Apsley House

This Hyde Park mansion belonged to Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington... A national hero in Britain, the ‘Iron Duke’ is famous for defeating Napoleon at the legendary Battle of Waterloo. The Apsley House was built in the 1770s for Lord Chancellor Henry, 1st Baron Apsley. After the Duke of Wellington bought the building in the 1810s, he embarked on a major renovation that transformed the facade and interiors. Since the 1820s, the mansion has remained virtually unchanged. (A+ for authenticity!)

The Apsley House opened to the public in 1952 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Wellington’s death. Judging by the luxurious interiors, it’s fair to say that Wellington wasn’t simply an outstanding commander and statesman, but also a man of refined tastes. Apsley’s collection includes sculptures by Canova, and paintings by Velázquez and Murillo, Goya and Rubens, van Dyck and Bruegel, Titian and Correggio—about 200 works in all. Most were presented to Wellington by European rulers, grateful for his victories over Napoleon’s armies.

The museum’s hours are seasonal. Until November 2017, it’s open five days a week. From November 1 to March 29, it’s open only on the weekends, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Entrance: £11.30