Garden Museum

Housed in St Mary’s Church, Lambeth is a the wonderful Garden Museum and Cafe. Specific exhibitions curated throughout the year. Good facilities for children, craft/drawing table, small ‘home’ play area, high chairs in cafe. The Garden Cafe menu looked great (see photos) and although we didn’t eat, we did sample the biscuits baked on the premises (choc chip and ginger/oat ‘Parkin’ biscuits) which were absolutely delicious! A crisp bite on the outside, soft but not too gooey or sweet inside. We will definitely return for lunch next time we visit for a further exhibition. Facilities were spotless and a small shop sells books, cards and small gardening tools, twine etc. Well worth the climb of 131 steps to a viewing platform with fantastic views over London (see photos) is an added bonus. The steps are uneven, tightly packed and circular with barely any passing space and no resting places, therefore may not be suitable or comfortable for some. Allow a morning or afternoon to do it justice.

We pre-booked our tickets a day in advance. The museum was nice, but not particularly special. I visited with a friend, and I enjoyed it a bit more than she did. However, she had her child with her, and it’s a very kid-friendly place, with areas for children to draw and play. The staff was very friendly, and the toilets were surprisingly nice! Overall, it was a pleasant visit. If you have some extra time, it’s worth checking out.

Quirky little place next to Archbishop’s pad and just along from Covid memorial wall. Not exactly jaw-dropping but some interesting bits and pieces about London gardens, including the many now buried under concrete. Worth going up the 131 little steps to get panoramic views of the river, Lambeth Palace, Parliament and the City.

The Garden Museum offers a fascinating look at the history of gardening, with a collection of artifacts, tools, and exhibits. The tower has great views of London, and the courtyard garden is a peaceful spot. The café serves tasty food too. I liked the tower; beautiful views of London! It’s an interactive museum on gardening with different sections to explore. I had some free time and thought the Garden Museum would be an interesting stop. The museum is housed in an old church, so it’s quiet and feels historic. I’m not really into gardening, but I still found the content interesting, especially the section on Gertrude Jekyll. There are old artifacts, including some garden gnomes and old gardening tools and positions from the 19th century. Tickets are pricey tbh, but if you’re into gardens or just looking for a relaxing place, it’s worth a visit. The tower climb is a nice bonus with a good view.

Quite liked the tower, lovely views of London! A very interactive museum on the history of gardening and gardens, great for kids. Many different sections of the museum, so something for everyone.

I had some time to fill and thought to Garden Museum would be an interesting visit. The museum is within a deconsecrated church and retains much of the church atmosphere. It’s a quiet spot in a busy area. I’m not a gardener, but did appreciate much of the content, such as a section devoted to the horticulturalist Gertrude Jekyll. There were lots of old artefacts that might still crop up in people’s gardens and then there were a lot of gnomes. I had to leave before I had completed a full tour, but enjoyed what I saw. But seeing a new garden shed upstairs in an old church was distinctly incongruous.

A beautiful museum and garden space, with a great programme of exhibitions. The cafe is nice and bright. There are lots of activities for children, and spaces for learning. A good gift shop too.

Such a great visit ideal for any plant lover or garden enthusiast. Great location too right on the river and if you do the stairs up the tower worth it for the view on a nice day.