The museum's origins are deeply intertwined with the life of John Tradescant, a pioneering plant hunter and gardener to Charles I. His tomb lies within the museum's tranquil courtyard, a fitting tribute to a man who brought exotic flora to English shores. The museum's founder, Rosemary Nicholson, was inspired by Tradescant's legacy, and her vision has transformed the church into a captivating space for exploring the evolution of gardens.
DIRECTORY
Garden Museum
Nestled amidst the bustling metropolis of London, the Garden Museum offers a serene oasis dedicated to celebrating the art, history, and design of British gardens. Housed within the historic St Mary-at-Lambeth church, this unique venue transports visitors to a world of horticultural wonder.
Visitors are greeted by a wealth of exhibits showcasing the diverse facets of gardening. From antique tools and botanical art to photographs and paintings, the collection offers a comprehensive overview of the craft's rich history. The museum's permanent displays delve into the lives of renowned gardeners, offering insights into their inspirations and techniques.
At the heart of the museum lies a beautifully curated courtyard garden, designed by the acclaimed garden designer Dan Pearson. This oasis of calm provides a sanctuary amidst the city's frenetic pace, inviting visitors to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature. The garden is a living testament to the museum's commitment to preserving and promoting horticultural excellence.
Beyond its permanent collections, the Garden Museum hosts a vibrant programme of temporary exhibitions, workshops, and events. These initiatives explore various themes related to gardening, from the role of plants in art and literature to the challenges of sustainable horticulture. The museum's commitment to engaging with the local community is evident in its outreach programmes, which aim to inspire a new generation of garden enthusiasts.
A visit to the Garden Museum is an enriching experience that appeals to garden lovers and history enthusiasts alike. It is a place where the past meets the present, and where the beauty of nature is celebrated in all its forms. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or simply appreciate the natural world, the Garden Museum offers a delightful escape from the urban environment.
Address and Contact Details
Address: Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7LB
Telephone: 020 7401 8865
Email: Send email
Website: Garden Museum (opens in new window).
Travel Connections
The Garden Museum is situated next to Lambeth Palace on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering good public transport links.
Underground (Tube)
- Lambeth North Station (Bakerloo line): Approximately a 10-12 minute walk.
- Westminster Station (Jubilee, District, and Circle lines): Approximately a 10-12 minute walk across Westminster Bridge.
- Vauxhall Station (Victoria line, National Rail, Bus Station): Approximately a 10-12 minute walk along Albert Embankment.
- Waterloo Station (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines, National Rail): Approximately a 15-20 minute walk (or a short bus ride).
Train
- Vauxhall Station: Approximately a 10-12 minute walk.
- Waterloo Station: Approximately a 15-20 minute walk.
Bus
Several bus routes have stops very close to the Garden Museum:
- Lambeth Palace (Stop N): Buses 77, C10, 344. This stop is directly outside the museum.
- Lambeth Bridge (Stop P): Buses 3, 507, N3.
- Lambeth Palace Road (Stop K): Buses 77, C10, 344.
River Boat
- Lambeth Pier: Approximately a 5-7 minute walk (local services only, check timetable).
- Westminster Pier: Approximately a 10-12 minute walk across Westminster Bridge. Services run by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and other operators.
Car
- The Garden Museum is located within the Congestion Charge zone. There is no onsite parking at the museum.
- Pay-and-display parking bays may be found on nearby streets, such as Lambeth High Street (free on Sundays).
- Public car parks are available in the wider South Bank area, but these are usually expensive. Public transport is highly recommended.
Cycling
- Cycle racks are available outside the museum.
- Santander Cycles docking stations are located nearby on Lambeth Palace Road and Lambeth Bridge.
Facilities
- Garden Café: An award-winning cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, serving seasonal food, often using ingredients from the museum's gardens.
- Shop: Offers a selection of gardening books, tools, homeware, gifts, and plants.
- Gardens: Includes the Sackler Garden (designed by Dan Pearson), a courtyard garden, and St Mary's Garden (a free, volunteer-run public space with an experimental cutting garden).
- Medieval Tower: Visitors can climb the 131 steps to the top of the 14th-century tower for panoramic views of London, including the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames. Note: The tower is currently closed until further notice; please check the museum's website for updates.
- Nave: The main exhibition space within the deconsecrated church, housing permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
- Toilets: Accessible toilets are available.
- Bags/Luggage: Bags larger than a handbag are not permitted in the museum but can be stored free of charge behind the admissions desk.
Access
- The Garden Museum aims to be accessible to all visitors.
- There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building.
- A slight ramp with handrails provides access to the museum from the café entrance and to the café, garden, and learning centre from the museum entrance.
- A lift provides access to the permanent collection on the first floor. It is recommended to contact the museum in advance if you require use of the lift to confirm it is in working order.
- Wheelchairs are available for loan.
- Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the museum.
- Accessible toilets are available.
Entry Fees
Entry to the historic nave space and the main courtyard garden is free of charge (no booking required for these areas).
- Entry to the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions requires an admission ticket:
- Adult: £16
- Senior Citizen: £13
- Student/Unemployed: £9
- Child (7-18): £9
- Child (6 and under): Free
- Family 1 (1 adult, 1 child): £20
- Family 2 (2 adults, 2 children): £40
- Art Pass: £8 (half-price)
- London Pass: Free entry
- Friends and Patrons of the Museum / Carers / Community Access Scheme Members: Free
- Please note: The medieval tower, when open, is usually included in the museum entrance ticket.
Opening Times
The Garden Museum's general opening hours are:
- Monday - Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Last entry: One hour before closing.
- Closed: Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The Garden Café and specific exhibitions may have slightly different hours, so it's always best to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information, especially as hours can vary for private events.
Other Places of Interest Within 15 Minute's Walk
Lambeth Palace (1 minute): The official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the 13th century, a historic complex of buildings including a medieval great hall and chapel. Tours are occasionally available.
Lambeth Bridge (1 minute) This famous Thames bridge (known as the 'Harry Potter Bridge') connects Lambeth and Westminster.
Newport Street Gallery (4 minutes) Showcasing Damien Hirst's extraordinary art collection in a vibrant South London space.
Florence Nightingale Museum (5 minutes): Located within the grounds of St Thomas' Hospital, this museum tells the story of the pioneering nurse Florence Nightingale and her legacy.
Westminster Bridge (5-7 minutes): An iconic bridge offering direct access to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, with stunning views along the River Thames.
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (7-10 minutes): The iconic Gothic Revival buildings housing the UK Parliament, with the famous Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) at its northern end.
Westminster Abbey (8-12 minutes): A magnificent Gothic abbey church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, traditional coronation and burial place for English and British monarchs.
London Eye (10-12 minutes): A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of London. Booking in advance is recommended.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium (10-12 minutes): One of Europe's largest aquariums, home to thousands of aquatic creatures, located within County Hall.
London Dungeon (10-12 minutes): An immersive and theatrical attraction detailing various gory historical events in a humorous way, also located within County Hall.
Tate Britain (10-15 minutes): A major art museum housing a substantial collection of British art from 1500 to the present day, including works by J.M.W. Turner.
Churchill War Rooms (12-15 minutes): An underground complex that housed Winston Churchill's command centre during World War II, offering a fascinating glimpse into wartime operations.
Banqueting House (12-15 minutes): The only remaining complete building of the Palace of Whitehall, famous for its magnificent Rubens ceiling and its association with the execution of King Charles I.
National COVID Memorial Wall (10-12 minutes): A moving public mural along the Thames, opposite the Houses of Parliament, with red hearts painted to commemorate victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.
