Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
Prior-edition figures sourced from post-show reporting for 2026; confirm against organiser press release when available. The 2026 edition brought together 37,000+ visitors at Clerkenwell.
Event overview
Overview
Clerkenwell Design Week 2027 is the UK's leading design festival, showcasing the latest innovations in commercial interiors. Set in the heart of London, this event connects architects, interior designers, and key decision-makers with leading manufacturers and emerging brands.
With over 450 brands participating, attendees can explore a rich programme of talks, workshops, and networking opportunities, making it a must-visit for anyone in the design industry. Cdw - Clerkenwell Design Week 2027.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Clerkenwell Design Week 2027 runs from 25-27 May 2027 in Clerkenwell, London.
- 2Scale and Focus: This leading design festival showcases over 450 brands and attracts thousands of design professionals.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Media 10, known for connecting designers with key industry players.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include architects, interior designers, and decision-makers from various sectors.
- 5Entry: Free to attend, with some sessions requiring advance booking.
Why visit
Attending Clerkenwell Design Week offers unparalleled access to the latest trends and innovations in design. Network with industry leaders, discover new products, and participate in engaging talks and workshops that inspire creativity and collaboration. This event is essential for professionals looking to stay ahead in the competitive design landscape.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Clerkenwell Design Week provides brands with direct access to thousands of influential buyers and decision-makers. Showcase your latest products, engage with potential clients, and enhance your brand visibility in a vibrant design community. This festival is a proven platform for generating leads and fostering meaningful connections.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Interior designers and architects sourcing furniture, lighting and finishes for commercial and residential projects
Specifiers and buyers from contract, hospitality and workplace interiors
Retail and showroom buyers looking for British and international design brands
Developers, property and facilities teams assessing workplace and hospitality fit-outs
Design media, stylists and trend forecasters covering London's design district
Emerging designers and design students visiting the Clerkenwell showrooms and talks programme
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Furniture and workplace brands presenting collections across Clerkenwell showrooms and venues
Lighting, acoustic and surface-material suppliers targeting specifiers
Flooring, textile and finish companies showing samples to contract buyers
Bathroom, kitchen and hardware brands with product launches tied to the festival
International pavilions and country groups, such as Interiors from Spain, presenting design exports
Design studios and maker businesses using CDW to reach London's A&D community
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Contract and workplace furniture, desking and seating
Decorative and architectural lighting, plus shading and acoustic systems
Surface materials: stone, ceramic, timber and solid-surface finishes
Textiles, upholstery and wallcoverings for contract interiors
Bathroom and washroom products, including smart sanitaryware
Flooring, including carpets, resilient surfaces and outdoor specification
Kitchens, joinery and architectural hardware
Accessories, signage and small-batch designer objects
Location & Facilities
Venue
Clerkenwell
The Luxury Edit, Haberdashers' Hall, 18 W Smithfield, EC1A 9HX
Facilities
Parking
Clerkenwell in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Clerkenwell in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Clerkenwell for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
Media 10
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Last edition
2026
reported
Visitors: 37,000
Next edition
Not announced yet
New this edition
- 1
—
A curated talks programme staged with design media partners, pairing designers, makers and specifiers on material innovation, craft and the business of design. Programme detail is indicative; confirm the 2027 line-up with the organiser.
- 2
—
The format pushes visitors into working Clerkenwell showrooms and studios rather than a single exhibition hall, mixing permanent trade rooms with temporary installations. Confirm individual venue opening patterns for the 2027 edition.
- 3
—
Displays built around stone, timber, ceramics, metal finishes and textile processes, aimed at specifiers sourcing for residential, hospitality and workplace projects.
- 4
—
Grouped showcases that give independent studios and recent graduates a route to buyers and press alongside established brands in the same EC1 streets.
- 5
—
Evening showroom openings and outdoor installations bring Clerkenwell's yards, squares and pavements into the programme, extending the working day beyond standard trade-show hours.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
London, United Kingdom
Why it matters
Attending Clerkenwell Design Week offers unparalleled access to the latest trends and innovations in design. Network with industry leaders, discover new products, and participate in engaging talks and workshops that inspire creativity and collaboration.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Industry News & Business | Society of British & International Interior ...
ReadInterior Design Activities in the UK Industry Analysis, 2026 - IBISWorld
ReadNews Archives - Interior Designer Magazine
ReadNews | British Institute of Interior Design - BIID
ReadDesign Week - the UK's first design magazine.
