Dr Johnson’s House is worth a visit when in the area. I wish there was a little more on his early life, but it did have nice dictionary-themed signage about the house, how he compiled the dictionary, and people he interacted with. You can also see a first edition copy in his library (just behind d the door), and the volunteer was super helpful and informative. Be aware there are three flights of stairs and mildly uneven floors. The steps weren’t high (maybe 6”?) and there was a handrail, but perhaps a consideration for some.

Anyone interested in one of England's greatest literary giants should visit his house. Only Shakespeare is quoted more than Dr Johnson. Some of his works are displayed around the house, including his famous dictionary. There are also paintings of him and a fine stained glass window depicting him with Litchfield Cathedral in the background. No lift so unsuited for wheelchairs.

This is the home that Dr Samuel John rented and lived in when he worked on Engish dictionary. There isn't a massive amount to see, but what's there is high quality and more it's it's historically important association with Samuel Johnson. Much of the exhibits are the furnishing and books written by Johnson especially his travel books and of course the nearest thing to an original copy of his "A Dictionary of the English Language" The house is 3 storied with steep narrow staircase. Sadly, those with mobility issues are unlikely to be able to see much of the house. Each floor has at least one information card that will tell you about the floor as well as some of the items in the room. There is an audio guide available for £2 if ironically reading is not your thing. The museum is not part of the national trust, national trust members get 50% discount. So do remember to take along your membership card. I had a my Scottish membership card and that was perfectly fine.

My partner had an appointment on Fleet Street and I was waiting for him. I looked up things to do in the area and spotted Dr Johnson's House close by. I popped in to have a look around. The house itself is a stunning piece of architecture with a creaky staircase. The exhibition itself is basic, the rooms could do with styling to look more inviting and appealing. There isn't that much to see inside - a few paintings, the furniture is very sparse. They were in the middle of creating a new exhibition so some of the rooms were in a bit of a mess so hopefully it will improve. However, if you like historic houses, it is worth a visit. If you are in the area pop in for a quick view.

Nestled amidst the bustling streets of London's historic City, Dr. Johnson's House offers a charming escape into the life and times of Samuel Johnson, the 18th-century literary giant. Stepping through the threshold of this Grade I listed townhouse is like stepping back in time, transporting you to a world of quill pens, inkwells, and vibrant intellectual discourse. As you ascend the creaky wooden staircase, the house unfolds its story room by room. The restored study, where Johnson toiled over his dictionary and hosted lively gatherings of literary luminaries, is a particularly evocative space. His worn armchair, inkwell, and vast collection of leather-bound books whisper tales of intellectual rigor and passionate debate. While the house celebrates Johnson's monumental achievement, the "Dictionary of the English Language," it delves deeper into his multifaceted life. Exhibits explore his friendships with fellow giants like Boswell and Garrick, his love for tea and conversation, and his witticisms that still resonate today. Despite its central location, Dr. Johnson's House feels like a hidden gem. The tranquil courtyard, a sun-drenched haven amidst the urban bustle, provides a space for quiet reflection or lively conversation, just as it did for Johnson and his circle. Whether you're a literary enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a unique and charming escape in London, Dr. Johnson's House is a must-visit. It's a place where the past whispers in the creaking floorboards, the wit of a literary giant still hangs in the air, and the power of words comes alive like never before.

Dr Johnson's House is a writer's house museum in London in the former home of the 18th-century English writer and lexicographer Samuel Johnson. The house is a Grade I listed building. Built at the end of the seventeenth century by wool merchant Richard Gough,(died 1728) it is a rare example of a house of its era which survives in the City of London (this refers only to the 'Square Mile' of the City area, as there are many other houses of this period elsewhere in Greater London) and is the only one of Johnson's 18 residences in the City to survive. Four bays wide and five stories tall, it is located at No. 17, Gough Square, a small L-shaped court, now pedestrianised, in a tangle of ancient alleyways just to the north of Fleet Street. Johnson lived and worked in the house from 1748 to 1759, paying a rent of £30, and he compiled his famous A Dictionary of the English Language there. In the 19th century, it saw use as a hotel, a print shop and a storehouse. In 1911, it was purchased by newspaper magnate and politician Cecil Harmsworth, who later commented: "At the time of my purchase of the house in April 1911, it presented every appearance of squalor and decay … It is doubtful whether in the whole of London there existed a more forlorn or dilapidated tenement." He restored the house under the direction of architect Alfred Burr and opened it to the public in 1914. It is now operated by a charitable trust, Dr Johnson's House Trust Ltd. The house features panelled rooms, a pine staircase, and a collection of period furniture, prints and portraits. There are exhibitions about Johnson's life and work. The house has a commemorative plaque installed on its exterior by the Royal Society of Arts in 1876.

