Two Temple Place
ENTRY
Free
WHERE
London
What it’s like
A grand riverside building near the Strand you can only get into on select dates, with an hour-long tour that actually goes somewhere interesting.
This isn't a gallery you can just wander into on a whim. Two Temple Place opens for building tours on select dates, mostly September through December, and each one runs an hour with doors open 15 minutes before. It's £12, and given how little time this building spends open to the public, that fee feels fair enough once you factor in what you're actually getting: an hour inside a building most people walk past without a second glance.
For families, there are activity sheets and craft resources laid on, so it's not just adults trailing round listening to a guide while the kids fidget. It won't suit a toddler who needs to run about, but for a child old enough to sit still for a tour and do a bit of drawing, it's a decent way to spend an hour somewhere properly ornate.
If you want a group visit, the site is upfront that January to April is the better window, when the annual exhibitions are on and there's more flexibility than the tour dates allow. Schools get a proper offer too: workshops tied to the exhibition themes, and free TfL travel for kids and accompanying adults on a school account, which is a nice touch if you're organising a trip.
Getting in isn't a problem if you need step-free access. There's a stair climber for wheelchairs (though it won't run in icy weather, and there are limits on wheelchair size and weight), plus a lift to every floor and an adapted toilet on the ground floor. Charing Cross and Blackfriars are both about 15 minutes on foot, or there are several buses along the Strand if you'd rather not walk it.
What’s on here
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- School-age kids who can sit through an hour-long tour
- Wheelchairs
- Stair climber (Baronmead Stairmate Major) provides wheelchair access
- Dogs
- Assistance animals very welcome
- Getting there by bus or train
- Charing Cross and Blackfriars stations 15 mins walk
- Tours only run on select dates, mostly September to December
- Groups after exhibitions do better booking January to April
- The stair climber has size and weight limits, so check if that affects you
- Unaffiliated tour guides aren't allowed on site
- Blue Badge parking is available nearby
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Building tours are £12 and last an hour. Doors open 15 minutes before the start time.
Do we need to book ahead?
The site doesn't mention online booking, so it's best to check the What's On page for the specific dates a tour is running and go from there.
When is it open?
Only on select dates through the year, mostly September to December for tours. January to April is the better window if you want a group visit during the exhibitions.
Is it OK to bring young kids?
There are activity sheets and family craft resources, which helps if you've got a child who needs something to do with their hands while the adults listen to the guide.
What about wheelchair access?
There's a stair climber for the front steps, though it has a 200kg weight limit and won't run in icy weather. A lift covers every floor and there's an adapted toilet on the ground floor.
Can we bring a dog?
Assistance animals are welcome. It doesn't mention pets more generally.
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