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Contents
About the Westminster Abbey garden
When Westminster Abbey was first established, it had several farms that contributed to its revenue. These farms were strategically placed to be close to the abbey, while also taking advantage of Westminster's good soil for growing produce. Food and medicinal plants were grown here as well as beehives, fishponds, and an orchard in the garden.
The garden was cared for by the Head Gardener and two under-gardeners, who were supervised by the Abbey's Infirmarer. Each of them was a monk who attended everyday services at the abbey, but they would leave their muddy shoes and capes outside. Although located in a rather busy part of town, today, the College Garden at Westminster Abbey offers a relaxing corner that allows you to take a moment to yourself.
About Westminster AbbeyWhy visit the Westminster Abbey garden
- Stroll in the centuries-old garden: Dating back over 900 years, these gardens are among Westminster's oldest green spaces. You can immerse yourself in the historic tranquility preserved here through the centuries.
- Learn about the Abbey's horticultural past: Originally cultivated to sustain resident monks with food and medicinal herbs, the Abbey's gardens offer a fascinating insight into their vital agricultural role in monastic life.
- Appreciate the gardens' architectural features: Explore the historic stone wall built in 1376 and the 18th-century dormitory within the gardens, each adding a layer of architectural intrigue to your visit.
- Enjoy a peaceful respite from your regular life: Nestled in the heart of bustling London, these gardens provide a serene oasis where you can relax, unwind, and momentarily escape urban life.
Highlights of the Westminster Abbey garden
College Garden
The College Garden has many kinds of trees within its walls, the most important being the London Plane tree, planted in the 1850s near the 18th-century school dormitory. There is a high stone wall built in 1376. You can access the dormitory on the west side.
Little Cloister Garden
This little garden was designed as a relaxing area for those in recuperation. It has a Victorian fountain and scented plants that border the garden. From here, you can also see the ruins of the 12th-century St Catherine's Chapel and its small private garden.
Garth
Garth is a lawn that surrounds the cloisters. These gardens were preferred by the monks for quiet reflection. With the cloisters being the center of monastic life, the Garth allowed monks to soak in the sun while they remained protected from the winds.
High stone wall
Constructed in 1376, the high stone wall is the oldest surviving feature. It marks the historic boundary of Thorney Island and the Abbey Precinct. This structure originally delineated and protected the monastic complex.
The Crucifixion sculpture
Enzo Plazzotta's bronze sculpture, The Crucifixion, beyond the fountain in College Gardens, captures Christ's sacrifice. Cast posthumously in Tuscany, this life-size depiction shows Christ with outstretched arms between two thieves, symbolizing victory and redemption.
Plan your visit to the Westminster Abbey garden
Timings
Location
Opening hours: 10am to 4 pm from Tuesday to Thursday
Closed on: Weekends
Best time to visit: The months of summer, especially June and July, are the best time to check out the beautiful gardens at Westminster Abbey.
Address: Great Peter House, Abbey Gardens, 2 Great College St, London SW1P 3SE, United Kingdom
The College Gardens at Westminster Abbey are nestled within the Abbey's precincts in central London, offering a tranquil retreat amid the city's bustling environment.
Closest landmark: Jewel Tower (0.16 km)
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Westminster Abbey garden
How old is the Westminster Abbey Garden?
Dating back to the 12th century, Westminster Abbey's gardens are more than 900 years old.
How many gardens does Westminster Abbey have?
The College Garden is the main garden at Westminster Abbey. Apart from that, there are two smaller gardens called the Garth and the Little Cloister Garden.
Can I visit the Westminster Abbey garden?
Yes, whenever you visit Westminster Abbey, you can explore the gardens as well.
Do I need to buy a ticket to visit Westminster Abbey's garden?
You don't have to buy a ticket to view the gardens at Westminster Abbey. You can explore it for free whenever you visit the abbey.
What types of plants can be found in the College Garden?
The gardens house a variety of plants, including medicinal herbs, ornamental plantings, flowering plants like roses, and several old London plane trees, reflecting the garden's monastic origins.
Are there any sculptures in the College Garden?
You can see Enzo Plazzotta's bronze sculpture, The Crucifixion, in the College Garden, installed in 1974. Until recently, four large statues carved by Arnold Quellin were displayed in the garden. These were part of the altarpiece designed by Sir Christopher Wren and made by Grinling Gibbons and Quellin by order of James II for Whitehall Palace in 1685. In 1706, Queen Anne gave the altarpiece to the Abbey to be set up as the high altar (later removed in 1821). But it did not fit in the space and the statues were taken to the garden. They have now been conserved and can be seen in the opposite aisle of the triforium.
