Westminster Abbey, founded 1,000 years ago on Thorney Island, has long had a duty to care for and protect nature. Drawing on our ancient roots and Christian faith, this hopeful season of events brings together people from all faiths, and none, reminding us that we are all connected in one living world. Join us in our historic gardens to unearth our personal accountability, inspire communal action, and contribute to the global conversation.
Season highlights
Play video
Please accept marketing cookies to watch this video.
Enjoy an evening’s entertainment outside this summer, from live storytelling to theatre
Go back to the beginning with a performance of Haydn’s The Creation
Grow your understanding of the historic gardens on a guided tour with Head Gardner Jan Pancheri
Breathe deep during a yoga class in the walled garden
Take the time to notice nature while drawing our historic trees in a guided workshop
Find serenity at a Wednesday Late with sounds of folk music as you explore
Spend time in the fresh air and get creative at one of our themed family days
Events
Connecting with nature
From wherever you are in the world, discover more about College Garden from the Head Gardener or experience a mindful exploration of nature at the Abbey, guided by the Chaplain.
Features of College Garden
Mindful moments
Play video
Mindful moments
Please accept marketing cookies to watch this video.
A Priest's Perspective
The Reverend Mark Birch shares his view on regularly asked questions about Christianity and Creation, including beliefs about God the Creator, what the Bible teaches Christians about creation and how they respond to scientific explanations of the origins of the world.
Why is it important for Christians to believe in God as the Creator?
Play video
Why is it important for Christians to believe in God as the Creator?
Please accept marketing cookies to watch this video.
Does the Bible tell Christians all they need to know about God’s creation?
Play video
Does the Bible tell Christians all they need to know about God’s creation?
Please accept marketing cookies to watch this video.
How do Christians respond to the scientific explanations of the origins of the world?
Play video
How do Christians respond to the scientific explanations of the origins of the world?
Please accept marketing cookies to watch this video.
Unearth more
Oldest garden
Built by monks as a herb garden nearly a 1,000 years ago, College Garden is now a serene retreat. In keeping with tradition, where once a space for monastic reflection, it now offers historical charm and tranquillity to visitors.
Abbey gardens
1 / 6
Unearth more
Westminster Retable
The Westminster Retable, England's oldest altarpiece, is notable for its intricate depictions of nature. Its images of the sun, moon, trees, sheep, and birds, make it a significant example of 13th-century panel painting.
Retable
2 / 6
Unearth more
Thorney Island
Once a marshy eyot on the Thames and shaped by the River Tyburn, Westminster rests on the ancient Thorney Island. Though altered by land changes, its natural heritage persists amidst the historic landmarks in place names and by local initiatives.
History of Westminster Abbey
3 / 6
Unearth more
Capability Brown
Lancelot "Capability" Brown, revolutionised English landscape gardening. His lasting impact can be seen on over 170 parks. His nickname reflected his belief in the potential or ‘capability’ for improvement in every garden he encountered.
Lancelot Capability Brown
4 / 6
Unearth more
Dr John Rae
Explorer Dr. John Rae chartered the Northwest Passage, learned survival skills from indigenous peoples and mapped Arctic coastlines. He discovered the remains of the infamous Franklin Exploration frozen into the ice of the Canadian wilderness.
Dr John Rae
5 / 6
Unearth more
Hockney window
David Hockney's stained glass window for Westminster Abbey celebrates Queen Elizabeth II's reign with vibrant nature scenes, reflecting her love for the countryside and Hockney's distinctive style.
The Queen Elizabeth II window
6 / 6
Eat and shop
Linger a little longer at a floral afternoon tea or buy plant seeds selected by the Head Gardener from the shop, online or in-person.
The Cellarium
The Abbey Shop
Subscribe to our mailing list
Keep up to date with all of the Abbey's events, news, features, videos and more.
Join our mailing list
Back to top
It’s a privilege to live and work here – the Abbey really is the heart of the country and its history.
Martin - The Dean’s Verger
