What is it?
Part garden, part architectural wonder, the Barbican Conservatory is one of those rare London secrets that feels like stepping into another world. Hidden high within the Barbican Centre, it’s the second-largest conservatory in the city and certainly the most surprising.
More than 1,500 plant species grow beneath its glass roof, from towering palms to tropical vines and desert cacti. There are koi-filled ponds, meandering walkways, and that peaceful hush that only comes from being completely surrounded by greenery.
Where is it?
Tucked into the heart of the Barbican Centre on Silk Street, this hidden oasis is just a 10-minute walk from Native Kings Wardrobe. Once inside the Barbican’s Brutalist structure, follow the signs (and the warmth) to find the Conservatory perched like a secret garden above the city.
Its unusual setting of lush, tropical plants thriving inside a concrete arts centre creates a surreal contrast that’s as photogenic as it is calming.
What you’ll find
The Conservatory is free to visit but only open on select days, typically Sundays and some Bank Holidays. So it’s well worth checking the Barbican website before setting off.
In addition to rare and exotic plants, the space often hosts art installations, sculpture exhibits, and the occasional immersive performance. One recent highlight featured work by Ranjani Shettar, blending suspended forms with the living garden, a testament to how the space supports creativity as much as it does chlorophyll.
Whether you’re a houseplant aficionado, an architecture fan, or just craving a pocket of calm, this is one of London’s best spots to unwind and recharge.
One-liner
A tropical hideaway floating above the Barbican’s Brutalist bones.
Native’s tip
Pair your visit with a wander around the Barbican’s galleries, cinema or concert halls and grab a seat at the lakeside café after.
Address: Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS
Closest Native: Native Kings Wardrobe
More info: barbican.org.uk
