National Trust - Fenton House and Garden — Attraction in London

Fenton House (previously Clocktower house) is a lovely 17th-century merchant's house nested up Holly Bush Hill or via uphill characterful windy allys from the main road, a short walk from Hampstead tube station in North London. Built around 1686 by William Eades, individual large houses were built for aspiring professional classes - close to London without the congestion & pollution of the centre. Bequeathed to NT in 1952 by Lady Binning, its last owner/ resident.

Its different from most NT properties in that it's more a lovely setting for different collections that 'nod' to past owners... The embroidery and porcelain collections of Lady Binning... added to with some from other NT collections.... Musical instruments that must be played, and beautifully so with visiting musicians whose melodies drift around and give a historical air of elegance and character. You feel like you are a guest walking into a soiree... Personally I felt it needed more historical information content, more of a sense of owners past, the architectual titbits that leave you with a sense of place, of the history, of learning.

The garden is a gem to sit and meaner. Lots of apple trees currently laden... Are they historical? What do you do with them? I enjoyed my visit but felt I wanted to know so much more and that left me with a...

Lovely 17th century house in Hampstead. This National Trust house has a large collection of porcelain, tapestries, paintings and over musical instruments. It houses one of the oldest harpsichord in the world! Very lucky to actually meet Nick, a musician who played three of the harpsichords beautifully. This was oyr highlight of the visit. Nick also explained how the instruments worked and their history. Great to listen to him, he was amazing. The gardens are gorgeous and well maintained. There is an orchard with a large number of apple trees. Lots of visitors which was nice. The house is only open on Fridays and Sundays and you need to book your visit. If you are an NT member you will need your card even if you have a digital ticket. Absolutely no idea why. Fenton House is about a 15 minute walk from Hampstead Heath overground. You have to walk past another National Trust property to get there but 2 Willow Road is not open on the same days...

Not one to do with the kids but a real gem to do with my mum. The garden is open to wander at leisure but the property is only open 2 days a week with entry slots on the hour so do check the website before you go. The garden is compact but beautiful with beches in each of the sections. The house was a real surprise with collections of paintings ceramics and harpsichords. They have volunteers who come in to play these at various times and we were able to go for lunch and then return and listen to instruments some of which where 500 years old being played. Things to be aware of are the hill to get to the property is steep (but short: 5 mins from Hampstead tube station) and unusually for the NT there is no coffee shop but there is a pub at the top of the hill which serves take out coffee and food if one climb is enough. Including our trips out for coffee and lunch we spent a very pleasant 3.5 hours at the...