Lambeth: Gardens, Parks and Cultural History

Right on the banks of the Thames, the Garden Museum sits next to Lambeth Palace and opposite the Houses of Parliament. Its gardens bring together different planting ideas: a lushly landscaped central courtyard, areas with drought- and shade-loving plants, and a new community garden for growing local produce. If you are interested in garden design, you will find different approaches side by side here—from designing a courtyard to growing produce as a community. Access to the gardens may depend on the museum’s opening hours; check the visiting conditions before making plans.

Parks and historic places

Kennington Park is in the London Borough of Lambeth and was laid out by James Pennethorne in the mid-19th century. Brockwell Park has been a public park since 1892. Its recreational facilities include football pitches and associated facilities, tennis courts, a bowling green and a children’s playground. The history of the parks offers two different perspectives: Kennington Park reflects Pennethorne’s 19th-century design, while Brockwell Park is associated with its long history of public use and its sports and play facilities. Facilities at Brockwell Park may change; check the latest information before your visit.

Lambeth Palace also connects history with a present-day institutional role: the palace is the residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury and has medieval origins. Archbishop’s Park was once part of the grounds of Lambeth Palace and has been used for public recreation since the late 19th century. This brings together a historic connection to the palace grounds and the park’s use for recreation, while making clear that the two places do not serve the same purpose.

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens were an institution in Lambeth and London from the 1660s until 1859. They offered a combination of planted walkways, musical performances, spectacular events, fireworks, balloon races, food and drink. Walking and entertainment went hand in hand here: the paths were part of the experience, along with music, events and refreshments. The gardens represent a distinct historical era and a form of public entertainment that went far beyond a stroll.

Milling, museums and music

Brixton Windmill was built in 1816 and is Grade II* listed. Its electrically powered millstones are used by volunteer millers to produce Brixton Windmill flour. In addition to baking and milling workshops, the windmill offers guided walks and tours on its opening days. This brings the historic structure and the practical work of milling together: visit topics include both the building and the work of the millstones. Workshops and tours are subject to dates; check the schedule for your planned visit.

The Cinema Museum is housed in the Lambeth Workhouse, built in 1873. A booked place on a guided tour is required to visit its collection. There is step-free access on the ground floor, where an accessible toilet is also located. A lift provides access to the upper floor. The museum’s visiting requirements and the location of its accessible facilities are therefore important points to consider when planning your visit. Accessibility information may change during construction work; check the latest details before you visit.

The Royal Festival Hall opened in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain. It is the oldest and largest building in the Southbank Centre, houses its largest auditorium and is London’s leading venue for classical music. The Open Foyer has been open to visitors free of charge every day since 1983; access arrangements may vary during special events. The Royal Festival Hall therefore offers both a music programme and a dedicated area that visitors can access free of charge. If you are planning a visit, check whether special events will affect access.

Plan your stay around your interests

When choosing a hotel in Lambeth, you could start by considering which themes you want to shape your trip: gardens and parks, the history of the palace and pleasure gardens, or museums, milling and classical music. Visiting arrangements also vary—for the Cinema Museum collection, you need a place on a guided tour, while Brixton Windmill’s tours and workshops are tied to specific dates or opening days. Choose a hotel location based on the experiences that matter most to you, and check time-specific visitor activities in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lambeth, Brixton, Hounslow, Brent, Bromley, Islington, Barnet, Barking And Dagenham.

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