We were met at the door by one of the guides who was very friendly. She guided us to the basement to watch the short video. After the video we were taken around the house by one of the actors portraying the daughter of the landlady. The whole tour was less than an hour but very very interesting. Loved the interaction between guests and the guides and I highly recommend it.

A group of us were taken round the house by Henry after his introductory talk and a virtual video. Henry was very knowledgeable and was patient to answer all our questions. I learnt a great deal about the polymath, his contributions to publishing, science and politics in a very interesting period of history. This is a unique grade 1 listed Georgian house well worth a visit. It is very easy to find in a good location. Yesterday it was candle lit and atmospherically decorated for Christmas.

A real hidden gem in central London! If you are looking for unique things to do away from the tourist traps, then this is the place for you. The Historical Experience is a fantastic way of making history accessible and interesting and was so unexpected! A thoroughly immersive experience that has something for everyone. A wonderful treat that I recommend to everybody.

I visited on 19th December as part of a group from a nearby museum, the whole experience was fascinating. The tour of 36 Craven Street was given by Henry, who painted a remarkable picture of Benjamin Franklin and his life during the sixteen years he lived in London. However I suggest that a guided tour is essential for all visitors, the beautiful house is unfurnished with a few modern artefacts in each room to indicate how rooms were used in Franklin’s time, Henry made the rooms and their occupants come alive. Benjamin Franklin was a remarkable man and I had no idea that he accomplished it all with so little education; the house is a real joy and I recommend a visit for all who are interested in Franklin and also for anyone interested in life in an eighteenth century London town house.

Unexpectedly interesting and enjoyable visit - this is a hidden gem, with fascinating history of the building and of Benjamin Franklin. It's not a grand house full of furniture, but the simplicity allows you to appreciate the history all the better. Fantastic knowledgeable guide. I went on the Architectural Tour, but it was full of history, so don't worry if that's what's available when you visit.

We were so pleased to tour the house where Benjamin Franklin lived for 16 years in London. The young guide, Henry, was delightful and it was amazing to learn so much about Franklin’s myriad interests and activities in England. It was astounding to stand near the front windows of the second floor in his space. This place is wonderful and we highly recommend it! Be certain to book a tour since hours are limited!!

Fascinating and unique, it being the only surviving house in the world where this great man lived. Feels like you’re back in the 1700s in the very rooms that Franklin stayed and worked in for 16 years and now a Grade I listed building. It was subsequently derelict for decades and was re-purposed as a hotel and other uses so has none of the original furniture that other reviewers expect but is obviously impossible, especially as he lodged here, he didn’t own it. The filmed presentations show how deep and diverse this man’s intellect was and the novel interactive aspect with a character actor is effective. I hadn’t known of the profound intellect of Franklin until I visited this tour.

Really enjoyable experience. While the rooms are sparse, the real reason to go is the interactive nature with the tour guide and the way in which they’ve presented it. It’s almost more of an emersive experience than a museum which is a really unique and different way of presenting something like this. Perfect for an hour free in London.

It was a wonderful tour and we learned a great deal about London, Ben Franklin and the house. After a week of visiting big sites, we really enjoyed the quieter and small group tour. It was one of the highlights of our week!!

One of the few museums I had not got round to visiting before, in spite of living in London for 20+ years. The fact that you have to book a guided tour put me off because I normally like to wander round on my own, but here it is very necessary because there isn't actually much to see apart from the main exhibit, the house itself, so the guide is essential to bring the house to life and fill in the background information. The house dates from about 1730 and is Grade I listed because of the architectural features such as wall panelling and window shutters, which amazingly survived the later uses of the building as a hotel and offices. Our guide was a lovely American lady called Chris, who was friendly and engaging and very easy to listen to. She took us round each room of the house and pointed out the architectural features, as well as giving biographical information about Franklin himself. I am ashamed to say I knew almost nothing about him but he sounds so interesting and so multi-talented that I immediately went to a nearby bookshop to buy a biography! I think there was a small shop at the rear of the building but I was on the last tour of the day so we were ushered straight out of the front door after the hour-long tour, which was a shame, or perhaps I could have bought my book there instead!