Lambeth Palace Guided Tours
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a guided tour of LambethPalace cost?
Guided tours are priced at £10 per person. There is no charge for children under the age of 17.
Why do I have to wait to visit LambethPalace?
Lambeth Palace is the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury and his family. It is also the location of the Archbishop’s offices. It is therefore not possible for LambethPalace to open for guided tours every day. Guided tours are offered on a first-come-first-served basis.
What is the largest tour group size LambethPalace can accommodate?
Tour groups of up to 50 people can be accommodated. If you have fewer than 50 people in your group you will be paired with others to make 50 in total.
When should I arrive at LambethPalace?
Your group should assemble 5 or 10 minutes before your tour is due to start. Your tour will begin promptly. Sadly we won’t be able to welcome you into the palace sooner than 10 minutes before your allotted time.
How long will my tour last?
You should allocate one and a half hours for your visit.
Where should I arrive to begin my guided tour?
Guided tours begin at the Palace Gatehouse.
Are there lavatories inside the palace?
There are lavatories, including disability access lavatories, at LambethPalace.
Is photography permitted?
For security reasons, and to preserve the privacy of the Archbishop of Canterbury and his family, photography is not permitted inside the palace buildings. Photography is permitted in the palace grounds and in the gardens.
Is there a cloakroom for tour groups?
There is a cloakroom at LambethPalace. Your tour guide will indicate where luggage may be left.
Does the Palace offer wheelchair access?
Most of the routes within the palace are accessible to visitors unable to climb stairs. We have a series of lifts and ramps to help our visitors. The palace has one manual wheelchair which may be borrowed for the duration of a guided tour if desired. If you, or a member of your group, use a wheelchair do let us know. We can provide an extra member of staff to help you.
Does LambethPalace offer any provision for visitors who are hard of hearing?
Do let your tour guide know if you are deaf or hard of hearing. Your guide can provide you with written information about each of the rooms at LambethPalace as well as a transcript of the introductory DVD.
What will I see at LambethPalace?
Guided tours of LambethPalace include the State Rooms of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Great Hall which is now part of Lambeth Palace Library, the Crypt and the Chapel. Sometimes it is necessary to change the tour route to accommodate other visitors at LambethPalace. On the rare occasions when this is necessary we endeavour to keep you guided tour the same length.
Is there a café at LambethPalace?
Unfortunately we don’t have a café at LambethPalace. Tour groups often enjoy visiting the GardenMuseum situated next door which has a café and can take advanced bookings. Tel.020 7401 8865.
Will I be able to see the garden?
Your guided tour will include a brief visit to the garden (weather permitting).
Is LambethPalace open at weekends?
Unfortunately, as LambethPalace is a private residence it is not usually possible to visit at weekends. The palace does participate in several open days each year which are on Saturdays. See more details.
What are the nearest public transport links?
The nearest bus stops are on Lambeth Palace Road (C10, 507, 77) and Lambeth Road (344, 3). The nearest tube stations are: Westminster, Waterloo and Vauxhall. Bus number 507 provides a direct link from Victoria Station and Waterloo Station to the palace.
What should I bring with me?
Comfortable footwear is advisable. You may wish to bring warm or wet weather clothing as a short part of your tour will be outside.
Is there a gift shop at LambethPalace?
There is a small gift shop at LambethPalace selling guide books of the palace and other souvenirs. Cash and cheques are accepted at the gift shop.
What will happen at the end of my guided tour?
Your tour guide will show you out of the palace grounds via the Oil Gate. This gate is on Lambeth Palace Road and is near the Morton’s Tower entrance.
What else is there to see and do near LambethPalace?
Lambeth Palace is within walking distance of Tate Britain Art Gallery, the Imperial War Museum, the Garden Museum, the London Eye and the Palace of Westminster.