Two Temple Place

Two Temple Place is one of those buildings that feels quietly majestic, almost hidden in plain sight. Standing just off the busy Embankment, it rises with a kind of confident elegance that immediately draws your eyes upward. The pale stone façade feels rich with detail — arches, columns, carved ornaments and long rows of windows that give the whole building a sense of rhythm and balance. The golden frieze running along the upper level catches the light beautifully, adding warmth to the otherwise soft, creamy stone. From the street, the building feels grand yet not overwhelming, refined rather than imposing. What makes it especially striking is the setting. Trees frame the view, a small garden softens the edge of the street, and the building sits slightly back from the road as if it knows it deserves a moment of quiet admiration. The result feels almost cinematic — a peaceful architectural gem just steps away from the constant movement of central London. You do not need to step inside to appreciate it. Standing outside is enough to feel the craftsmanship, the history and the quiet confidence of another era preserved in the heart of the city.

Went to see the Weight of Mind exhibition here. Nice. A good collection of artwork from some artists with experience of mental illness. An interesting building too. Volunteers are so friendly and helpful. Worth the visit.

This is one of the great secret treasures of London. Rarely open to the public, except on the Open House London Weekends. This is stunning Victorian home of Lord Astor, a wealthy tycoon, who famously perished in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. The home itself boasts several lavishly decorated room, especially on the upstairs hall, and possibly the grandest staircase in the world, with a gall ceiling, carvings of the four musketeers, and two beautiful stained glass windows in the upper hall. The floor at the bottom of the staircase is a masterpiece of inlaid marble of different colours, similar to Italian Cosmati pavements. This is now an events venue for hire, having spent several years as offices.

A hidden Victorian house that allows a random peak into history. Well designed and decorated probably by the standard of that remote time - solid mahogany, stained glass, ceiling, elegant staircase. Nothing luxurious but full of details. Worth a quick visit.

If you are lucky enough to be there when the house is open to the public, make sure you visit. First house that had electricity and telephone. Amazing stained glass and wood work. It cannot be described in a review - you need to go and see it with your own eyes.

A beautiful museum and experience, we had the once in a month tour with Geoff and it was an absolute pleasure.

A truly beautiful former 1890’s office building with wood panels, stained glass, and ornate narrative carvings. Free exhibitions are open from February to April - their 2025 season exhibition on British working class artists was excellently hung and curated. Lovely volunteer docents with an excellent knowledge of the space and its history.

Lovely gallery. Although small in size, the building itself is very impressively ornate and beautiful. The works of art exhibited within are very nice as well, and the circulation of the building is organised well. Quite a bit of stairs but I think there is help for those who can’t go up stairs.

it cannot get better than this in my eyes....in my eyes literally. Outstandingly beautiful house and William Morris to boot. Feast thine eyes upon great beauty....FREE of charge. Wonderful smiley happy staff (who wouldn't be in such surroundings). Go.

That place is amazing. Stuck between the embankment and construction site this private manor was once the office of William Waldorf Astor, the man who owned half of Manhattan. The place is only opened when exhibit are on (currently one about beauty in Egypt). The guides in the rooms are really helpful and they know tons about the place (really you can ask any question, they have the answer) And it's free!

Opened to the public for the first time in November 2011, this is the fabulous home & Estate office of Lord Astor & where he also allegedly kept a mistress.Built to his specifications in 1870. So much attention to detail,he obviously loved wood & marble as much as I do. First exhibition was for William Morris & it was a perfect setting

Two Temple Place is not generally open to the public, unless it is hosting an exhibition. I visited this venue when it was hosting a wedding fair and was absolutely taken by how beautiful the place was - inside and outside. As part of the fair, I got to wander through the Lower Gallery, the Great Hall (the main ballroom), and the two smaller rooms - the Morris Room and the Library. All of them were very pretty, with the Great Hall (duh) being by far the most beautiful, what with the stained glass windows and all. Now, as you might have guessed, this venue is available for hire, and you can choose to hire part or all of the building for your special event (or special day). And, truth be told? If - and this is a big if - I were a heck of a lot wealthier, this place would be right at the top of my list. How could a wedding be anything other than amazing in a place like this? But, you know, if you just want to take a look at this place, you can become a Friend of Two Temple Place and book a place on their monthly guide tours. At £10, it's a whole lot more affordable. :)