ReadDesign News covering the UK industry - Design Week
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Largest long-haul gateway. The Elizabeth line runs direct to Farringdon, which is the closest station to most CDW venues; a black cab is quicker only outside peak hours
Approx. 18 mi / 29 km west of Clerkenwell
to venue
45-70 min by road; 35-45 min by Elizabeth line to Farringdon
by car
London Gatwick
Thameslink runs direct from Gatwick Airport station to Farringdon, making this the easiest single-train arrival after Heathrow. Gatwick Express to Victoria is faster to central London but needs a change
Approx. 28 mi / 45 km south of Clerkenwell
to venue
60-85 min by road; 35-45 min by Thameslink to Farringdon
by car
London Stansted
Stansted Express reaches Liverpool Street, from which Farringdon is a 15-20 minute walk or a short Elizabeth line or Tube ride. Popular with European low-cost carriers
Approx. 40 mi / 64 km northeast of Clerkenwell
to venue
60-90 min by road; about 47 min by Stansted Express to Liverpool Street plus 15-20 min onward
by car
London Luton
The DART shuttle links the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway, where Thameslink services run direct to Farringdon. Allow extra time for the shuttle at peak periods
Approx. 35 mi / 56 km north of Clerkenwell
to venue
60-90 min by road; 45-60 min by DART plus Thameslink to Farringdon
by car
London City
Closest airport to EC1 and strongest for short-haul business travellers. Take the DLR to Bank then the Northern line to Angel, or a taxi through the City
Approx. 9 mi / 14 km east of Clerkenwell
to venue
30-45 min by road; 30-40 min by DLR and Northern line
by car
London Southend
Smallest of the London airports and the slowest transfer. Greater Anglia trains reach Liverpool Street in around an hour, then allow 15-20 minutes onward to Clerkenwell
Approx. 42 mi / 68 km east of Clerkenwell
to venue
75-100 min by road; about 60 min by Greater Anglia to Liverpool Street
by car
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rail
Estimated costGBP 9-20 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forLondon Heathrow (LHR) to Farringdon station
Elizabeth line services run direct to Farringdon in roughly 35-45 minutes; the Heathrow Express is faster to Paddington but needs a change for EC1.
rail
Estimated costGBP 9-20 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forLondon Gatwick (LGW) to Farringdon station
Thameslink is the only direct rail route from Gatwick to Farringdon and avoids a Tube change with luggage.
rail
Estimated costGBP 9-20 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forLondon Stansted (STN) to Clerkenwell
Journey time is about 47 minutes on the express; from Liverpool Street, Farringdon is a 15-20 minute walk or a short Elizabeth line ride.
rail
Estimated costGBP 9-20 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forLondon Luton (LTN) to Clerkenwell
Thameslink runs direct from Luton Airport Parkway to Farringdon, avoiding a change in central London.
tram
Estimated costGBP 2.50-5.50 single Tube or tram journey
Best forLondon City (LCY) to Clerkenwell
DLR connects the terminal to Bank in about 20 minutes; change to the Northern line for Angel or walk to Farringdon, which is 25-30 minutes on foot.
rail
Estimated costGBP 9-20 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forLondon Southend (SEN) to Clerkenwell
The slowest London airport transfer at about 60 minutes to Liverpool Street; allow another 15-20 minutes to reach Clerkenwell.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP taxi/rideshare from LHR to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forLondon Heathrow (LHR) to Clerkenwell
Allow 45-70 minutes depending on traffic; the Elizabeth line is usually faster and cheaper during the working day.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP taxi/rideshare from LGW to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forLondon Gatwick (LGW) to Clerkenwell
Allow 60-85 minutes; Thameslink to Farringdon is normally quicker and avoids the M23 and A23 congestion.
Weather
Late May in London is mild and changeable: daytime highs typically 15-19 C (59-66 F), nights around 8-11 C (46-52 F), with passing showers across the three festival days rather than sustained rain. Much of Clerkenwell Design Week takes places in showrooms, courtyards and outdoor spaces across EC1, so plan on 10-25 minutes of walking between venues and carry a compact waterproof. Daylight lasts until about 21:00, which keeps evening openings and street installations comfortable. Forecasts beyond about ten days are unreliable, so check the Met Office in the week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
EE, O2, Vodafone and Three all provide strong 4G and 5G coverage along Clerkenwell Road, Farringdon Road and around the Barbican, but signal drops inside basements, listed buildings and back-room showrooms. UK roaming is not guaranteed for EU visitors after Brexit: check your operator's UK pass or buy a prepaid eSIM on arrival at Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted. There is no single festival Wi-Fi network, since each showroom and hall runs its own, so download the CDW guide and an offline EC1 map and carry a power bank for long days out of the hotel.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Design-district etiquette
CDW takes place in a working design district: many venues are permanent showrooms and studios, not fair booths. Book appointments with key brands, ask before photographing prototypes or unreleased products, and treat the three days as a series of visits rather than one exhibition hall.
