Dec 2, 2024

Barbican Conservatory London

Still summer inside

""Barbican Conservatory" is London's second largest one, with some 2000 species of tropical plant life. It's my perfect place to sit and read a book and..."

On Sundays I often find myself in need of a little peace and quiet and not wanting to waste the last day of the weekend at home I like to head out in search of a slice of tranquillity. Due to London's not-too-tropical climate it's not always the best idea to just settle down on a park bench for the day...

Once you've navigated the somewhat confusing walkways of the barbican estate you'll find the conservatory located on the 3rd floor above the Barbican centre.

London's second largest conservatory is home to some 2000 species of tropical plant life making it a surreal paradise in one of the most urban parts of London. This unexpected peaceful retreat is also home to a variety of quails and finches and a pond with huge Koi Karp that seem to epitomise the perfect Sunday floating around in this leafy hide-out. It's the perfect place to sit and read a book or just soak up the scenery.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Silk Street

£

free

Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our London guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in London

Paradise-Soho

Paradise Soho – Sri Lankan small plates

A must try for me at Paradise Soho are the gigantic grilled ceylonese prawns - tender and smokey from the charring & the cashew curry along with a hopper.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Jan 23, 2025
Unwined

Unwined – With a glass of wine

As an independent wine bar their focus is on stocking wines from smaller producers, lesser known regions and grape varieties, and also female winemakers.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Jan 21, 2025
The-Penny-Drop

The Penny Drop – Proper coffee in Fitzrovia

The team at the Penny Drop are real coffee geeks in the best possible sense of the word and go to great lengths sourcing the best coffee beans out there.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Jan 21, 2025
Fortitude-bakehouse

Fortitude bakehouse – Sourdough enthusiasts heaven

If you arrive in the morning you’ll find their popular morning buns with a variety of fillings, sticky buns, beignets, and more!

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Jan 21, 2025
Rondo-La-Cave

Rondo La Cave – A hip wine bar

Rondo La Cave is a hip wine bar situated in the basement of the Hoxton hotel and has a charming rustic interior with dim lighting.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Jan 21, 2025
Milk-cafe

Milk cafe – Best brunch in London

The menu has all the brunch classics you’d expect and also some more unusual offerings as well as weekend specials that change regularly...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Jan 21, 2025
Lambs-Conduit-Street

Lamb's Conduit Street – Bloomsbury's hidden gem

Quiet yet somehow buzzing, classy yet unpretentious, central yet hidden. What impresses me most is the concentration of great spots in such a small area.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Jan 21, 2025
Bloomsbury-Farmers-Market

Bloomsbury Farmers' Market – A mid week treat

The Bloomsbury farmers market is a small market for fresh produce and lots of different food stalls held every Thursday on Bloomsbury square.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Jan 21, 2025
Southwark-Brewing-Company

Southwark Brewing Company – A special spot

Southwark Brewing company has a range of traditional beers such as ales, IPAs, porter, and bitter - all really fresh and available on draft or bottle.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Jan 21, 2025
Museum-Lates

Museum Lates – Enjoy museums without the crowds

Museum Lates is a concept that is essentially a late-night opening when you can explore the exhibitions without the day-trip crowds getting in your way.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Jan 21, 2025
Stir-Coffee-Brixton

Stir Coffee Brixton – Coffee with a local vibe

Stir Coffee Brixton is a lovely neighbourhood coffee shop located on the corner of Brixton Hill and Arodene Road which has a very chilled vibe.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Jan 21, 2025
House-of-Hodge

House of Hodge – Books, books and more books

It was set up in 2009 by Highbury resident and cat enthusiast Doreen Rolph, as a place to raise funds for local animal welfare organisations.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Madeline

Gowers

Jan 20, 2025