06/02/2015
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is opening the garden of Lambeth Palace to visitors on a regular basis for the first time in its 800-year history.
Until now visitors have only been able to visit the 11-acre garden on special occasions during the year, or during pre-booked guided tours. But from March it will be open each month for anyone who wishes to visit.
The move is part of Archbishop Justin Welby’s desire to make Lambeth Palace, which has been home to Archbishops of Canterbury since the 14th Century, more accessible to members of the public.
From 4th March, the garden will be open between 12pm and 3pm on the first Wednesday of the month, with no need to book in advance.
An entrance fee of £4 will go towards the maintenance of the building and garden. Tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available to purchase.
Visitors will be encouraged to share their photos of the garden on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #LambethPalaceGarden, with the best ones being shared via Lambeth Palace’s social media channels.
Dating back to the 12th Century, the garden at Lambeth Palace is the oldest continuously-cultivated garden in London.
There is always plenty of interest all-year-round, from masses of spring bulbs and blossoms, through to summer tranquillity and lovely autumn colours. Visitors can also see Cardinal Pole’s historic white-fleshed fig tree, first planted on the site in 1556.
Today the garden is used by the Archbishop's family, staff and visitors, as well as by many different organisations and charities.
To find out more and when you can visit, click here.
View more pictures of Lambeth Palace Garden throughout the year here.