Climb the Garden Museum’s medieval tower

Built in 1377 and repaired in 1834-1835, the tower is the oldest part of the Garden Museum building. Wind your way up the same steps ascended by Wenceslaus Hollar in 1647 to produce his panoramic print “The Prospect of London and Westminster taken from Lambeth”. Reaching the summit, the panorama that unfolds before you would have mirrored much of what Hollar witnessed. The majestic curve of the Thames, glinting in the sunlight, would have been lined with bustling wharves and sailing ships. The Houses of Parliament, though perhaps not in their present grandiose form, would have dominated the skyline. So, next time you find yourself at the Garden Museum, don’t just admire the tower from afar. Climb its timeworn steps, let your imagination soar, and become a part of London’s rich artistic and historical legacy.

Opening times

Access to the tower is during the Museum’s opening hours (10am-5pm). The tower will close 30 minutes before sunset during winter months.

Tickets

Tower-only tickets are £4 and can be purchased on a walk-in basis only. Tower entry is also included in Museum admission which can be booked here or purchased on the day.

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Additional information

The tower’s capacity is a maximum of 7 people at once. Please speak with reception before entering the tower to ensure there is space.

The tower is also closed on Festival days and during inclement weather, including rain, ice, high temperatures, and high winds.

Please call on the day of your visit if you would like to confirm the tower is open.