Princess of Wales Conservatory

Travel from the deserts to the tropics with a trip through this glassy wonderland.

View of species from the dry tropics in the Princess of Wales Conservatory

The Princess of Wales Conservatory will be closed between 4 to 8 March 2024.

With ten computer-controlled climate zones, the Princess of Wales Conservatory is a glassy labyrinth leading you through a series of fascinating ecosystems.   

In our zone dedicated to carnivorous plants, you’ll discover the conditions that helped predatory species like Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) or pitcher plants (Nepenthes) evolve to swallow their prey in less than half a second.  

There’s a new surprise at every corner of this winding glasshouse. Take in spiky cacti and succulents as you travel through the dry tropics and emerge into the dense, steamy zones where tropical orchids and bright bromeliads come alive.  

First discovered at Kew, the celebrated giant waterlily Victoria boliviana floats in the wet tropical zone. Its spectacular flowers open at sunset, close in the morning and open again the next night, turning from white to pink.

A little bit of history 

In 1985 Sir David Attenborough buried a time capsule containing seeds of basic food crops and endangered species in the foundation of the Princess of Wales Conservatory. 

David Attenborough holding a time capsule before it was buried in the foundations of the Princess of Wales Conservatory
David Attenborough, 1985

It will be opened in 2085, when many of the plants it contains may be rare or extinct.

Nearest entrance

Elizabeth Gate

Visiting the Princess of Wales Conservatory 

Opening times

Daily, 10am to 5pm

We may occasionally need to close attractions for maintenance or visitor safety. Check for planned closures and visitor notices before you visit.

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