Business dress
Smart casual is the norm across London's design sector: a jacket over trousers or a dress works for showroom meetings and evening openings. Comfortable shoes matter more than formality given the pavement walking between EC1 venues.
Money and tipping
Prices are in pounds sterling and contactless cards are accepted almost everywhere, including Transport for London. Restaurant bills often include a discretionary 12.5% service charge, so check before adding a tip. Cash is rarely needed.
Punctuality and meetings
Meetings start on time and diaries are tight during the festival. A short, specific agenda works better than open-ended networking, and confirming a 20-minute slot by email the day before is normal practice.
Evening programme
Showroom late openings and street events run into the evening, with many visitors moving on to bars around Clerkenwell Green and Farringdon. Private previews are often invitation-only, so ask your host in advance.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: LHR
Late May is a busy period in London, so book 8-12 weeks ahead and compare Heathrow against Gatwick and London City. Heathrow and Gatwick both connect to Farringdon by direct rail (Elizabeth line and Thameslink), which usually beats a taxi during festival traffic. If you fly into Stansted or Luton, add about an hour for the transfer. The UK late-May bank holiday falls on 31 May 2027, just after the festival, so the 24-25 May arrival window is mostly ordinary business travel. Book flexible tickets where possible, because showroom appointments often shift in the final two weeks.
Visa
Entry rules depend on nationality. GOV.UK sets out the Standard Visitor route for business visits, covering activities such as attending conferences and meetings; the UK visa requirements PDF lists which nationalities need a visa. Check the GOV.UK pages for your passport before booking travel for CDW.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Use GOV.UK as the authoritative source for the Standard Visitor business route and the published visa requirements list; avoid third-party visa guides for rules and fees.
OfficialHotels
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2027-05-24
Check-out (recommended)
2027-05-28
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: London Heathrow (LHR): 45-70 min by road; 35-45 min by Elizabeth line to Farringdon; London Gatwick (LGW): 60-85 min by road; 35-45 min by Thameslink to Farringdon; London Stansted (STN): 60-90 min by road; about 47 min by Stansted Express to Liverpool Street plus 15-20 min onward; London Luton (LTN): 60-90 min by road; 45-60 min by DART plus Thameslink to Farringdon. Allow road or rail time to Clerkenwell; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Most CDW hotels sit within walking distance of the showroom clusters. From Clerkenwell Road and Clerkenwell Green properties such as hub by Premier Inn London Clerkenwell and The Zetter Clerkenwell, the main venues are a 5-15 minute walk. Smithfield and Farringdon hotels, including Premier Inn London Farringdon (Smithfield), Travelodge London Farringdon and Malmaison London on Charterhouse Square, are 10-20 minutes on foot to Clerkenwell Green and Spa Fields. King's Cross and Bloomsbury options such as Argyle Square Hotel are 20-30 minutes on foot or one Tube stop from Farringdon or Angel. Budget a realistic 10-25 minutes between venues on foot and do not expect a single festival entrance.
Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt and FREENOW operate across London, and Gett or the Gett app can book a black cab. Pick-ups on Clerkenwell Road, Farringdon Road and Goswell Road are far easier than inside the narrow showroom streets, where access is restricted. Short EC1 hops typically cost about GBP 8-18, and metered black cab fares include the Congestion Charge where it applies. Expect surge pricing during evening openings and around Farringdon station at the end of the day.
Public transit: Farringdon is the strongest station for Clerkenwell Design Week, served by the Elizabeth line, Thameslink and the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines. Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan) covers the northern edge of the district and Angel (Northern line) serves the Clerkenwell Road and St John Street end. Buses along Clerkenwell Road and Rosebery Avenue connect the district with the City, Islington and the West End. Tap in and out with a contactless card or Oyster: Zone 1 pay-as-you-go singles are roughly GBP 2.80-3.50 and the daily cap is roughly GBP 8.90-10.00, so contactless is cheaper than buying paper tickets.
Parking: Clerkenwell Design Week has no single fairground car park: venues are showrooms, halls and outdoor spaces scattered across EC1, and several streets are pedestrianised or restricted during the festival. Use nearby commercial car parks or on-street pay-by-phone bays and expect the Congestion Charge (roughly GBP 15-18 per day) plus the London-wide ULEZ to apply if you drive into central London. For most visitors, Farringdon or Barbican station plus walking is faster and cheaper than driving into the district.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May 2027 (festival runs 25-27 May)
Temperature: Daytime highs typically 15-19 C (59-66 F); nights around 8-11 C (46-52 F).
