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If you ask us, 10 Downing Street is easily the most iconic address in London – sorry, 221B Baker Street – if not the entire planet. The home of British prime ministers since 1735, the Georgian dwelling off Whitehall is where many of the UK’s most significant political decisions of the last 300 years have been made, has been visited by countless legendary historical figures over the years, and still serves as a backdrop for key addresses from the Prime Minister.
The opportunity to visit this illustrious home is usually reserved for cabinet members, royalty, foreign dignitaries, Larry the Cat and very special invited guests, and most Londoners can’t even get a good look at its famous black door thanks to the security gate at the end of the street.
It’s thoroughly exciting news, then, that a handful of lucky guests will be welcomed inside for a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the building as part of this year’s Open House Festival. Prospective visitors can enter a public ballot for a chance to book onto the special tour, one of several in-demand experiences being balloted alongside the 700+ buildings, spaces, and experiences available to book for free as part of Open House’s wider programme.
RECOMMENDED: Five iconic London buildings you’ll be able to access for free in Open House 2025.
The 2025 ballot also features tours of Fitzrovia’s Grade II-listed BT Tower, Canada House, the Trafalgar Square home of Canada’s High Commission, BBC’s Broadcasting House and the new London Museum due to open in Smithfield next year, all of which take place during the festival from 13-21 September.
Ballot entries for these incredibly sought-after experiences are open until Monday 18 August, with successful entrants notified on the same day via email. And if you’re not successful, don’t be too disappointed; there are still plenty of usually-off-limits London landmarks you can snoop around for free during the festival, with general booking going live on Wednesday 20 August. So mark your calendars, check out our roundup of the festival’s other highlights, and get those ballot entries in. Best of luck!
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