Brentford and Isleworth Venues Take Part in Open House London Festival
A rare opportunity to explore local historic buildings
The Quaker Meeting House in Isleworth
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September 12, 2025
Venues across Brentford and Isleworth will open their doors to the public later this month as part of the city-wide Open House London Festival. The event offers residents and visitors a rare opportunity to explore historic buildings, community spaces, and architectural landmarks that are not usually accessible to the public from 13 to 21 September.
Organised by Open City, the festival is part of Hounslow Council’s Summer of Culture programme and includes 31 events across 18 venues borough-wide. Locally, the programme features guided walks, heritage tours, and drop-in activities designed to showcase the area’s rich history and evolving urban landscape.
St Lawrence Church Walking Tour – Brentford
Date: Friday 19 September
Time: 10:30–12:00
This guided walk explores the area surrounding St Lawrence Church on Brentford High Street. Originally founded as a hospital and chapel in the 12th century, the church features a 15th-century tower and a 19th-century rebuild. Although the building has been refurbished, it remains empty and is not open internally. The tour will focus on the church’s architectural evolution and its place within Brentford’s historic landscape.
Tour details and booking
Brentford and Isleworth Quaker Meeting House – Open Day and Activities
Date: Saturday 20 September
Time: 12:00–17:00
Visitors are invited to explore the Grade II* listed Meeting House, built in 1785, and its peaceful grounds. The day includes self-guided tours, historical displays, author talks, and a free crochet workshop led by KC Crochet Studio. While drop-in access is available throughout the day, advance registration is requested for the workshop.
Event details and registration
J MW Turner 250th Anniversary Walking Tour – Brentford to Isleworth
Date: Saturday 13 September
Time: 14:30–16:30
This linear Thames-side walk marks the 250th anniversary of artist JMW Turner’s birth. Starting outside Kew Bridge Station, the tour traces Turner’s connection to the area, where he lived and painted. Participants will explore sites and landscapes familiar to Turner, including the Georgian School of Industry, Syon House, and Gordon House—both enhanced by architect Robert Adam. The route follows pavements and riverside paths through parks and urban scenes, ending at Isleworth Promenade.
Full tour details
Almshouses and Spring Grove Walking Tours – Isleworth
Dates: Throughout the festival
These guided walks explore the area’s historic almshouses, some dating back to 1664, and the grand villas of Spring Grove, once home to botanist Sir Joseph Banks. The tours highlight architectural styles ranging from Georgian to Arts and Crafts, and offer insight into the borough’s social history.
Neighbourhood listings
Isleworth Public Hall – Victorian Civic Architecture
Date: Festival weekend (check programme for times)
A fine example of Victorian design, the hall features detailed interiors and was originally built as reading and vestry rooms in 1863, with a public hall added in 1887. Visitors can explore the building’s history and its role in local civic life.
Venue information
Thames Corridor and Richmond Lock Walks
Visitors are encouraged to follow the Thames from Isleworth to Richmond, passing sites such as the Egyptian-style Kilmorey Mausoleum and Richmond Lock and Weir. These locations offer insight into the borough’s role in London’s water infrastructure and riverside heritage.
In a statement, Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces at Hounslow Council, said, “Hounslow is home to an extraordinary mix of historic landmarks, innovative architecture and community spaces. Our Open House Festival gives residents and visitors the chance to see behind the scenes, meet the people who care for these places, and discover more about the borough we call home.”
All events are free to attend, though some activities may require advance booking due to limited capacity. Full listings and booking details can be found on the Open House Festival website.
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