
Kew Gardens
The Hive
Discover the secret life of bees in this dramatic installation.
Explore The HiveThe Princess of Wales Conservatory will close early at 5pm on 3 June 2023. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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.
There’s plenty of beauty on display too. The celebrated giant waterlily Victoria amazonica floats in the wet tropical zone, where its spectacular white flowers open at sunset, filling the air with a strong perfume before they are pollinated and turn bright pink by the morning.
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.
It will be opened in 2085, when many of the plants it contains may be rare or extinct.
Elizabeth Gate
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.
Kew Gardens
Discover the secret life of bees in this dramatic installation.
Explore The HiveKew Gardens
Get a taste of the tropics with a journey through our glasshouses.
Read more about Caribbean plantsKew Gardens
The evolutionary journey of these remarkable pitcher plants.
The carnivorous purple pitcher plant