Open House is happening this weekend, 19 and 20 September. Although, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a little different this year. It will be more digital and in the shape of outdoor tours because of government guidance on social distancing, and the new ‘rule of six’.
Southall Manor and Pitzhanger Manor will both open their outdoor areas for walking guided tours of the buildings. Nobody will be allowed to go inside, but there will be a walk along the grounds and a chance to see photos of inside the buildings. You will need to book for these walks and tours.
These historic houses are usually open to residents throughout the year, but because of the coronavirus crisis, Open House is going to be different this year and this is likely to be the only opportunity this year for anyone to visit. For more details:
Visitors will be required to wear face coverings and to observe the two-metre social distancing rules. Its important to remember that, for safety reasons, it is strictly six people at a time: A maximum of five visitors, plus the tour guide. You can pick up a booklet on arrival, but you must not pass them around, you must take them home.
Track and trace information will be required of everyone, which then needs to be held for 21 days, so pre-booking is very important.
Ealing’s Mayor, Councillor Dr. Abdullah Gulaid, said: “We are privileged to have such grand surroundings in the borough. The ongoing crisis has made it difficult to see some of these beautiful buildings, but those visiting this Saturday and Sunday will hopefully still find the experience fascinating.”
Open House London is an annual event which takes place in September each year. It is the world’s largest architecture festival, giving free public access to more than 800 buildings, walks, talks and tours over one weekend.
For details of this and more about Open House London, and how to book on walks/tours can be found at the Open House London website.
There is an Open House film on Ealing (available from Saturday 20 September) and there will also be copies of the Open House book available, which includes a feature on Ealing.
