FREE! The Barbican Conservatory
This has got to be one of London's hidden gems. The Barbican itself is a huge mass of concrete and was once voted London's ugliest building, however the conservatory was designed to mask the concrete fly tower and now it boasts being the second largest conservatory in London (second to Kew). It therefore does have somewhat of an interesting mix of concrete and over two thousand species of plantlife...but there is something about the way the plants mingle with the building that makes it really interesting. This 3rd floor tropical oasis also has fish and turtles, two storey high bamboo, an ornamental bridge overlooking a small area of water, high level walkways, an arid house dedicated to hundred of cacti and a seating area for those wishing to indulge in a spot of afternoon tea! This was a perfect way to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon.
