Garden Museum

The basics

Travelers typically visit the Garden Museum independently or on a tour of London’s most famous gardens. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection and four to six annual temporary exhibitions, there is (of course) a beautiful garden to walk through. Visitors can also climb 131 steps to the top of the site’s medieval tower for city views. Several exhibitions, topical presentations, and events are held each year to explore the creation of British gardens.

Things to know before you go

• The museum is accessible to wheelchairs, with an elevator straight to the building's permanent collection.

• The small on-site garden café serves tea and light bites.

• Entry to the Garden Museum is included in the London Pass.

• The medieval tower closes 1 hour before the museum’s closing time.

How to get there

The Garden Museum is located in central London on the South Bank of the Thames, beside Lambeth Palace and across from the Tate Britain and Parliament. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Westminster. The museum can be reached by taking the tube to Westminster, Waterloo, Victoria, or Vauxhall, or by taking bus 3, 344, 360, 507, or C10 directly to the museum.

When to get there

The Garden Museum is open nearly every day from mid-morning to very early evening, and closes earlier on Saturdays; it's closed the first Monday of every month. Expect the largest crowds in the afternoon, so arrive close to opening time for a quiet visit.

Garden Museum past and present

The Garden Museum is housed in the once-abandoned Church of St-Mary-at-Lambeth, and therefore carries centuries of history in its medieval tower and archbishop’s tomb. The church is the burial place of John Tradescant, a famous British naturalist and gardener, and his tomb now forms the centerpiece of a knot garden. The property was turned into a museum by John and Rosemary Nicholson in 1977 to preserve the tomb of the Tradescants (both John and his son) and the church.

Ways to explore

Green-fingered travelers can learn about Britain’s gardening greats, swot up on plant science and sustainability, and admire botanical artworks at the Garden Museum. Climb the 131 steps to the top of the tower for a view along the Thames, then head down into the courtyard gardens to admire the rare plants and blooms curated by Dan Pearson.

Museum admission tickets include access to the tower (when it’s open), or you can pay for tower entry only; London Pass holders can visit for free. The flower-filled St Mary’s Garden and the historic nave can be visited for free.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible with step-free access via the Garden Café and an elevator to the first floor. The museum encourages visitors who may rely on the elevator to call ahead in case it is closed for maintenance. The tower is not accessible to wheelchair users. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Age limits

None; children aged 6 and under visit for free.

What to pack

Camera, reusable water bottle

What to wear

Layered clothing and an umbrella, as parts of the museum are outdoors.

Not allowed

Large bags and luggage, pets, outside food and drinks

Amenities

Café, gift shop, cycle racks, restrooms

Address

The Garden Museum is located next door to Lambeth Palace on the South Bank of the River Thames. It’s about a 15-minute walk across the bridge from Westminster and is easy to reach by public transport within London.

Driving

Driving in central London isn’t for the fainthearted (or travelers on a budget), especially as the museum lies within both the Congestion Charge zone and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Do as Londoners do and take the tube instead.

Public transportation

The closest tube station is Lambeth North on the Bakerloo line, about a 13-minute walk to the museum. You can also take the District, Circle, or Jubilee line trains to Westminster and walk about 15 minutes, crossing Westminster Bridge. Alternatively, buses 77, 344, and C10 stop outside the museum, or you can ride the Thames Clipper ferry to Westminster Pier or London Eye Waterloo Pier, both a 15-minute walk away.

Best times to visit

The Garden Café and tower aren’t always open when the museum is, so check ahead to avoid disappointment. Final entry to the museum is one hour before closing. Mornings are the quietest time to visit the museum, and it’s usually busiest around lunchtime.

Best days to visit

The museum is open daily year-round, and while crowds are rarely overwhelming, it does get busy on summer weekends. On a weekday out of season, you might have the place to yourself.

Best months to visit

Spring and summer are the best times to visit, when the gardens are in full bloom and the Garden Café is open for business.

Special events

Look out for special exhibitions and events at the museums from April through September. The Spring Plant Fair (April) and the citywide British Flowers Week (June) are popular annual events.