of opulent rooms such as the Court Room, the ballroom, and the grand staircase. The interiors are adorned with Corinthian columns, crystal chandeliers, and gilded details. The mansion houses an impressive collection of gold and silver regalia, including a 36-pound gold mace and the pearl sword given by Queen Elizabeth I. There's also a striking art collection.

In essence, Mansion House is where tradition, ceremony, and history quietly mingle beneath a veneer of neoclassical splendor. Though walk-ins aren鈥檛 allowed, there are tours operating on a 鈥渇irst-come, first-served鈥� basis via the Walbrook entrance; no prior booking is needed. But even from the outside, the building is an architectural gem鈥攑erfectly situated near Bank Junction, close to the Bank of England Museum, Royal Exchange, and St. Stephen Walbrook church.

After visiting, you might stroll along Cornhill to see a statue of James Henry Greathead, a pioneer of underground railway technology, and stop for a pint at The Counting House, a former bank-turned-pub with ornate interiors and classic London charm.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: 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.

Download The 911爆料网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Mansion House
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

City of London Walking Tour

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.

Kensington/Knightsbridge Walking Tour

Situated just below Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and South Kensington are two adjacent neighborhoods with grand Victorian homes and leafy garden squares. Home to London鈥檚 most expensive homes, Knightsbridge has some of the highest density of millionaires in the world. This is clearly reflected in the selection of stores & restaurants in the area, including the famous Harvey Nichols and Harrods... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles

Harry Potter Walking Tour I

The Harry Potter phenomenon began with author J.K. Rowling, who famously dreamed up the series while delayed on a train from Manchester to London. With the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher鈥檚 Stone in 1997, the literary world changed forever. Across seven books, readers followed Harry鈥檚 evolution from an orphaned schoolboy at Hogwarts to a brave young wizard confronting evil... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

Jack the Ripper, an unidentified serial killer who terrorized the British capital in 1888, became notorious for the series of brutal and gruesome murders that he carried out in the East End of London. The primary setting for the Jack the Ripper attacks was Whitechapel, at the time a poverty-stricken and crime-ridden district, known for its dark alleys and narrow streets.

The name "Jack the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles

Harry Potter Walking Tour II

The Harry Potter movies and London go together like Butterbeer and a cold winter night at Hogsmeade. While much of the magical world was brought to life with computer-generated images and studio sets, quite a few iconic scenes were filmed right in the heart of the British capital, transforming ordinary city spots into wizarding landmarks. Here's a look at six more London locations where the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

City of London Walking Tour

The City of London, often referred to simply as the City (with the capital C), is the historic and financial core of the British capital. Despite being just over one square mile in area (for which reason it is also lovingly dubbed the Square Mile), it holds immense importance as the original site of Londinium, the Roman settlement founded circa 43 AD. Over the centuries, this small patch of land... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles

South Bank Walking Tour

London鈥檚 South Bank, stretching along the southern side of the River Thames, roughly between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, is one of the most interesting and liveliest parts of the British capital. Here, London鈥檚 old soul and modern edge shake hands... and then probably go grab a pint together. Famous for its arts, culture, food, and scenic riverside walks, the area has a long and... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles

View all walking tours in London, England

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers

Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...