Lambeth Palace Church

Address: Lambeth Palace, Lambeth, London SE1 7JU, United Kingdom

Lambeth Palace is the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, located on the south bank of the River Thames in central London. The palace has served as the archbishop’s London seat since the medieval period and contains historic state rooms and administrative offices.

The riverside setting provides views across the Thames toward the Palace of Westminster and Lambeth Bridge; the palace complex includes formal gardens, historic reception rooms and a long-established library. Guided tours are offered on a restricted schedule and the palace hosts occasional public events and exhibitions.

Architecturally the complex includes buildings from multiple periods reflecting ongoing use by the archbishops; the precinct has been adapted over centuries for residence, administration and archival storage. The palace library preserves manuscripts and printed collections relating to ecclesiastical and English history.

Lambeth Palace sits in the London Borough of Lambeth on the Thames’ south bank, immediately upriver of Lambeth Bridge and a short walk from Westminster and other central London landmarks.

• Seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury: The palace has been the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the 13th century and contains archival collections used by scholars.

What to See#

• Lambeth Palace Library: Lambeth Palace Library houses an extensive collection of ecclesiastical and historical documents dating back several centuries and serves researchers of Anglican history.
• State Rooms and gardens: The State Rooms and riverside gardens behind the palace face the Thames and are occasionally open to the public on scheduled tours.

Lambeth Palace sits on the south bank of the River Thames on Lambeth Palace Road, directly opposite the Houses of Parliament. The nearest London Underground stations are Westminster (Circle, District, Jubilee lines) - about a 10-15 minute walk along the river - and Lambeth North (Bakerloo line), about a 5-10 minute walk. The palace is reached on foot from either station via Lambeth Palace Road/Black Prince Road; many Thames-side buses also stop nearby.

• Book a guided tour in advance - public visiting opportunities to Lambeth Palace are limited and often advertised on the palace website or via the Lambeth Palace Library, so reserve a slot to ensure entry.
• Approach from Lambeth Palace Road near Lambeth Bridge and combine your visit with a short walk across the bridge to Tate Britain - the palace's riverside setting gives the best exterior views and photographic angles.
• Check for closures and event days (church services, official functions) before you go - even when tours run, parts of the complex can be closed to visitors for private events.