Heritage Is Open 2025

As part of The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage is Open celebrations, we are offering free entry to National Lottery players this summer at Dr Johnson's House

Free Entry for National Lottery players on the following dates:

Wednesday 21 May

Wednesday 18 June Wednesday 23 July Wednesday 13 August

Step inside Dr Samuel Johnson’s 17th-century townhouse, where the great lexicographer compiled his legendary Dictionary of the English Language in 1755. Wander through the historic rooms, soak up the atmosphere of London’s only surviving original townhouse in Gough Square.

Built in the 1690s, shortly after the Great Fire of London, the five-storey House retains many of its period features, including a very quirky anti-burglary device! You can browse all the rooms and sit down on the chairs and window seats to soak up the atmosphere in what was still the tallest building in the area during WWII.

Desks, Drudgery and the Dictionary Visit our exhibition, Desks, Drudgery and the Dictionary, showcasing new aspects of Johnson's garret lexicography, exploring why the garret was so important in Johnson's move to Gough Square. We also explore how Johnson and his assistants worked on the Dictionary before it was published in 1755. As part of this, we present the history – and mystery – of Johnson’s 'Dictionary Desk'.

Free Talk

Join us on Wednesdays at 2:30pm for a volunteer-led talk which is also free to National Lottery players.

National Lottery Tickets As a charity, Dr Johnson's House wants to say thank you to the National Lottery players who've made so much of our work possible. If you'd like to know more about what the Heritage Fund has helped us to do thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, visit this earlier blog post.

Simply present your National Lottery ticket (physical or digital), scratchcard, or Instant Win Game at the front desk on arrival to claim free entry.

Offer is only available on 21 May, 18 June, 23 July and 13 August.