The Garden Museum

The Garden Museum explores and celebrates British gardens and gardening through its permanent collection, temporary exhibitions and a lush courtyard garden designed by famed garden designer Dan Pearson OBE. 

The museum is housed in the deconsecrated St Mary-at-Lambeth church. The present church building dates back to medieval times with a church tower built in 1377, although the site itself dates back even further, with the first church built on this site by Edward the Confessor's sister Goda in 1062.

In addition to the beautiful flora, atmospheric historic surrounds and excellent exhibitions, there's also the opportunity to climb the 131 steps to the top of the Garden Museum's medieval tower. The tower dates back to 1377 and from the top visitors are rewarded with an impressive view over the river and the House of Parliament. The tower is included in all museum visits, although it's also possible to buy a ticket to climb the tower only.

It's well worth making time after your visit to get lunch at the acclaimed Garden Cafe where Head Chef Myles Donaldson cooks up a daily changing menu of seasonal contemporary British and European dishes.

Events at Garden Museum

The museum runs a busy programme of regular events including impressive art exhibitions devoted to the work of famous British artists who made flora and gardens a focus of their works.

Every Thursday the museum hosts the free Branch Out drop-in events that explore gardening, art, floristry, plant science, history, design, and more. Also, look out for talks and lectures by prominent gardeners and garden designers, life drawing classes and cookery masterclasses.

Garden Cafe & museum gift shop

The award-winning Garden Cafe is another major reason to pay a visit. This acclaimed restaurant serves modern-British cuisine with a regularly changing menu that uses the best seasonal produce available locally. The setting is an elegant contemporary pavilion and courtyard garden. At the helm is head chef Myles Donaldson, a veteran of some of London's most celebrated modern British restaurants including St. John Bread & Wine and Noble Rot.

There is a small Garden Museum gift shop selling a range of books themed around gardening, flowers, garden design and horticultural history. There are some lovely botanical-themed gift cards and prints as well as prettily packaged giftable heirloom seed packets. Foodies will love the chance to get their hands on former Garden Cafe head chef George Ryle's cookbook A Year in the Kitchen.

Getting there

The Garden Museum is located next door to Lambeth Palace (the private residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury), a ten-minute walk from Vauxhall, Westminster and Lambeth North tube stations, and 15-20 minutes walk from Waterloo.