Relished the opportunity to look up some rude words in Doctor Johnson's marvellous dictionary #fornicator

If a man is tired of Johnson he is tired of life. Dr Johnson’s House is a time machine into 1750s. The house is full of genuine Georgian features. If you want to learn more about the dictionary, Georgian houses or just get a bit of house envy - this place is for you. There’s not many people inside, so you can feel free to roam around the place with your own pace - with an audio guide for additional £2.

I've wanted to visit Dr Johnson's House for a long time so was happy to have some time in between appointments to pop in. Much of the content seems to be about the caretakers of the house, rather than its eponymous former inhabitant but it was interesting and illuminating nonetheless. Entrance is a little overpriced in my view but justified as a one off.

Loved the vegan pasties

Ok

An excellent house museum showing what life was like when Dr Johnson wrote The Dictionary on site. Well interpreted with clear, informative signage and a fantastic audio guide! They also have temporary exhibitions and evening programs.

Well worth a visit. A gem of a little museum, compared to the nationals in London.

What a thrill to see the garret where Dr Johnson compiled his Dictionary. A lovely 4 storey house with kind stewards, fascinating stories and a quiet atmosphere leaving you free to investigate and wonder by yourself. Don't miss the amazing mobile panels which enabled one floor to be converted into two separate rooms and a hallway. Lots to look at and enjoy, stories to read, about Johnson and his world and the history of the museum. Small but very interesting range of books, cards, stationery etc in the museum shop. Toilet available in the basement (steep stairs). Well worth a visit. Three cheers for the London Volunteer Fire Service who battled to save the house during the Blitz; a great story of community co-operation as well.

Very Interesting piece of history hidden in the back streets of London.

Сrooked house from the poem

Lovely hour long tour with lots of details not only about Johnson and his work on the dictionary but his relationships and how he fit into a growing london as a knowledge worker.

Nice friendly welcome from the lady at the reception desk who answered all of my questions. A very interesting "museum" which had the feel of a lived in house. The facsimile dictionary was also very informative. The museum is quite easy to find, though well off the beaten track. Good pricing and more than enough for a long visit.

I thoroughly agree with Becky Murray's enthusiastic comments. This was my third visit, the first visit probably fifty years ago. Each time I learn more about this commonsensical giant of English literature and the world in which he lived. Always worth a visit, even oof you haven't read Boswell's life of Johnson. A good set of postcards on sale.

What an absolute delight, just locating this building you have to walk down narrow streets and courts, the atmosphere you get is incredible. You get a real feel of the history of the area, and before you reach the building you are given a real treat with the memorial statue of Johnson's cat. The house itself is a real treat filled with lots of information about this great man. Not to the same standards of a mainstream musuem but still a real treat.

Fascinating place to visit. There's a lot of information provided on laminated sheets in each of the rooms. These give a real insight into Samuel Johnson, his home and life in London at the time. There's also an audioguide available though we didn't try this.

Definition of a hidden gem. The house isn't huge and you do need to read all the signs and labels to fully appreciate the full story of this building. However said history is still really cool and learning about Dr Johnson (yes, the guy from the meme) and his dictionary projects was very interesting. The tickets are 9 pounds (8 for students)

Lovely place, with knowledgeable and erudite staff, wonderful exhibits and, most importantly, a statue of Dr Johnson’s beloved cat, Hodge

The house where Dr Johnson wrote his English dictionary. The first comprehensive guide to the English language with over 42000 words. It look him 9 years and he was payed the massive sum of £1500. This is a fascinating look into his world and where he lived while compiling it. Take a guided tour its very informative. The house is spread over 4 floors and a basement. There are steep flights so difficult if you are not mobile.

This museum has a lot of facts of the place but doesn’t really explain the history of Johnsons past well enough to give him glory so I would say concentrate on his history more. I recommend this place if interested in the dictionary

Lovely historic house displaying interesting artefacts of Johnson and his friends/associates. Very atmospheric with lovely interiors. If you are a fan of Georgian houses, this is a good place to nose around

Very interesting... learned a lot about the man and his idiosyncrasies.

It's ok .not very impressive

Informative building about the man, tucked away down an alley

A liitle London gem, the house is an oasis of calm in a busy city. What you see is what you get. Walk around at your leisure and enjoy a slice of English literary history.

