The Princess of Wales Conservatory

The Princess of Wales Conservatory was commissioned in 1982 and was named after Princess Augusta, the founder of Kew.  Opened in 1987 by Diana, Princess of Wales, the Princess of Wales Conservatory is the most complex glasshouse at Kew, containing ten computer-controlled climatic zones.

The conservatory was designed by architect Gordon Wilson to be energy-efficient and was built partly underground.  The southern end is heated more by the sun than the northern end, where tower spikes of echiums and silver agaves from dry tropical regions such as the arid Canary Islands are housed.

The central area contains an elevated aquaria, complete with waterlily pond and the dangling roots of mangroves, together with displays of orchids and carnivorous plants.  At the northern end are species from the moist tropics.

Stunningly illuminated after dark, the Princess of Wales Conservatory provides a unique drinks reception experience for up to 200 guests, in which your guests can explore the different climates, plants and free roaming Chinese Water Dragon lizards.

The Princess of Wales Conservatory is a short stroll or Explorer trip from the Orangery, Cambridge Cottage, Orangery Conference Room and Nash Conservatory, making it an ideal pre-dinner or post-event add-on venue. 

Many of the plants in Kew’s collections have been acquired for specific research or conservation projects.  The rich collection of Madagascan plants in the Princess of Wales Conservatory reflects the long-standing research interest in the species of this island in the Indian Ocean.  It is considered to be one of the world’s plant biodiversity hotspots with over 10,000 species of higher plants, 80% of which are found wild nowhere else in the world.

Hire Time

Evening Hire Only (5:30pm - 11pm)
3 Hour Period within the above times
Additional hours charged as required

Venue Availability

5 January 2011 – 23 December 2011
5 January 2012 – 23 December 2012
5 January 2013 – 23 December 2013
No venue availability on public holiday dates throughout the year

Venue Hire Fees

Monday - Friday £3000 + VAT
Saturday-Sunday £3500+VAT
Dual use packages available upon request

Multiple Venue Hire Packages

For clients who wish to utilise multiple event spaces, bespoke venue hire packages may be arranged across any combination of Kew’s portfolio of venues.  Please contact the Kew sales team for further details.