Top 8 Most Beautiful Stairs Of London
Something as little as a staircase can be the main reason why you visit an entire building. We’ve selected the 8 most beautiful stairs in London.
Heading to London soon? Great, we have some sites to delight your eyes and probably your Instagram feed too.
The following staircases not only have an effective and beautiful design, but they are also housed in very relevant buildings historically speaking. Old and new, they are all pretty in their own way. If you love architecture, you’ll likely love all of these too.
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1. Newport Street Gallery
The new building by starchitects Caruso St John has been a massive success. But is it really that impressive? Well…YES! Every detail of the gallery is carefully designed, especially the staircases. A piece of art! When you visit, you’ll see they’re even prettier in person.
Location: Newport St, Lambeth, London SE11 6AJ, UK
2. Nelson Stair
Somerset House is famous for its galleries and the glorious ice rink in winter. However, Nelson stair — the best part — is lesser known. Named after Lord Nelson, who attended meetings at the Navy Boardroom located on the top floor. These five-storey period staircases are free for everyone to visit!
Location: Strand, London WC2R 1LA, UK
3. Asprey Store
Probably there are more buildings of Foster + Partners in London than people in the capital. Although we think Mr. Foster has too much power over the city, we do appreciate his architecture. This stair is quite a thing and it attracts people from many backgrounds. If you visit just for the stair, be discreet as you may be (politefully) kicked out.
Location: 167 New Bond St, Mayfair, London W1S 4AY, UK
4. Canada Water Library
Canada Water is slowly reinventing itself. This library is one of its most recent additions and it’s surprising how quickly has become a kids’ favourite. The stair helps to create a transition between the outside and the world of knowledge — beautiful!
Location: 21 Surrey Quays Rd, London SE16 7AR, UK
5. Tate Britain
The best thing at Tate Britain is the Turner Collection (William Turner is the boss). The second best thing is this staircase. Although everyone can enjoy going up and down, this view from the upper café is just for Tate Modern members. However, if you ask kindly and with a big smile they may allow you to go upstairs and take the shot.
Location: Bankside, London SE1 9TG, UK
6. Bevin Court
One of the best post-war housing projects in London that was built on the site of the bomb-destroyed Holford Square in Finsbury. Designed by Berthed Lubetkin, this staircase is one of London’s best kept secret spots. Beware, it is private property, but if you really want to learn how to visit it you may have to buy our Architectour guide (just saying).
Location: Bevin Court, Cruikshank St, Kings Cross, London WC1X 9HB, UK
7. The Morlaix staircase
Among the many cool things one can visit at the Victoria & Albert Museum, this staircase is top notch. This oak stair, dating from 1522–30, came from №17 Grand’Rue, the main street of the wealthy town of Morlaix, Brittany (France). The timber-framed house was a type known as a maison à pondalez.
Location: Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL, UK
8. Queen’s House
This house was no less than the residence of the first king of both Scotland and England’s wife, Queen Anne of Denmark. It was Inigo Jones’s first major commission too, after returning from his 1613–1615 grand tour of Roman, Renaissance and Palladian architecture in Italy. The Tulip stair is something you can’t miss while visiting Greenwich.
Location: Romney Rd, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF, UK
[BONUS] Lloyd’s Building
We couldn’t resist including this leading example of radical Bowellism in the list. You’ll only be able to visit it during Open House London but if you have a friend who can get you inside, don’t hesitate to ask because it’ll be worth it — not only for the escalators.
Location: Lloyd's building, London, UK
Find these and other amazing locations on Architectour’s guide of London. Waiting list now open!
