Tulip Stairs, Self-supporting spiral stairs in Queen's House, Greenwich, United Kingdom
The Tulip Stairs in Queen's House form a spiral staircase with wrought iron railings decorated in floral designs, spiraling around an open central void. The structure features white walls paired with blue metalwork that winds upward in a self-contained geometric form.
Built in 1635 by architect Inigo Jones, this was Britain's first self-supporting spiral staircase without a central post, using advanced wall-anchored cantilever engineering. The innovation in structural design marked a turning point in how staircases could be constructed.
The ornamental flowers in the metalwork were once thought to be tulips, but actually represent fleurs-de-lys, reflecting Queen Henrietta Maria's French background. Visitors today see these details as a reminder of royal taste and connections between British and Continental courts.
The stairs are located on the ground floor of Queen's House and are accessible to visitors daily at no charge. Entry is straightforward since they occupy a central position in the building and are easily reached from the main areas.
The blue metalwork gets its color from crushed cobalt glass powder mixed into the finish, creating a distinctive shade against the white surroundings. Many visitors walk past without noticing this crafted detail that makes the structure stand out.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
