Kenwood

Kenwood is among the finest of all up English Heritage's Great houses. The vividly re-presented interiors and collections, and the improved the visitor's facilities, create a relaxed atmosphere. For families there's an enjoyable activity based in the Orangery.

Enhance features include the re-presentation of the wonderful Adam rooms; The re-display of the famous Iveagh collection of paintings; and imaginative interpretation for visitors of all ages. Relaxed and welcoming, Kenwood is more 'home' and less 'stately', thanks to the provision of a lift and more visitor seating, you can tour Kenwood's splendours at leisure and in comfort.

Crowning Hampstead Heath, Kenwood was remodelled by Robert Adam between 1764 and 1779 for a great judge, the first Earl of Mansfield. Recent major conservation– made possible by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and donations–has secured Kenwood and it's precious contents for generations to come.

Kenwood's principal art collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Reynolds, Gainsborough and Constable, was bequeathed to the nation with the mentioned by brewing magnate Edward Guinness, Earl of Iveagh in 1927. It's displayed in re-presented settings, with comfortable sofas where you can relax and browse the room booklets and catalogues.

A lift to the first floor sitting also gives you full access to the Suffolk collection of Tudor and Stuart portraits. The collection includes full-length paintings of extravagantly dressed Jacobean courtiers.

Most striking of all Kenwood's glories, however, is it suite of magnificent Robert Adam rooms; Entrance Hall, Great Staircase, Ante-Room, and its masterpiece, the Great Library. These lavish rooms have been redecorated as they originally appeared over two centuries ago.

Through integrated interpretation you can hear the story of Kenwood and its people, from Lord Mansfield and its next race great-niece, Dido Belle, to brewing magnate Edward Guinness. Wander through the house and open desks and boxes to discover the stories within. 'Growing Space', an activity base in the Orangery, features in areas where families can explore themes connected with Kenwood.

Kenwood hundred 12 acres of leafy parkland, landscaped by Humphrey rectum, is renowned for its fine views over London, sculptures and its meandering woodland parts. The conserved ornamental 18th-century dairy is open for pre-booked tools and at set times.