Garden Museum
Medieval church celebrating British gardens, from royal estates to allotments, with seasonal café.
Housed in a deconsecrated medieval church on the South Bank, the Garden Museum celebrates British gardening history through its collections, exhibitions, and a peaceful courtyard garden. Explore centuries of garden design, from royal estates to allotments, alongside the stories of pioneering gardeners like John Tradescant. The award-winning Garden Café serves seasonal modern European cuisine in an elegant pavilion overlooking the gardens.
A brief summary to Garden Museum
- 5 Lambeth Palace Rd, London, SE1 7LB, GB
- +442074018865
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book ahead for lunch and dinner at the Garden Café, as seating is limited and reservations are essential during peak times.
- Visit the courtyard garden in mild weather to fully appreciate Dan Pearson's contemporary design and the peaceful atmosphere among the plants.
- Check the events calendar before your visit—talks, plant fairs, and art exhibitions rotate regularly and are included in museum admission.
- If arriving by car, note that the museum is within London's Congestion Charge Zone; paid parking is available on nearby Lambeth High Street or at the Novotel.
- Allow time to browse the gift shop for unique gardening books, botanical prints, and heirloom seed packets—ideal for garden enthusiasts.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Underground Train
Lambeth North tube station is the closest, approximately 10 minutes' walk from the museum. Vauxhall and Waterloo stations are also accessible at 10–15 minutes' walk. All stations offer step-free access. Journey times from central London vary; from Westminster, allow 5–10 minutes; from King's Cross, 15–20 minutes.
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Bus
Routes 3, 77, 344, and C10 stop near the museum on Lambeth Palace Road or Lambeth High Street. Journey times depend on origin; from Trafalgar Square, expect 15–25 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with reduced service in the evening.
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Overground Train
Waterloo station (20 minutes' walk or 5 minutes by bus 77) and Victoria station (30 minutes' walk or 10 minutes by bus C10 or 3) offer overground connections. Both stations have step-free access and connect to mainline rail services across the UK.
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Bicycle
Cycle racks are available at the museum entrance. The location is accessible via London's cycle superhighway network; from central London, allow 10–20 minutes depending on starting point. The museum is within the Congestion Charge Zone, but cycling incurs no charge.
Garden Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Garden Museum
A Medieval Church Transformed into a Garden Sanctuary
The Garden Museum occupies St Mary-at-Lambeth, a deconsecrated parish church with roots stretching back to 1062, when the first church on this site was built by Goda, sister of Edward the Confessor. The present building dates to medieval times, with its distinctive tower constructed in 1377. For centuries, the church served as a burial place for prominent families, including members of the Howard dynasty and Elizabeth Boleyn, mother of Anne Boleyn. When the church was deconsecrated in 1972 and faced demolition, it was rescued by John and Rosemary Nicholson, who discovered the graves of the celebrated 17th-century royal gardeners and plant hunters John Tradescant the Elder and Younger in the churchyard. Inspired by this discovery, they established the Museum of Garden History in 1976—the world's first museum dedicated entirely to the history of gardening.Exploring Centuries of British Garden Heritage
The museum's main gallery occupies the nave of the church, where visitors encounter an extensive collection spanning from the 16th century to the present day. The exhibits trace the evolution of British gardening across all social strata, from the grand designs of royal gardens to the humble practicality of allotments. The collection includes period tools, ephemera such as prints, photographs, bills, and catalogues that illuminate both the social and practical dimensions of gardening history. The Ark Gallery focuses on the remarkable life of John Tradescant, whose legacy as a plant hunter and gardener shaped British horticultural practice. Rotating exhibitions feature works by renowned British artists who drew inspiration from flora and gardens, creating a dialogue between fine art and botanical subjects.Gardens Within the City
Beyond the museum walls lies a verdant escape from urban London. A 17th-century style knot garden, planted with authentic period specimens, occupies the churchyard and evokes the aesthetic of Renaissance garden design. The courtyard garden, designed by acclaimed garden designer Dan Pearson OBE, provides a peaceful sanctuary where visitors can experience contemporary horticultural artistry. This green oasis, nestled beside Lambeth Palace on the South Bank of the River Thames, offers a rare moment of tranquility in central London. A community garden extends access to local residents, fostering connection between the museum and its neighbourhood.The Award-Winning Garden Café Experience
The museum's acclaimed Garden Café, helmed by head chef Myles Donaldson (formerly of St. John Bread & Wine and Noble Rot), serves as a destination in its own right. Housed in an elegant contemporary pavilion overlooking the courtyard garden, the café presents a daily-changing menu celebrating seasonal British and European produce. Diners are surrounded by living plants and natural light, creating an intimate connection between food and garden. The café has earned recognition from leading publications for its refined approach to seasonal cooking and its distinctive setting—a hidden oasis that exemplifies London's capacity for unexpected beauty.Programming and Community Engagement
The museum maintains a dynamic calendar of events designed to deepen visitors' engagement with gardening history and practice. Regular talks and lectures feature prominent gardeners and garden designers sharing expertise and insights. Life drawing classes, cookery masterclasses, and plant fairs provide hands-on opportunities for learning. Children's craft activities introduce younger visitors to gardening themes in playful, accessible ways. Art exhibitions devoted to the work of influential artists such as Lucian Freud, Cedric Morris, and Frank Walter are included in museum admission, enriching the understanding of how gardens have inspired creative practice across generations.Practical Amenities and Access
The museum's gift shop offers a curated selection of books on gardening, flowers, garden design, and horticultural history, alongside botanical-themed gift cards, prints, and heirloom seed packets. The museum does not maintain a cloakroom but accepts small bags and coats at the front desk at staff discretion. Cycle racks are available for those arriving by bicycle. The location's proximity to multiple transport links—Lambeth North tube station (10-minute walk), Vauxhall and Waterloo stations (10–20 minutes), and several bus routes—makes it accessible to visitors across London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Southbank House
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Statue of George V
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South Bank Lion
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Statue of Oliver Cromwell
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Westminster Hall
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Leake St
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King Charles Street
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King Charles Street Arch
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The Queen's Walk
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lambeth Palace
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Lambeth Bridge
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Archbishop's Park
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Tamesis Dock
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Victoria Tower Gardens South
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Tally Ho ~ London Bike Tours, Taxi Tours & Pub Tours
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Explore London’s iconic sights and hidden treasures on classic British bicycles with expert guides and lively pub stops.
Sinfonia Smith Square
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Royal Court
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Jewel Tower
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London Bicycle Tour Company
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Palace of Westminster
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South of the River
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Memorial wall
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Westminster Bridge
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Essential places to dine
Sapori
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Osteria dell'Angolo
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Colosseo Restaurant
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Brunswick House
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Southbank Centre Food Market
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
