Tucked away in Hampstead, the Freud Museum London preserves the home and study of Sigmund Freud and his daughter Anna. It offers a quieter, reflective museum experience than many of London’s better-known cultural attractions. This guide supplies the essentials: where it is, how to get there, opening hours, ticket costs, access, best times to go, and nearby spots to combine for a full day out.
History and overview of the Freud Museum
The Freud Museum London is housed in the final home of Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis, and his daughter Anna Freud. When the Freuds fled Vienna in 1938, they brought Freud’s library, collections of antiquities, furniture including his famous psychoanalytic couch, and made this house their new base in London. The house retains many of the original furnishings, atmosphere and private spaces, making it more than just a display. It feels lived in.
The museum includes Freud’s Study, his collection of antiquities, the library, and rooms restored to resemble those used by the Freuds and their visitors. There are rotating temporary exhibitions, a video room, and the garden. The experience combines small domestic rooms with intellectual artefacts, requiring a slower pace to appreciate the details—the smell of old books, the glimpses of the garden through windows, the hushed tones in the study.
- Get in at the quieter times. Book your tickets in advance.
How to get there and transport options
The address is 20 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SX. It sits in Hampstead, a mostly residential area, so roads are calm but parking is limited.
Public transport is the best choice. The nearest tube/Underground station is Finchley Road (Metropolitan & Jubilee lines), about a five-minute walk. Hampstead station (Northern line) and Finchley Road & Frognal (Overground) are also within walking distance. Several bus routes serve Finchley Road. Cycling or walking if you’re nearby works well.
Five great things to do in London
- 🚖 Take a private black cab tour around London’s highlights – with hotel pick-up.
- 🧙 Discover Harry Potter filming locations – and spots that inspired the books – on a wizarding walking tour.
- 🍴 Taste the best of British cuisine on a food tour through Borough Market.
- 🚲 Combine landmarks, pubs and street art – on a guided bike tour.
- ⛴️ Take a sightseeing cruise along the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, generally from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. On Mondays and Tuesdays it is closed. In certain summer periods, there are additional Monday openings. Check the Freud Museum London website for holiday closures. Admission tickets should be booked in advance.
Ticket prices are, as of 24 September 2025 when I last manually checked:
- Adults: £14.50
- Concessions (students, seniors, disabled): £12.50
- Young persons (12-16): £9.00
- Children under 12: free
- Members and Patrons: free entry
Tickets can be booked online.
Parking, accessibility and what to expect inside
On-site parking at the Freud Museum London is very limited and intended mainly for visitors with mobility difficulties; you’ll need to book these Blue Badge bays ahead. Street parking on Maresfield Gardens is mostly restricted (resident permit required during certain hours) and there are pay & display options on nearby roads like Nutley Terrace.
Inside the Museum, the ground floor (including Hall, Study, Dining Room, Shop) is accessible. However, there is no lift to the first floor, so upstairs rooms are not physically accessible; but virtual tours or information/presentations are provided in accessible form. There is no accessible toilet. The garden has pathways but parts are uneven or have steps. Seating is available in certain rooms and the garden; staff are helpful with additional needs.
Best times to visit and what to expect
If I were planning my own visit, I’d aim for Wednesday or Thursday mid-morning just after opening. The quietest hours tend to be in those early slots during weekdays. Weekends grow busier, especially in the Study and temporary exhibition room.
Allow at least an hour to explore fully, more if you want to linger in the garden, read in the library, or watch videos. The small rooms can feel cramped when crowded, so smaller visits feel more peaceful. The light in the garden in late afternoon is pleasant for reflection.
Nearby attractions to combine into the same day
Hampstead is full of character. After visiting Freud, wander around Hampstead Village: cafés, small bookshops, beautiful Georgian streets. Nearby Keats House is close by and offers a slice of literary history.
For green spaces, head to Hampstead Heath and walk up to the Parliament Hill viewpoint for expansive London views. If you head back toward central London, the Freud Museum pairs well with the nearby Camden Arts Centre or a visit to Primrose Hill for food and skyline views.
FAQ / practical tips
Are the paths wheelchair-friendly?
Partly. The ground floor rooms are accessible; the front entrance gives level access. Upstairs rooms require stairs only and are not accessible by lift.
Is there accessible parking close to the entrance?
Yes. There are a couple of Blue Badge parking bays nearby (on Maresfield Gardens and Fitzjohn’s Avenue), and very limited on-site parking for disabled visitors which must be booked in advance.
Can I bring a pushchair or baby carrier?
Yes. Pushchairs/baby carriers are fine. There is buggy parking in the hall downstairs and garden when weather allows. Some internal areas are small and tight, so manageable carriers work better than large strollers.
Are there cafés or places to eat on-site?
No café inside. Drinks like tea/coffee and bottled water can be bought in the shop. For meals or snacks, there are cafés in Hampstead Village about a 5-10 minute walk away.
Can I bring my own food?
You may bring small snacks. picnics in the garden are possible when weather allows. The study room is sensitive; avoid eating or drinking there.
When are the quietest hours or days to visit?
Mid-morning on weekdays (Wednesday or Thursday) tends to be the calmest. Weekends and holiday periods are noticeably busier, especially in the Study.
How long should I budget for a visit?
You can see the key rooms and garden comfortably in about an hour. If you want to explore videos, exhibitions, spend time in the garden or read, budget 1½ to 2 hours.
Are photos allowed everywhere?
Generally yes for personal use. Some special exhibition items may have restrictions, particularly upstairs. Always check signage and staff advice.
The Freud Museum London: Practical tips
Book your ticket in advance online and aim for earlier slots to avoid crowds. If visiting by car, confirm parking availability and plan for limited spaces. Arrive with headphones for the audio guide via your phone.
Wear comfortable shoes. Think of balanced layering—some rooms are warmer, some cooler. Bring water if needed. And allow yourself time to pause; the house, garden and study reward those who look slowly.
More London travel
Other London travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A first-time visitor’s guide to the Horniman Museum in London.
- Practical information for visiting the London Museum Docklands.
- How to make the most of your visit to HMS Belfast.
- A practical guide to visiting Eltham Palace.
- Essential information for visiting the Cutty Sark in Greenwich.
