Lindley Library

Our beautiful library in central London holds world-renowned collections of early printed books, the archives of the RHS, botanical art collections and modern books on the history of horticulture, botanical art and practical gardening

About the RHS Lindley Library

The RHS Lindley Library is in the beautiful Edwardian headquarters of the Royal Horticultural Society.

The Society has had a library for more than 200 years and our collections reflect this longstanding passion for gardens and garden plants.

Today our collections are a treasure trove for anyone interested in learning more about the history and art of gardening.

A world class library

The Upper Reading Room provides access to our lending library and free public exhibition area. See exhibitions & events for more information.

The Lower Research Room is open by advance appointment only, to provide access to our reference and heritage collections. Read more on using the RHS’ collections for your own research.

More information

Joining the library
If you'd like to become an RHS Library member, please visit our join page.
Opening hours

Open 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Friday. The Library is closed on Mondays, weekends, Bank Holidays, and specified closure dates (see below).

An answerphone is available outside these hours, please call 0207 821 3050 or email us your enquiry at library@rhs.org.uk if you are unable to reach the library team by phone.

Pre-booked research appointments are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Lindley Library closure dates 2025–2026

Please note that the RHS Lindley Library will be closed on the following dates to accommodate external bookings:

  • Wednesday 21 May 2025
  • Friday 27 June 2025
  • Wednesday 1 October 2025
  • Thursday 2 October 2025
  • Thursday 9 October 2025
  • Thursday 6 November 2025

The library will also be unavailable to visitors during its annual closures:

  • Annual summer closure: Tuesday 19 August to Friday 29 August 2025
  • Annual Christmas closure: Tuesday 23 December 20205 to Friday 2 January 2026

During these closures, library staff will be undertaking collection assessments, audit work, and data collection to support the ongoing care and development of our very special collections. The team will be available to answer queries as usual (see Contact us below).

Borrowing
For more information on how to borrow from the most comprehensive gardening collection in the world, as well as information on click and collect and renewals, please visit our lending services page.
Contact us

Contact the library team at the Lindley Library with library enquiries, including book reservations and renewals.

Address: RHS Lindley Library, 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PE

Tel: 020 7821 3050

Email: library@rhs.org.uk

Find us: Vincent Square map

Accessibility
  • There is step-free access into the main RHS building and the Library reception area via a ramped entrance
  • The Lending Library may be accessed by three steps with a handrail for support
  • We are unable to offer admittance to our lower-level facilities – our Research Room and Viewing Room – to those who require assistance with stepped access. In such instances, research and viewing appointments may be arranged to take place in the Lending Library. Please contact us in advance to discuss
  • We do not have accessible toilets onsite
Please advise us on your arrival if you require any assistance with access.
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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.