Lambeth Palace

Explore the historic residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Lambeth Palace offers a rare glimpse into 800 years of ecclesiastical history through its magnificent architecture, serene gardens, and religious significance.

While not typically open for casual visits, the palace’s select open days provide an exclusive opportunity to experience this working residence that has housed Archbishops of Canterbury for centuries.

Highlights:

• Wander through one of London’s oldest continuously cultivated gardens, a peaceful haven dating back centuries.
• Discover the magnificent Great Hall with its impressive hammerbeam roof and centuries of architectural splendor.
• Experience the spiritual atmosphere of the ancient chapel where Archbishops have prayed for over 800 years.

Tickets & Prices

Lambeth Palace remains the active working residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, so public access is limited. Standard adult tickets to the Palace cost £12.00.

Admission to the Lambeth Palace Garden is £5 for adults, while children can go free. Friendly dogs are welcome, and visitors can enjoy refreshments and light entertainment.

If you’re planning to visit the Reading Room, you’ll need to book in advance using the online form found in their website. On-the-day requests for materials are subject to staff availability and aren’t guaranteed.

Opening Hours

Opening times to the Lambeth Palace vary depending on which part of the site you’re visiting.

The Palace is open to visitors from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with last entry at 3:00 PM. The Garden welcomes the public once a month from April to September, with gates open from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

The Reading Room operates on a separate schedule: it’s open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesdays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Thursdays until 7:15 PM.

Since timings may change during special events, always check the official Lambeth Palace website before your visit.

What to See and Do

There’s plenty to discover during your rare opportunity to visit Lambeth Palace. Here are the must-see attractions and experiences that make this historic residence worth the wait.

Step into the Great Hall

The magnificent Great Hall stands as one of Lambeth Palace’s most impressive architectural features. Built in the 15th century and later restored after war damage, this grand space showcases a stunning hammerbeam roof that immediately draws your gaze upward.

What I love about the Great Hall is how it connects you directly to centuries of English history. This isn’t just any historic room—it’s where archbishops have hosted monarchs, dignitaries, and crucial meetings that shaped the Church of England.

The scale and craftsmanship are truly breathtaking, with the warm wood tones creating an atmosphere that feels both grand and somehow intimate.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during an open day, take a moment to appreciate the portraits lining the walls. They tell the visual story of the palace’s inhabitants through the centuries—each face representing a different chapter in the Anglican Church’s history.

Explore the Historic Chapel

The Chapel at Lambeth Palace offers a more contemplative experience that contrasts beautifully with the grandeur of the Great Hall. Dating back to the 13th century, this sacred space has served as the private place of worship for Archbishops of Canterbury for over 800 years.

When I visited, what struck me most was the feeling of spiritual continuity—imagining the countless prayers that have risen from this space since medieval times. The chapel features beautiful stained glass that casts colorful patterns across the stone floor when the sun shines through.

The chapel remains an active place of worship rather than simply a historical exhibit. If you’re interested in ecclesiastical architecture, note the mixture of styles representing different periods of renovation and restoration throughout its long history.

Wander the Ancient Gardens

The Lambeth Palace Garden is truly a hidden gem—one of London’s oldest continuously cultivated gardens, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city. Spanning nearly 10 acres, these gardens have been tended for centuries and feature impressive specimen trees, some dating back hundreds of years.

Top tip: Look for the historic fig trees—they’re descendants of those planted in the 16th century! The garden layout includes formal elements alongside more natural areas, creating different moods as you wander the grounds.

One particularly special feature is the Prayer Circle—a contemplative labyrinth-style path used for meditative walking prayer by members of the Saint Anselm Community who live at the palace. During summer open days, the gardens offer the perfect spot to enjoy the seasonal blooms and peaceful atmosphere.

What makes these gardens particularly special is their relative obscurity—despite being in central London, they remain one of the capital’s less-visited green spaces, offering a sense of discovery to those who make the effort to visit during their limited opening times.

Learn About the Saint Anselm Community

One of the most fascinating aspects of modern life at Lambeth Palace is the Saint Anselm Community—a contemporary monastic community of young adults who live and worship on the grounds. Established as a new monastic experiment, this community welcomes Christians aged 20-35 from around the world.

During your visit, you might learn about their daily rhythm of prayer, study, and service. Community members live in converted stables on the palace grounds and follow a structured routine that begins with morning prayer at 8:30 AM, followed by breakfast eaten in silence—a practice that connects them to ancient monastic traditions.

