Creation
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
Enjoy an evening’s entertainment outside this summer, from live storytelling to theatre to outdoor cinema
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
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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