Middle Temple

(Photo: Colin Wing)
More photos

Open:

Sunday 10:00–17:00

Description:

An award-winning garden in one of the four Inns of Court. The name derives from the 12th-century residence of the Knights Templar, which was built on the site and whose round church still survives. Their refectory and ancient buttery were adjacent.

Traditionally this was the scene of the plucking of the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York. In 1602 Shakespeare's first presentation of Twelfth Night was held in Middle Temple Hall.

Today the planting is a mixture of herbaceous borders, rose beds, a lavender walk and trees surrounded by lawyers' chambers and apartments. Elm Court is a charming, formal rectangular garden. The fountain in Fountain Court appears in Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens.

Head Gardener:

Kate Jenrick

Activities:

Head gardener present and will be giving tours through the day. Refreshments available.
National Trust stall with a focus: How to plan your garden.

Entrance:

For both Inner and Middle gardens access is limited to Tudor St and the Embankment end of Middle Temple Lane only. Once within The Temple, entry to Middle Temple garden is via the gate opposite Garden Court.
Nearest postcode: EC4Y 9AT
Sells tickets.

Buses:

4, 11, 15, 23, 26, 76, 172, 341, 388

Stations:

Temple, Blackfriars

Cycle hire station:

Milford Lane (Map)

Public toilets:

Strand: Saturday 10:00-18:00 + Sunday 10:00-18:00 (Map)

Access:

Most of the garden is accessible to wheelchairs, although paths are loose gravel. The raised section at the north end of the garden can only be reached via steps.

Dogs:

Working assistance dogs only

Further information:

• Street Map
• Map of nearby gardens
• London Gardens Online
• Garden's web site
• Printable version

Nearby Gardens (click on names for details):

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