Lauderdale House is an arts and education centre based in a historic house in Highgate. Here you will discover a surprising blend of historic elegance and creative opportunities, a building steeped in history and alive with activity. 

Discover a surprising mix of historic elegance and creative opportunities in this vibrant Tudor house in Waterlow Park, North London.

Built in 1582, we were saved from demolition in the 1800s by William Morris; rescued in 1978 by local people following a devastating fire in 1963; and, in 2016, achieved a major £2.3million refurbishment guaranteeing a dynamic future.

Packed full of activities, which you can discover in our What’s On section, and revealing historic features dating back almost 450 years, Lauderdale is a ‘house of many colours’ where no one day is like another. We offer different things to a wide range of different people, always seeking to reflect the original charitable gift of the house and park as a centre for arts and heritage for all and a ‘garden for the gardenless’. We are:

  • a creative and tranquil place of inspiration
  • a personal and unique building in which to celebrate key life changing events – weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, memorials
  • a vibrant hub for the arts and social interaction; a place to experiment and a place to discover new creativity
  • a window into almost 450 years of history
  • a valuable and stimulating resource for schools
  • a provider of new opportunities through our extensive community and outreach programme
  • an organisation where volunteers can gain experience to help them find jobs or simply enjoy being part of our team which makes all of this possible
  • an excuse to enjoy a cup or tea or a sausage sandwich looking at the park, or have a rest while walking the dog!

Whatever the main reason for your visit, we hope we can stir your curiosity so you are keen to find out more about what’s on in the House, our history and the difference we make through our community and outreach programme.

Team Lauderdale
Who We Are
Lauderdale House is run by a small team of staff supported by our wonderful volunteers. Find out who's who and how you can get involved.
Our History
Our History
Behind our façade stands a modest, 400-year-old timber-framed house that has been a home, a school, a hospital and even a raging fire. Lauderdale House's fascinating history features a king, a prisoner, an author and the most famous orange girl in the country...
Behind the scenes at Lauderdale House
Explore the House
Take a virtual tour of Lauderdale House! Discover our elegant, historic rooms from the comfort of your own home using our floorplans, image galleries and 360 virtual tours.