19/02/2017
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is once again opening the garden of Lambeth Palace to visitors on a regular monthly basis. Until recently, members of the public have only been able to visit the 11-acre garden on special occasions during the year, or during pre-booked guided tours. This year it will be open on the first Friday afternoon each month for anyone who wishes to visit.
The move is part of Archbishop Justin’s desire to make Lambeth Palace, which has been home to Archbishops of Canterbury for 800 years, more accessible to the public.
From 7th April until 1st September, the garden will be open between 12pm and 3pm on the first Friday of the month, with no need to book in advance. An entrance fee of £5 will go to the chosen charity each month. Tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available to purchase, together with plants from the garden, Lambeth Palace honey and souvenirs.
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.
There is 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.
Find out more and when you can visit here.
View more pictures of Lambeth Palace garden throughout the year here.