The Barbican is one of London’s most iconic arts hubs, showcasing everything from music and dance to cinema, with art exhibitions popping up throughout the year.

But here’s the bit that not many tourists, or even some Londoners, know about: the Barbican Conservatory. This hidden gem is a lush, tropical oasis tucked away in the heart of the city, and guess what? It’s completely free to visit!

Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON is inviting you to step off the beaten path and discover this secret slice of paradise in the middle of London.

A surprising oasis: The Barbican Conservatory

Strolling through a lush tropical garden in 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 really stood out to me about the Barbican Conservatory was the unexpected harmony between the raw, concrete surroundings and the lush, tropical plants.

It’s a surprising mix, urban meets exotic, in the most captivating way. The contrast creates this unique vibe, like stepping into a secret garden in the middle of the city.

Unlike our time at the temperate house in Kew Gardens, the temperature inside the Barbican Conservatory was pleasantly mild, not as stiflingly hot as we’d expected.

The atmosphere was just right for exploring, though you could tell some of the plants were a little thirsty. A few leaves looked like they could use a bit more hydration, despite the otherwise lush and welcoming vibe..

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 delightful pond, fishes darting about and turtles doing their slow-motion thing. It’s like a little hidden world right in the heart of London!

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 corner of the Barbican Conservatory has to be the Arid House. It’s a little slice of desert paradise where you can admire a riot of colourful flowers, including stunning, and sometimes rare orchids that feel almost too beautiful to be real.

A paradise for photographers, really. The flowers here provide non-stop inspiration for snapping that perfect shot!

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 for ages, completely mesmerised by the vibrant colours, fascinating shapes, and the cosy, sunlit atmosphere.

Honestly, we just didn’t want to leave! It felt like stepping into a little world of its own.

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 delightful surprises? A hidden little restaurant tucked among the tropical plants, where visitors were quietly enjoying afternoon teas as we wandered by.

It felt like stumbling upon a secret little world in the middle of the city.

The Barbican Conservatory also runs occasional guided tours, led by the gardeners themselves. They’re a fascinating way to learn the story behind this tropical oasis and get a peek at the care that goes into keeping the plants thriving.

The Barbican Conservatory opens its doors to the public on selected Sundays (and sometimes Friday evenings), usually from about 12 noon to 5 pm (with later openings possible depending on season and events).

This is your chance to explore the dramatic architecture of the Barbican Centre all while wandering through a lush, tropical indoor garden.

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
See my other top East London picks here!

---