Princess of Wales Conservatory

The Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens is one of the most remarkable indoor plant environments in the world, housing ten distinct climate zones under a single undulating glass roof. From arid desert to steamy tropical rainforest, the journey through its spaces is a genuinely immersive experience that children and adults find equally compelling.

Opened in 1987, the conservatory covers 4,490 square metres and contains some of Kew's most spectacular plant collections. The tropical zones are the most dramatic — towering palms, enormous specimens of Amorphophyllum (the titan arum) and the extraordinary giant water lilies whose pads can support a small child's weight create moments of genuine wonder. The humid heat is stark contrast to a cool London day outside, which adds to the sense of adventure.

The carnivorous plant section draws particular fascination from children, who are captivated by the variety of strategies different plants use to catch insects. Staff are on hand periodically to explain the science, and interpretive labels throughout the conservatory are engaging and accessible for older children.

The arid and semi-arid zones, by contrast, feel like a completely different world — cactus gardens of extraordinary age and size, African succulents, and bizarre desert plants that look more like sculptures than living things.

As part of a Kew Gardens visit, the conservatory works well as a weather-sheltered highlight, particularly on colder or wetter days when the tropical warmth inside is especially welcome.