1 / 2Garden Museum
📍 London, Greater London
Housed in St Mary's Church, Lambeth, this museum covers British gardening history from the 16th century. Family facilities include craft tables, a drawing area, small play space, and high chairs in the cafe.
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.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for curious families with school-age children interested in garden history and art. The rotating exhibitions reward repeat visits. Toddlers get craft tables; older kids will engage with the interactive displays upstairs. The 131-step tower climb suits adventurous children aged 7+ — the steps are steep, uneven, and narrow with no rest points.
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💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →1,400 Google reviews
Denise St Clair
a year ago
“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.”
Wan Lin Qin
7 months ago
“A beatiful interactive exhibition including de Gournay hand painted wallpaper for a temporary exhibition and Cecil Beaton's Oscar award, I enjoyed learning about the grand old tradition of English gardens and gardening. Loved playing with the garden game upstairs as well! Thank you”
Sam M
2 months ago
“The tower is closed. They are trying to fundraise to reopen. The museum is worth visiting. The Rory McEwen exhibit was beautiful and touching. Make sure to visit the cafe. We were able to book a table online after being told they were fully booked.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Garden Museum explores British gardening history through rotating exhibitions, archives, and permanent collections. The Rory McEwen exhibit and de Gournay hand-painted wallpaper have drawn strong praise. Family facilities include craft/drawing tables and a small play corner. A 131-step narrow tower climb offers views over the Thames. Cafe tables can be booked online even when the site shows fully booked.
