Barbican Conservatory (London - England)

Kew Garden is the biggest conservatory in London. The 2nd biggest is Barbican Conservatory. That's nothing unusual. What's makes it unusual is that its indoor and a few floors above the ground!!! When I went into the conservatory, to even wrap my mind around it, it took some time for me. I didn't expect what I was seeing. I expected a small roof top garden/green house set up with plants, but what I saw was trees and mini ponds with fishes, all in the 3rd and 4th floor, all indoors!!!!! That's plain crazy!!!!

As soon as the conservatory section is entered, there are plants on either sides and there's a pathway at the centre with pathways branching between sections. The whole place is temperature and humidity regulated. 
Bang at the centre of the entire conservatory is nice cafe! The space is heated up more than the other spaces with halogen lamps and tea/coffee or champagne is served with macaroons, cakes, sandwich etc at a niche cost. This has to be reserved in advance.

As much as Birds of Paradise astonish me, here's a floral plant called Bird of Paradise from South Africa. The first tall tree here I saw was Dicksomnia Antartica and a Date Palm. 

There are 2 ponds here which are filled with several types of fishes and one also has a few mini fountains that make the water flow well! One of the ponds has a stream and a little bridge across it! Again let me remind you, all this in 3rd, 4th floors of an office building!


Another beautiful plant here was the Blushing Bride, yeah the name sounds romantic! The base of the leaves has a subtle soft pink and a lavender. A plant called Hoya Keri, was just 1 soft supple heart shaped leaf! Bilbergia Pyramidalis is a has a summery lavender/pink floor with a glassy finish on it. I expected it to be sticky, but surprisingly it wasn't! 


Some creepers have spread over the wall and pillars from the 3rd floor to the 4th floor. The floral plans were so colorful, indeed. A section was entirely dedicated for cactus and orchids. 
Though the admission is free, it is open on very few select days which is regularly updated on its site

To get there:
Nearest railway station: Barbican

Dedicated to Venkat

Bhushavali

An ardent traveler by passion. Being an ex - Art History Teacher, my area of interest especially lies in Nature and Heritage. Visited 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of June 2022. I've been listed among the Top 7 Women Travel Bloggers of India, Top 50 in UK. I have been interviewed in a couple of TV Shows, Radio Channels and Events as well. Read more about me and read the testimonials of different brands

25 comments:

  1. You know, when I first read the title, I thought it was going to be about the non-alcoholic malt drink lol ��‍♀️ The flowers look beautiful, some I have never seen before (well I only ever see evergreens and maple leaves up here in Canada). The blushing bride is so pretty! This was a great review.

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  2. Ooh, I love this so much! It's like a fun little oasis in the middle of a bustling metropolis, offering respite and some fresh air. I love Birds of Paradise and they just make me so happy.

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  3. Observatories are always so beautiful, I love being able to see the different types of foliage in different parts of the world. I loved your photos of the beautiful flowers! Thanks for sharing.

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  4. Wasn't aware of Barbican so thank you for writing about it. I've really been discovering a different side to London from your posts. Love the grandness of the conservatory and of course the flora is amazing. I can imagine just going there for a nice afternoon snack and take in some fresh air. Beautiful photos as well.

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  5. Barbican Observatory looks full of exotic flora and fauna. There is cafe in its centre where having tea or coffee must be so great. As this place is free to enter which is a good feature. I loved the colorful creepers.

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  6. I love how London has such beautiful gardens. It is incredible how they can create spaces like this in the middle of the city. I was not able to visit this conservatory last time I was there. However I will add to my list for my next visit.

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  7. What a beautiful conservatory! I always love exploring exotic flora. It is so peaceful there and I can see how you can spend a good afternoon strolling in there!

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  8. What a beautiful green retreat! I've never heard of this place before! I would totally spend time at that cafe if and when I visit

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  9. This is another place you've written about in London that I didn't know existed! The fact it's the largest conservatory in London is an impressive stat! The cafe in the middle sounds like a perfect way to enjoy the feel of Barbican Conservatory. Free entry is a good thing too!

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  10. I live in the area and had no idea that the Barbican had a conservatory. Kew gardens, for sure, but not the Barbican. Will have to pop in and make a visit.

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  11. What a great escape if one is needed! Love the café to sit and read a book! I have not ever been to London before but I can see by peoples comments that you have uncovered a little gem for people to go visit that live or visit the area.. nice!

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  12. Aw! Kew Gardens. We missed it while in London and every time we talk of London, my husband reminds me that it was my fault :) Next time, we are doing this.

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  13. Wow! I love parks and gardens. Every time we travel I always make sure to visit at least one park. This one is very interesting, as it is indoor and the plant collections are really beautiful. Will definitely add this to my list, in case we'll get to visit London.

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  14. We do have those Birds of Paradise in the Philippines. They're as iridescent as a hummingbird's plumage!

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  15. That is a lovely garden! I never thought I would be interested in flowers, but than a guy who has a business in flowers made me interested.

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  16. This is such a beautiful garden, very inspiring to visit especially for writers looking for inspirations. The flowering plants looks divine.

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  17. I love Barbican. I remember I've got there first time with my photography class and I was shocked how beautiful it is. Such an amazing garden full of flowers and plans! So glad you can have it in the middle of the busy city !

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  18. I never even knew this place existed and I live in London! How did you even find it? Barbican is right in the city, and usually for finance workers! You've inspired me to get there now, thank you!

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  19. I love observatories, they make me feel like in a fairy tale. The Barbican in London looks amazing, I need to visit it next time in the city! :)

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  20. Love the beautiful green retreat that is this conservatory in London. The flora and fauna around it looks so refreshing and nice. Would love to visit Kew Garden on our visit.

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  21. I never been to kee garden yet, looks like a great place for a day out, that place must ve beautiful in bloom season.

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  22. I was not aware of the Barbican Conservatory, only knew of the more famous Kew Gardens. But this place is indeed a revelation. Trees and ponds on the 3rd and 4th, that is really amazing. The place looks absolutely enchanting.

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  23. Wow, I never knew this place existed! I am currently in London for the next two weeks so will have to check it out. Love getting a breath of fresh air in the middle of a busy and bustling city.

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  24. What a place to take advantage of whenever one have an urge to travel far far away to an exotic destination! And its for free! I would make it my second home if I lived near by Barbican conservatory! Especially now when I have a daughter who is two she would love spending time running around the "strange-looking" and beautiful plants and flowers. I am not sure though when we will be able to visit London but when we do Barbican conservatory is a must for sure!

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