Barbican Conservatory: all you need to know about this venue

Visit Barbican Conservatory is one of London's hidden gems.

It's a giant botanical garden in the middle of the vast Barbican complex.

Today, I'd like to take you on a tour of this exceptional place.

Barbican Conservatory : article summary

What's so special about the Barbican Garden?

The juxtaposition of man-made and natural beauty sets the Barbican Conservatory apart. It's the only place where you can see lush foliage and beautifully manicured flowerbeds emerging from huge concrete slabs.

The Barbican Garden is also unique in that it is London's second-largest conservatory, after the Princess of Wales Conservatory in London. Kew Gardens.

Look closely and you'll see more than 2,000 plant species nestling within its walls.

Most of them are tropical. You might even forget you're in London for a moment, until you catch a glimpse of the city skyline behind the glass.

How to visit the Barbican Botanic Gardens

Strolling around the Barbican's conservatory is a totally free pleasure. However, you'll now need to book your tickets in advance. To do so, please visit Barbican Conservatory website.

If you have a green thumb or would like to know a little more about the gardens, guided tours of the conservatory are organized to find out more about the different plant varieties.

Barbican Conservatory: a host of events to discover

Other events also take place throughout the year, although most are private, so you'll need to be lucky to get an invitation.

See the Barbican Conservatory and Garden Room illuminated with colorful lights, making it an even more astonishing spectacle.

If you have a little free time, you might like to combine your visit with a theatrical performance or other event at the Barbican Centre.

Afternoon tea at the Barbican Conservatory

What's the perfect accompaniment for an afternoon exploring the Barbican Conservatory? The famous afternoon teaof course.

On selected Sundays throughout the year, the Barbican Conservatory offers a tea break in a leafy setting, surrounded by the local plants.

Like any good afternoon tea, you'll find :

• Cakes
• Scones
• Sandwiches

Afternoon tea at the Barbican Conservatory is served overlooking the stunning tropical jungle, so you'll really feel like you're dining in the middle of the canopy.

Afternoon tea costs £35 per person, or £30 if you visit the Barbican between 12 and 1:30 pm. You'll need to book, as places tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve your place online.

Building the Barbican

The land now occupied by the Barbican in its broadest sense was bombed during the Second World War.

After the war, it was decided that the 14-hectare site would be rebuilt as a residential estate. Designed by architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, the utopian idea was to transform an area of London previously devastated by war.

In the 60s and 70s, three towers and 13 terrace blocks were built, all named after famous literary figures.

The Queen finally opened the center in 1982, calling it "one of the modern wonders of the world".

A grand opening

In the 1980s, the Barbican Centre opened nearby as a public space for the arts.

It is the largest of its kind in Europe, with buildings including :

• A theater
• A library
• A gallery

It was built in the Brutalist style, known for its its chunky concrete and practical, functional lines.

Barbican Conservatory: a conservatory not to be missed

Over the years, attempts have been made to embellish the Barbican, notably by inserting plants to cover the theater's dull turret.

What began with a few plants slowly grew to become the Barbican's Conservatory Terrace, one of London's most beautiful green spaces.

Originally, the Barbican Conservatory presented itself as a popular tourist attraction. However, the city decided to drastically reduce opening hours.

Ironically, the fact that the Barbican is closed to the public most of the time seems to have contributed to its popularity.

Today, it gives off a certain mystique and appeal.

How to get to the Barbican Conservatory

There is a Barbican subway station served by the Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Circle lines.

The Barbican Conservatory is a place not to be missed when visiting London. To make sure you have an unforgettable vacation, I recommend you visit this hidden spot.

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