8 inspirational greenhouses to visit in the UK

There's nothing like strolling around a beautiful botanical garden. But when the British weather strikes, how do we get our plant fix? Thankfully, the Victorians had the answer – glasshouses.

During the 19th century, the Victorians took the idea of the humble greenhouse and transformed it into awe-inspiring indoor attractions. These vast glasshouses displayed exotic plants from around the world, inspiring generations of gardeners.

To spark some ideas for your own houseplant oasis, we've curated a list of eight inspirational greenhouses to visit in the UK.

Kew Gardens – London, England

The iconic Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew is home to glasshouses galore. Chief among these is Temperate House – the world's biggest Victorian glasshouse. Opened in 1862, there are now 10,000 plants living underneath its glass arches.

Kew's other glasshouses each symbolise a different ecosystem, from tropical vibes in the Palm House to cacti and succulents in the Princess of Wales Conservatory.

Find out more about Kew Gardens here.

Tall palm trees are growing next to a cream-coloured metal spiral staircase, inside a large old greenhouse

Tall tropical plants grow around a big stone, surrounded by the large hexagonal structure of the biome.

Tall tropical plants, including palm trees and rubber plants, are in the middle of an arch-shaped greenhouse made of glass and wood beams

Darwin's Hothouse – Down House, England

This modest mansion in Kent wasn't just home to Charles Darwin, but also to the collection of plants that helped him craft his theory of evolution. Many of the species that Darwin studied are still grown in his charming little hothouse, including climbing plants and orchids.

Fancy recreating Darwin's specimens in your conservatory? Pick some trailing plants such as Rapunzel, our Devil's Ivy.

Get more information about Down House here.

Plants growing in pots inside of a diagonally shapped greenhouse. With turquoise coloured doors and window frames separating sections of the hot house.

The Glasshouse – RHS Garden Wisley, England

Opened in 2007, this cleverly-designed glasshouse in Surrey spans an area the size of ten full-size tennis courts. As the ceiling towers 40 feet above you, take a tour through three zones dedicated to unique plant environments.

Bask beneath monsteras and palm trees in the balmy tropical section before journeying through the humid and arid temperate zones.

Head here for more information about RHS Garden Wisley here.

A waterfall inside of a greenhouse, surrounded by rock formations and tropical plants.

Great Glasshouse – National Botanical Garden, Wales

Spanning 3,500 square metres, the Great Glasshouse is the world's largest single-span glasshouse. Opened in 2000, this jaw-dropping dome is home to a huge collection of Mediterranean plants, headlined by some dramatic dragon trees.

But you don't have to travel to Wales to capture some Mediterranean magic. Mick, our Dracaena fragrans, is a house-trained version of the Great Glasshouse's famous residents.

Learn more about the Great Glasshouse here.

A wide shot image of very tall tropical trees with a winding path around them, inside of a large arch-shaped greenhouse.

Victorian Fernery – Ascog Hall Gardens, Scotland

While it may not have the grandeur of other glasshouses, the Victorian Fernery at Ascog Hall has a more intimate atmosphere. Fern fanatics can spend hours appreciating some fabulous fronds in this partially-underground glasshouse, including an ancient King Fern that has lived for 1,000 years.

Fancy starting your own fernery? Bertie, our beautiful Boston fern, is a perfect choice.

Explore Ascog Hall Gardens here.

A stone statue of a woman is surrounded by large fern plants and rock formations covered in moss, inside of a greenhouse with glass that has moss and small greenery in its edges.

Palm House Conservatory – Botanic Gardens, Belfast

One of Northern Ireland’s oldest botanical attractions, this grand curved glasshouse brings a taste of the tropics to Belfast. The Palm House Conservatory houses a mix of cool temperature plants and tropical favourites like birds of paradise.

The site is completely free to visit, but if Belfast is a bit too far away, don't worry. Add Reggie, our bird of paradise, to your houseplant collection instead.

Find out more about the Palm House Conservatory here.

Pink, purple, and yellow flowers grow large either side of the pathway through the greenhouse.

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