Lambeth Palace

The Basics

Visitors can enter the palace by prebooking a guided tour, which explores the rooms, chapels, and crypt. Volunteer tour guides discuss the in-depth history of the Archbishop of Canterbury as well as the architectural history of the palace, with its intricate stained glass, vaulted chapels, and other features. The palace’s exterior is included on many historical and architectural walking tours of London.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Lambeth Palace is ideal for history and architecture enthusiasts.

• The palace is open to the public via prebooked tours only.

• Admission is free for visitors under 17 years old.

• A small on-site gift shop sells palace guidebooks and other souvenirs.

• The palace is accessible to wheelchair users and has one wheelchair available to borrow during a guided tour.

How to Get There

Lambeth Palace is located on the south bank of the River Thames in central London, across from the Houses of Parliament. The nearest tube station is about a 15-minute walk from the palace. A number of buses—including C10, 507, 77, 344, and 3—run to the palace from Waterloo, Victoria, and Vauxhall stations. Driving and parking in central London are not recommended.

When to Get There

Interior tours of the palace are held on weekdays year-round, though must be booked in advance online. The palace garden is open in the warmer spring and summer months. A number of seasonal events are held at the palace throughout the year, such as the annual North Lambeth Parish Fete in June; check the website for a current schedule.

Garden Open Days

The Lambeth Palace gardens are open to the public on the first Friday of the month from April through September. The manicured garden, founded in 1197, stretches across more than 10 acres (4 hectares). It is home to native English plants as well as species from all over the world, reflective of the wider Anglican communion. Visitors are treated to entertainment and refreshments from 12pm to 3pm. Entrance is free for children, and dogs are welcome.

Ways to explore

You can view the interiors of Lambeth Palace during select open days, which typically take place in the summer months. These dates are limited and require advance booking. Most open days offer guided tours, which often include access to the Crypt, Guard Room, Chapel, and Palace Gardens. Visits to the library require a separate tour booking, unless you’re attending one of the public exhibitions. The palace also opens its gardens annually as part of the National Garden Scheme.

Many sightseeing tours of London pass by Lambeth Palace; join a bike tour or walking tour of the South Bank or Westminster, admire the city’s historical landmarks on a black taxi tour, see the palace from the water on a River Thames cruise, or jump off your hop-on hop-off tour bus right outside.

Accessibility

Recent refurbishments have made most areas of the palace accessible. Lambeth Palace Library is fully accessible for wheelchairs with accessible restrooms and seating available throughout.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, photo ID, tour tickets, reusable water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, modest clothing for visiting the chapel

Not allowed

Large bags, luggage, outside food and drink, tripods, selfie sticks

Amenities

Restrooms, cafés nearby along the riverfront

Address

Lambeth Palace is located on the south bank of the River Thames in central London, across from the Houses of Parliament. It’s easy to reach on foot or by public transport.

Driving

Driving in central London isn’t recommended, especially as the palace lies within both the Congestion Charge zone and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Do as Londoners do and hop on the tube instead.

Public transportation

The nearest tube station is Lambeth North on the Bakerloo line, about a 13-minute walk from the palace. You can also take District, Circle, or Jubilee line trains to Westminster and walk about 15 minutes over Westminster Bridge. Alternatively, buses 77, 344, and C10 stop outside the palace, 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

You can admire Lambeth Palace’s exterior at any time, and it rarely gets crowded. The softer light of the early morning and or late afternoon tends to be best for photos.

Best days to visit

Tours of the palace, library, and gardens are on limited days of the year, and advance booking is essential to secure a spot. Check ahead if you’re hoping to plan a visit.

Best months to visit

Open days are typically during the summer months of June through August, while the garden open days tend to be in May.

Special events

Open days at the palace and gardens usually take place in summer, while the gardens open to the public in May as part of the National Garden Scheme. Lambeth Palace Library opens its doors for the citywide Open House London event in September, while the annual North Lambeth Parish Fete is held in the gardens each June.