The International Garden Cities Exhibition, Letchworth Garden City
Explore the pioneering history and global impact of the world’s first Garden City at this engaging exhibition in Letchworth.
The International Garden Cities Exhibition in Letchworth Garden City showcases the pioneering history and principles of the world’s first Garden City, founded in 1903 by Ebenezer Howard. Housed in a restored cottage, the museum offers a rich overview of Letchworth’s innovative urban planning, Arts & Crafts architecture, and social reforms that inspired garden city movements worldwide. Visitors explore historical photographs, maps, and interactive displays that reveal the town’s unique blend of urban convenience and rural charm.
A brief summary to The International Garden Cities Exhibition
- 296 Norton Way S, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1SU, GB
- +441462476069
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on weekends when the exhibition is open, as it is closed Monday to Friday.
- Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the exhibition and absorb the detailed displays.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Letchworth Garden City to see the town’s original garden city architecture and green spaces.
- Contact the Heritage Foundation in advance to check for any special events or guided tours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train
Take a train to Letchworth Garden City railway station from London King's Cross or Cambridge, with journey times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. The station is about 1.5 km from the exhibition, requiring a 20-minute walk or a short local bus ride. Train tickets typically cost between £10 and £20 one-way.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Letchworth town center with surrounding villages and the railway station. Bus routes 100 and 301 run frequently during the day, with journey times of 10-15 minutes from the station to Norton Way South. A single bus fare costs approximately £2 to £4.
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Car
Driving to the exhibition is possible via the A1(M) motorway with nearby parking available in Letchworth town center. Expect a 10-15 minute drive from the motorway junction. Parking fees vary but typically range from £1 to £3 per hour. Note that traffic can be busy during peak hours.
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Walking
If staying locally, the exhibition is accessible by foot via flat, paved streets with gentle gradients. Walking from central Letchworth takes about 15-20 minutes and is suitable for visitors of all ages and mobility levels.
The International Garden Cities Exhibition location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The International Garden Cities Exhibition
Origins of the World’s First Garden City
Letchworth Garden City, established in 1903 in Hertfordshire, England, is celebrated as the world's first Garden City. Its creation was inspired by Ebenezer Howard’s visionary 1898 book, *To-Morrow: A Peaceful Path to Real Reform*, which proposed a revolutionary model combining the benefits of urban and rural life. Howard’s concept aimed to alleviate the overcrowding and poor living conditions of industrial cities by designing self-sustaining communities surrounded by greenbelts. Letchworth was developed through the efforts of First Garden City Ltd, which purchased land and commissioned architects Barry Parker and Raymond Unwin to craft a masterplan that balanced housing, industry, and agriculture in a harmonious layout.Architectural and Urban Planning Innovations
The town’s design reflects the Arts & Crafts movement, emphasizing craftsmanship and natural materials. Parker and Unwin’s architectural vision introduced the distinctive 'Letchworth Look' characterized by roughcast render over brickwork, red tiled roofs, gables, dormer windows, and green-painted woodwork. The street layout was axial and radiated from a central park area, promoting walkability and community interaction. Letchworth also pioneered innovative housing exhibitions to encourage affordable, well-designed homes, influencing urban planning globally. Industrial zones were planned with spacious, light-filled factories, exemplified by the Spirella Corset Company’s factory.The Exhibition’s Educational Role
The International Garden Cities Exhibition, located in a restored cottage at 296 Norton Way South, provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of Letchworth’s development and its global influence. Through historical photographs, maps, and interactive displays, visitors learn about the town’s founding ideals, social history, and architectural heritage. The exhibition highlights key figures such as Ebenezer Howard and Barry Parker and explores how Letchworth’s model inspired other garden cities worldwide, including Welwyn Garden City and Hampstead Garden Suburb.Legacy and Modern Relevance
Letchworth Garden City’s legacy extends beyond its physical boundaries, having shaped urban planning and new town developments internationally. The town remains managed by the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, a direct successor to the original company, preserving Howard’s ethos of community ownership and reinvestment of profits. The exhibition situates Letchworth within the ongoing evolution of garden cities, illustrating how its principles continue to influence sustainable urban development and community-focused planning today.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Visitors to the exhibition experience an intimate setting within a charming historic cottage, reflecting the town’s heritage. The displays are thoughtfully curated to appeal to those interested in architecture, social reform, and urban design, offering insights into the innovative spirit that shaped Letchworth. While the space is modest, its focused content provides depth and context, encouraging exploration of the wider town, which still embodies the garden city ideals through its green spaces, tree-lined streets, and balanced urban-rural environment.Community and Cultural Significance
The exhibition underscores Letchworth’s role as a living example of utopian urban planning and social innovation. It celebrates the community’s commitment to cooperative management and sustainable growth, illustrating how the garden city movement sought to harmonize economic viability with quality of life. As the home of the International Garden Cities Institute, Letchworth remains a hub for research and advocacy in garden city principles, bridging past achievements with future urban challenges.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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- Public-Transport Accessible
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
