Burgh House and Hampstead Museum

Burgh House is a 1704 Queen Anne building in New End Square, Hampstead. It began as a private home and later served as a militia headquarters, art expert’s residence, and even Rudyard Kipling’s daughter’s house. The Hampstead Museum now occupies the first floor, while the rest of the house hosts events and a café. A wrought-iron gate from 1720 bears the initials of Dr William Gibbons, who enlarged the house. Gertrude Jekyll designed the garden in the early 20th century, though only the terrace survives. The house was restored in 1979 after a local campaign saved it from commercial use. The Hampstead Museum displays permanent exhibits on the area’s history and culture. It holds the world’s largest collection of Helen Allingham’s work, a local artist known for her depictions of cottage gardens. Temporary galleries on the first floor and ground floor feature art and local themes. The basement café opens onto the gardens, offering a quiet place to rest. Concerts and exhibitions take place regularly, and the house is hired for private events. The building remains a community hub as well as a museum. Visitors find a restored 18th-century house with period details and modern facilities. The museum’s rooms tell stories of Hampstead’s past, from spa days to military use. Outside, the terrace garden reflects Jekyll’s original design. Inside, the café provides refreshments with garden views. Temporary shows bring fresh art and history to the space each season. The house’s varied history is visible in its architecture and displays. It stands as a lively reminder of Hampstead’s layered past.