London is full of greenhouses that give a whole new meaning to the term "urban jungle".
It's easy to enjoy the fresh air inside these glass constructions.
As well as being perfect islands of verdant calm in the city, these magnificent verandas are home to exotic plants, deckchairs and upscale restaurants.
Let's discover them!
Greenhouse in London: article summary
Greenhouse in London: the Temperate House
The return of the restored Temperate House in 2018 has delighted horticulturists. The novelty of exploring the listed greenhouse hasn't worn off yet.
It's twice the size of Kew's much-loved Palm House and took five years to renovate. The complex Victorian architecture once again associated with rare and wonderful plant species.
Over 1,500 specimens are on display. It's enough to spend an afternoon discovering plants in the heart of London.
Practical information
To visit this part of Kew Gardens, you'll need :
- 17,50 £ per person
The greenhouse is accessible :
- Every day 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Barbican Conservatory
This well-hidden and truly soothing green oasis is home to over 1,500 species of tropical plants and some exotic fish.
Previously, the site was only open on certain Sundays and public holidays, but since the lockdown, it has been open again, It is also open on weekdays.
You'll need to reserve a time slot before your visit, and it can be booked quite far in advance.
Practical information
The site is open to visitors free of charge every day of the year. For opening times, please visit the site:
- Every day 9.30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Greenhouse in London: Petersham Nurseries
The ultimate in greenhouse charm in the heart of London. Visit Petersham Nurseries are the perfect balm for weary city dwellers.
Housed in the garden center, a café is located in this majestic greenhouse, decorated with engravings and Indian paintings and furnished with tables and chairs.
The service lasts until sunset, with the greenhouse lit by tinsel bulbs and candles.
The à la carte lunch menu offers two courses for £45 and three for £55. Four-course dinner costs £65.
Practical information
To enjoy a moment between plant and good meal, you can visit :
- Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit the Palm House at Kew Gardens
Kew's iconic Victorian greenhouse is nothing short of stunning. The rainforest climate is home to an impressive collection of tropical plants from some of the planet's most threatened environments. Some have even disappeared in the wild.
During the winter months, the site is decked out in color for the annual Christmas light show at Kew. An event not to be missed if you happen to be in London in December.
Practical information
As with the Temperate House, admission to the Kew Gardens is from £17.50 per person.
You can visit us on site:
- Every day 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Greenhouse in London: discover the roof of Shoreditch
This Shoreditch rooftop bar boasts a beautiful heated orangery housing :
- Lemon trees
- Clementines
- Calamondins
- Mimosas
Stop for cocktails all day long, whatever the weather you'll always find something to drink whether it's a negroni to warm you up or a pitcher of spritz to cool you down.
Practical information
You can visit us on site:
- Tuesday to Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight
- Saturday 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to midnight
- Sunday from 12 pm to 3:30 pm
Syon House
Syon House is steeped in history. It was built on the site of a medieval abbey that was brutally dissolved by Henry VIII, and it was here that Henry's fifth wife, Catherine Howard, awaited execution.
Outside, explore the ornate Grand Conservatory, with its huge iron and glass dome. It's filled with plants from all over the world, from South Africa's Cape to Australia's New Holland.
The house remains closed to the public, but you're welcome to book tickets for its conservatory.
Practical information
Tickets for the garden and veranda cost :
- 8 £ per person
You can visit the gardens on site:
- Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
There are many greenhouses to visit in and around London. If you're a plant lover, I'd advise you to visit a detour to one of these places!
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