This quirky museum celebrating all things flora is tucked away behind Lambeth Palace. Don’t expect to see any actual plants, other than those in a pretty courtyard garden, but come to learn about the history of gardening, to read the diaries of head gardeners who have managed large stately homes, and to take a look at some of the traditional tools and techniques used for keeping slugs and garden mites at bay.
Visitors can join an interactive electronic game in which they try to gather plants from Africa, Asia and the Americas. The museum is housed in the beautiful old church of St Mary’s on the banks of the River Thames; admission includes entry to its flint-studded tower, with amazing views of Westminster and Lambeth Palace.
The churchyard is the burial place of the original planthunter John Tradescant (c. 1570s–1638). The museum sometimes runs lates, which host talks, workshops and a chance to spend a peaceful evening in one of the most beautiful structures on the South Bank.
When is the Garden Museum Open?
Daily 10:30am to 5pm.
Nearest Station to the Garden Museum
Lambeth North Tube (Bakerloo line).
Listing generously provided by Eleanor Ross, author of London’s Museums and Galleries, Exploring the Best of the City’s Art and Culture (published by Frances Lincoln), which can be purchased online here.