Interesting exhibition. Took about one hour. Very friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff.

Not quite what you expect but worth a visit and interesting to learn about Dr Johnson and his life. If you are in the area it's worth a visit

Love the bareness of it, uncrowded with furniture, and beautiful original features. Calm oasis to visit on 2 occasions now, to pay respects to Dr Johnson and his lovely Hodge. Soon will visit again.

My rating is probably unfair and inaccurate since I didn't get to see inside. Over the Christmas period, hours are not standard. Fair enough. I made the mistake of trusting google and trekked over to a closed house. it wasn't even well marked as closed once we arrived. It would be helpful if the group that manages the house made sure google was accurate with opening times.

As a linguist and aspiring lexicographer, I was absolutely in my element at this amazing historic house in the centre of London. It is very easy to find and is off the main road enough to keep the bulk of the tourists away. Very special learning more about the "Father of the modern dictionary" and his personal life and Anglican devotion.

Met Tim, who was curating today. What a lovely conversation we had and how friendly he was! I think the real strength of this place is the people who learn about it, love it and look after it. As a frequent lone visitor to London’s attractions there are precious few such interactions.

Amazing museum tucked away in the city of London. Dr Johnson was truly progressive and still offers us so much today. Anybody with an interest in architecture, black history, women’s history, humour, language, cats, literature…. there’s so so much to explore in this beautiful little place. Also boasts a fantastic gift shop and incredible staff who are all total experts and have so much knowledge to impart. A must visit! I have been three times now because I keep having to take people because nobody knows about it! But I have learnt and appreciated something new each time.

I had the best time here, even got to dress up. Worth a visit

Never knew about Dr Johnson’s Dictionary. Interesting out of the way stop

A fascinating experience. It felt quite magical for us but I guess that depends on your level of interest in literature. Dr J was well ahead of his time!

Lots of stairs. £9. Was okay to look around

Memorable house. The reception was very friendly and knowledgeable. I must admit that the exhibition had not my interest, the historic background was impressive

Loved it, love the history of the place

Looks good on the outside but unfortunately locked when I visited so can't really comment on the inside

Amazing history in a cool little museum

Amazing little musuem and well worth a visit. Lovely and knowledgeable staff. Great venue for private hires too

Well worth it

This is a truly unique gem in the centre of London. Barely a stone's throw from the bustle of Fleet Street, Dr Johnson's house feels like the kind of attraction normally found in small towns around the UK. From the moment you ring the buzzer to gain entry you can feel that you're in for a little treat as the door opens and the slightly musty smell greets you - this is clearly not a major hot spot for the throngs of tourists that roam the capital. It's important to be aware that this isn't a museum, nor does it claim to be. There are only one or two genuine artefacts within that could be directly linked to Dr Johnson, but this isn't really important when you consider you are actually inside the house where the great man lived and worked during the period in which he produced the masterpiece for which he is best known. I have read elsewhere that the trustees who initially secured the ownership of the building went out of their way to avoid gathering memorabilia to display (most notably his death mask, which they declined as it was thought to be 'too gloomy'!) instead preferring the space to be used for research and reflection. I loved my visit here and left very happy, particularly as my kids 'won' a bookmark and a postcard after successfully finding the definition of the house's Word Of The Day ('jiggumbob') in the copy of Dr J's dictionary that was laid out upstairs in the garret. I was also delighted with the tea towel my wife bought as a souvenir..

English heritage must see

Wonderful. Recommended

Characterful and informative, this was a delight. The house is not grand but it is charming and gives a good impression of how Dr. Johnson lived and worked. There are interesting exhibits, including some quirky and surprising ones e.g. about the house's 20th century curators and their role during the 2nd World War. Today's curator and volunteers were friendly and welcoming.

interesting story how this house survived the ww2 bombings...amazing house

I love it

This house was restored and saved in 1914. At 17 Gough Square, this was where the legendary Dr Samuel Johnson produced his dictionary. This 18th century building is now Grade I listed. The National Trust operates the museum that, when open charges 8.00GBP which, of course, is a total rip off.

(Translated by Google) In the middle of the streets is the doctor's house :) (Original) Kujien keskellä on tohtorin talo :)

Great for private hire

Very knowledgeable staff and a chance for an interesting look at some of the works of Johnson including an early dictionary.

Fascinating

Amazing place found by accident. Well worth a visit by all... London should really promote these places...

Cool museum

Interesting museum, National Trust members have to pay half normal fee which is slightly disappointing. Contents of house limited.

Lovely architecture