The Lambeth Palace Garden, London's Second Largest Private Garden

Last 3 Hours of Summer Visits The garden of Lambeth Palace, located directly opposite the UK Parliament, is one of the oldest continuously planted gardens in England, dating back to 1197. It covers about 10 acres and has been the private garden of the Archbishop of Canterbury for nearly 800 years. It is the second largest private garden in London, with the largest being the Buckingham Palace Garden. 🌿 The garden features a blend of various horticultural styles and plant species, reflecting the tastes and gardening interests of successive archbishops. It includes formal lawns, herbaceous borders, a white garden, a rose terrace, and a beekeeping area. Additionally, there is a secluded woodland garden and a fig tree said to have been planted by Cardinal Pole in the 16th century. 🌹 The garden is home to many native English species as well as plants from around the world. Trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals from Europe are harmoniously mixed with plants from the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. 🌳🌍 Two full-time gardeners lead a team of volunteers in maintaining the garden. They use organic methods, avoiding chemical pesticides and herbicides, which helps attract natural predators. Lacewings and ladybugs help control aphid populations, while many small birds feed on leaf miners that harm some trees. Hundreds of toads have made the garden their home—they particularly enjoy slugs. The gardeners create diverse habitats, such as letting grass grow long in certain areas or inconspicuously stacking decaying logs, to attract more wildlife. Their goal is to achieve a natural balance and provide a sanctuary for various creatures amidst the urban hustle and bustle. 🐞🐦 Wandering through the garden, you'll find it not only stunningly beautiful but also full of natural charm. From May to September, it is open to the public on the first Friday of each month, from 12-3 PM. 🌸 Lambeth Palace is the London home of the Archbishop of Canterbury, his family, and two religious communities. It serves as the center for his preaching, worship, and hospitality. 🕍 Wordsworth was married in the church of Lambeth Palace, and Henry VIII, Charles I, and Queen Elizabeth were frequent visitors. 🏰 In the courtyard of Lambeth Palace, you can visit the Lambeth Palace Library for free, which houses the largest collection of religious books outside the Vatican. From the rooftop, you can also see the stunning Gothic architecture across the river. 📚 *Note: The last opening day in 2024 is September 6th. Time: 12-3 PM Cost: £5 (proceeds go to charity)* The entrance is next to the Garden Museum. We recommend visiting the ongoing exhibition of new works by Ian Berry: *The Secret Garden*. 🎨 #EnglishGarden #UKPrivateGarden #LambethPalaceGarden #GardenMuseum #BritishEstate #Canterbury #OrganicGardening #UKHorticulture #LondonSeptemberEvents #LambethPalace