Seasonality: Late May is late spring in London: changeable, with roughly 8-10 rain days a month and short passing showers rather than all-day rain. Daylight lasts until about 21:00, which supports evening showroom openings and outdoor installations across EC1.
Packing: Pack layers, a compact waterproof jacket or umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes for moving between Clerkenwell showrooms, halls and street venues. Add a light bag for catalogues and material samples, and a power bank for long days out of the hotel. A smarter jacket is useful for evening previews and client dinners.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Cdw - Clerkenwell Design Week 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
By 11 May 2027 - register for Clerkenwell Design Week 2027 on the official clerkenwelldesignweek.com visitor page and keep the confirmation for badge collection.
T-2
Book accommodation in Clerkenwell, Farringdon or Angel now: EC1 room stock is small and rates climb through late May.
T-3
Shortlist the showrooms, halls and outdoor spaces you want to see from the CDW exhibitor guide; the festival runs across EC1, not in one hall.
T-4
Map a walking route between the main clusters (Clerkenwell Road, Clerkenwell Green, Spa Fields, St John's Square, Smithfield) so you are not criss-crossing the district.
T-5
Check Farringdon (Elizabeth line, Thameslink, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan) and Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan) as your arrival stations.
T-6
Reserve places for the Design Dialogues talks and any showroom presentations listed on the CDW schedule; popular sessions fill early.
T-7
Confirm which venues open late on the Tuesday or Wednesday evening and build evening showroom visits around them.
T-8
Load a contactless card or Oyster; tap in and out covers Tube, bus, DLR and most London rail.
T-9
Check GOV.UK for Standard Visitor visa or ETA requirements if you travel from outside the UK, and carry your registration confirmation and hotel booking.
T-10
Pack layers, a compact waterproof and comfortable shoes: May in London swings between mild sun and sharp showers and you will be outdoors between venues.
T-11
Download the CDW guide and an offline EC1 map; signal drops in basements and back-room showrooms.
T-12
Book client dinners in Clerkenwell, Farringdon or Shoreditch before you travel, as small design-district restaurants fill during the festival.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Clerkenwell
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Cdw - Clerkenwell Design Week 2027 registration concourse
Clerkenwell
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Clerkenwell
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights£190.00
- Per diem × 2£150.00
Estimated total£340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Cdw - Clerkenwell Design Week 2027 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Cdw - Clerkenwell Design Week 2027, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Contract and workplace furniture, desking and seating solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Cdw - Clerkenwell Design Week 2027 in London.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Contract and workplace furniture, desking and seating products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the London show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is Clerkenwell Design Week 2027?
CDW 2027 runs 25-27 May 2027 in Clerkenwell, London EC1. It is a district-wide festival rather than a single hall fair, spread across showrooms, exhibition venues and street spaces.
Is Clerkenwell Design Week free to attend?
Visitor registration is handled through the official clerkenwelldesignweek.com site; the captured pages do not publish a ticket price list, so register on the official visitor page to confirm access and any paid elements.
How do I get to Clerkenwell by public transport?
Farringdon and Barbican stations serve the district, with Thameslink, Elizabeth line and Underground services; Transport for London bus stops on Clerkenwell Road cover local routes.
Which airports are closest to Clerkenwell?
London City, Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and Southend all connect to central London; Heathrow publishes official central London transport guidance and the rail option is usually fastest.
Do I need a visa to attend CDW from overseas?
Check the GOV.UK Standard Visitor guidance for business visits and the UK visa requirements list for your nationality before booking.
Where should I stay for Clerkenwell Design Week?
Clerkenwell and Farringdon have walkable 3-star chain hotels, while King's Cross and Bloomsbury add 4-star choice within a short Tube ride. Google Hotels listed 127 properties near Clerkenwell for the festival dates.
Glossary
- CDW
- Clerkenwell Design Week, the annual design festival held across the Clerkenwell district of London.
- Design Dialogues by Sandow
- Talk programme at CDW hosted with Sandow, covering design themes such as nature-integrated design.
- Showroom
- Permanent or pop-up product space in Clerkenwell that opens to visitors during CDW, distinct from a traditional exhibition stand.
- Commercial Interiors on the Green
- CDW feature area focused on commercial interiors, listed on the official site.
- Church of Design
- Named CDW venue in Clerkenwell listed on the official programme pages.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- design festival London 2027
- interior design events UK
- Cdw - Clerkenwell Design Week 2027 London
- Cdw 2027
- Cdw London 2027
- Clerkenwell Design Week London 2027
- London United Kingdom
- Architecture
- Commercial Interiors
- Furniture for commercial spaces
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.