Inside Vauxhall's secret garden and museum that used to be a Church

The Garden Museum explores and celebrates the history and design of British gardens throughout time, and the place they hold in our lives in the modern day.

It is located in the old medieval and Victorian church of St Mary-at-Lambeth, next to Lambeth Palace - the large red brick building at the South side of Lambeth Bridge.

Above: Inside the Garden Museum.

As the oldest remaining structure in the Borough of Lambeth (other than Lambeth Palace), the church was due for demolition in the 1970s, before being rescued by the Nicholsons and turned into the museum.

John Tradescant, a pioneering botanist buried in the churchyard, is said to have founded English gardening, as he was responsible for introducing many trees, herbaceous plants, and shrubs to England from overseas. He was gardener to Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I, and worked in some of the greatest gardens of the time.

 Above: Tradescandia amongst the houseplants on display at the Garden Museum

The popular indoor houseplant Tradescantia is named in honour of the Tradescant family. The plant was grown in England at Tradescant’s botanic garden in Lambeth for the first time c.1629.

Above: the Tradescant family tomb can be found in the old churchyard, now part of the courtyard at the Garden Museum 

His collection of exotic flora and fauna, natural history and man made curiosities, “The Ark,” was the first public museum in Britain, giving the people an opportunity to see the rarities collected from his travels - unlike private collections. The museum was based on South Lambeth Road, and a recreation can now be visited at the Garden Museum. 

Above: a replica of a Wardian Case, on display at the Garden Museum

The Wardian Case was the earliest form of terrarium, designed by Nathaniel Ward to enable the transportation of flowers and plants across the seas. The case allowed the plants to be watered through condensation, and protected them from environmental damage from salty sea.

Above: Outside the Garden Museum.

How to get there

The Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7LB

Travel: The nearest station is Vauxhall Underground (Victoria Line) or mainline station for Southwest Rail services. It is also a walkable distance from Westminster Station or Waterloo Station.

Entry: £14 for adult entry with concessions available

Opening times: open Monday – Sunday, daily 10.00am - 5.00pm

Visit the Garden Museum website for information about special exhibitions and more