The Barbican is a famous Arts Center in London, exploring all forms of Art including Music, Dance, Cinema and hosting many art exhibitions throughout the year. But what is still relatively unknown from tourists or even Londoners is that the venue also hosts a tropical conservatory, with free entrance.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON invits you to explore the Barbican Conservatory, the hidden tropical oasis in London.

A Surprising Oasis in the Heart of London: The Barbican Conservatory

Strolling through a lush tropical garden in the heart of Central London is not something you’d typically expect. I had heard whispers about the Barbican Conservatory a few years back, but it wasn’t until recently that I decided to explore it for myself.

Nestled within the iconic Barbican Centre, this hidden gem offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets, and I was pleasantly surprised by the verdant paradise awaiting me.

What struck me the most about the Barbican Conservatory was the unexpected harmony between the surrounding concrete structures and the lush tropical plants. This surprising blend creates a unique and captivating atmosphere that is both urban and exotic.
Unlike our experience at Kew Gardens, the temperature inside the Barbican Conservatory was pleasantly mild, not as hot as we had anticipated. However, it was evident that some of the plants were in need of a bit more hydration, as they appeared a bit thirsty despite the otherwise inviting environment.
Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed our walk through the Conservatory, encountering a few delightful surprises along the way. Each twist and turn offered new wonders, making our visit a memorable and pleasant experience.

An indoor rainforest

The Barbican Conservatory is London’s second largest conservatory. It boasts over 2,000 species of tropical plants and trees. Adding to its charm, it’s also home to a few animals, making it a vibrant and diverse urban sanctuary.
Look at this lovely pond with fishes and turtles…
The walk through the Barbican Conservatory is truly fascinating, as it seamlessly blends nature, architecture, and animal life. This harmonious mix creates an engaging and enriching experience for all who visit.

A Photographer’s Delight: The Arid House at the Barbican Conservatory

My favourite part of the Barbican Conservatory is undoubtedly the Arid House. Here, you can admire colorful flowers, including stunning and sometimes rare orchids.
It’s a treat for photographers, as these flowers provide endless inspiration.
This warm room is filled with cacti and other exotic plants, some of which are quite unique…
Some of them are even quite original!
We lingered there for quite a long time, mesmerised by the vibrant colours, intriguing shapes, and the warm atmosphere. We simply didn’t want to leave!
After spending a while in this enchanting Conservatory, you completely forget that you’re still in London.

Conservatory events

Visiting such an oasis in the heart of London is quite strange and unexpected, especially considering that the visit is completely free! Beyond the delightful walk through the conservatory, you’ll be pleased to find additional services to enhance your experience.
One of the most surprising features is the hidden restaurant nestled among the tropical plants, where visitors were enjoying afternoon teas as we wandered around.

The Barbican Conservatory also organises occasional guided tours. They are led by the current gardeners of the Conservatory and present the history of the tropical garden.
The Barbican Conservatory is open to the public on selected Sundays from 12 noon–5pm. It is the occasion to discover the Barbican Center’s specific architecture.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are planning to explore the Barbican Conservatory soon, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!

To go further:
The Barbican Conservatory website
The Barbican Arts Center website