Charlton House & Gardens has two strong free events coming up this autumn. Open House returns in September, followed by the historic Horn Fair in October.
Latest Update
Checked 1 September 2026: Open House is confirmed for Saturday 12 September, while Horn Fair returns on Sunday 18 October. Both events are free.
Open House at Charlton House 2026
Charlton House & Gardens is taking part in Open House Festival 2026 on Saturday 12 September 2026, from 10am–5pm. Entry is free.
Visitors can explore one of the UK’s finest surviving Jacobean manor houses. The programme includes timed house and architectural tours, the gardens, a chance to meet Lady Newton, refreshments at Frilly’s and tours of nearby St Luke’s Church. Weather permitting, there are also trips up the church tower.
Timed tours are bookable through Open House, but visitors are still welcome to enjoy the house even without a tour ticket. Check the Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust events page for the latest details and booking links.
Horn Fair 2026
Horn Fair returns on Sunday 18 October 2026, from 11am–4pm. The event is free and no ticket is required.
For 2026, Horn Fair celebrates Black History Month alongside the African Threads exhibition. The programme includes African food stalls, crafts and music, other food and craft stalls, entertainment from Global Fusion and a fancy-dress competition.
African Threads brings together twelve objects or groups of objects from the Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust collection with work by local Ghanaian textile artist Lorelle Aboagye, who will demonstrate her work on a loom during Horn Fair. More stalls and entertainment may still be announced.
See the official Horn Fair 2026 page before travelling.
About Charlton House
Charlton House was built between 1607 and 1612 for Sir Adam Newton, tutor to Henry, Prince of Wales, and is one of England’s finest surviving Jacobean manor houses. The historic house, original walled gardens and grounds are managed by Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust.
Accessibility
Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust describes Charlton House as a wheelchair-accessible venue. Individual activities, historic areas and the church-tower visit may have different access conditions, so anyone with specific requirements should contact the venue or check the event page before travelling.
Plan Your Visit
Venue: Charlton House & Gardens, Charlton Road, London SE7 8RE.
Charlton House sits within the Royal Borough of Greenwich, making it easy to combine with other local heritage, parks and family-day-out ideas. Frilly’s Tea Room is based inside the house and is expected to be open during Open House.
Key Details
- Open House: Saturday 12 September 2026, 10am–5pm, free.
- Horn Fair: Sunday 18 October 2026, 11am–4pm, free, no ticket required.
- Venue: Charlton House & Gardens, Charlton Road, London SE7 8RE.
More Greenwich on Clarissa’s Corner
For more heritage, seasonal events and local days out, use our Greenwich Days Out, Events & Local Guide and our Greenwich Family Events & Free Days Out guide.