This living, breathing spiritual community adds another dimension to Lambeth Palace beyond its historical significance. It represents the ongoing evolution of the Church of England and its attempt to connect ancient practices with contemporary spiritual seekers.

Discover the Library’s Treasures

While full access to the Lambeth Palace Library may be limited, even glimpses of this extraordinary collection are worthwhile. Established in 1610, it houses one of the most important religious collections in Europe, with manuscripts dating back to the 9th century.

The library contains approximately 120,000 books and 5,000 manuscripts, including the Lambeth Bible—a masterpiece of 12th-century art. Even if you can’t browse the shelves, displays during open days often showcase selected treasures from the collection.

For history buffs and book lovers alike, learning about this remarkable repository of knowledge provides context for understanding the palace’s role in preserving religious and cultural heritage through the centuries.

Directions

Lambeth Palace is located at Lambeth Palace, London SE1 7JU, United Kingdom. The palace is conveniently situated along the south bank of the River Thames, opposite the Houses of Parliament.

If using public transportation, the nearest Underground stations are Westminster (across the river), Lambeth North, and Waterloo. Several bus routes also serve the area, stopping near Lambeth Bridge.

For visitors arriving by car, please note that parking is limited in the area, and it’s advisable to use public transport when possible. Detailed directions and transportation options can be found on the official website’s “Where to Find Us” section.

Nearby Places

Garden Museum: Located immediately adjacent to Lambeth Palace, this unique museum celebrates British gardens and gardening history through fascinating exhibitions, a beautiful garden, and a cafe with excellent views of the Thames and Parliament.

Imperial War Museum: Just a short walk from Lambeth Palace, this world-class museum tells the story of modern conflict through powerful exhibitions, interactive displays, and iconic military hardware.

Houses of Parliament: Visible across the Thames, the iconic home of British democracy offers tours of its magnificent Gothic Revival building, including the chance to see the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Thames Path Walk: For history enthusiasts, take a scenic stroll from Lambeth Palace along the Thames Path toward the Tower of London, passing numerous historic sites that showcase London’s rich Tudor heritage.

St Thomas’ Hospital: This historic hospital, dating back to the 12th century, features the Florence Nightingale Museum, which celebrates the life and work of the pioneer of modern nursing.

Did you know that: (5 Interesting Facts!)

1. Lambeth Palace has been the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury for over 800 years, making it one of the oldest continuously occupied buildings in London.
2. The palace grounds include a prayer circle in the garden—a contemplative labyrinth-style path used for meditative walking prayer by the Saint Anselm Community residing there.
3. Young adults from around the world live in what were formerly stables at Lambeth Palace as part of a modern monastic community, following daily routines that include morning prayer, silent breakfasts, and communal chores.
4. The Lambeth Palace Library, established in 1610, houses approximately 120,000 books and 5,000 manuscripts, including the magnificent Lambeth Bible from the 12th century.
5. Despite its central London location, the Lambeth Palace Garden is one of the oldest continuously cultivated gardens in London, with some specimens dating back centuries.

History:

• 13th Century: Construction of the original Lambeth Palace begins, establishing it as the London residence for the Archbishop of Canterbury.
• 1381: During the Peasants’ Revolt, Lambeth Palace was attacked by rebels who opposed the church’s wealth and power.
• 15th Century: The magnificent Great Hall is constructed, featuring its impressive hammerbeam roof that remains a highlight for visitors today.
• 1610: The Lambeth Palace Library is established, becoming one of the most important collections of religious texts in Europe.
• 1642-1660: During the English Civil War, Lambeth Palace suffered significant damage when it was used as a prison by Parliamentary forces.
• 1783: Archbishop Moore adds the neo-Gothic brick gatehouse that now serves as the main entrance to the palace.
• 1940-1941: The palace is badly damaged during the London Blitz of World War II, with the Great Hall requiring extensive restoration.
• 1990s-2000s: Major conservation work takes place to preserve the historic buildings and gardens.
• 2010: The Archbishop of Canterbury establishes the Saint Anselm Community at Lambeth Palace, creating a new monastic community for young adults.
• 2025: External venue hire resumes after a period of refurbishment, allowing more people to experience this historic location.

FAQ

Map & Address

Lambeth Palace

Lambeth Palace Road

London SE1 7JU

United Kingdom

Located on the south bank of the River Thames, opposite the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.