A conservatory is a popular addition to many homes; offering extra space to relax, entertain or grow plants. Most domestic conservatories are relatively modest in size, but there are plenty of spectacular, larger glasshouses to visit which are open to the public. From a modern conservatory in the heart of the capital to a stunning piece of architecture in the north, see below to find out more about just four of our favourites.

Isla Gladstone Conservatory – Liverpool

This Victorian conservatory dates back to 1870 and is named in honour of Isla Gladstone, a 20th-century designer, gardener and Liverpool student. It was originally built as a place for city residents to exercise and escape the busy inner-city life. Now fully renovated, it functions as an events space, wedding venue and visitor attraction.

Barbican Conservatory – London

The second-largest conservatory in London offers a hidden oasis right in the heart of the city, with tropical plants and trees, birds and exotic fish. Visitors can enjoy around 1,500 different varieties of trees and plants plus the rest of the cultural hub’s space, including the theatre and international art exhibitions.

Sheffield Winter Gardens – Sheffield

Sheffield’s grand conservatory is one of the largest glasshouses to be built in the UK in the past 100 years and it also takes the title of the largest urban glasshouse in Europe. Housing over 2,500 different species of plant from around the world, the Winter Gardens building is 70 metres long by 22 metres high (big enough to hold 5,000 domestic greenhouses!).

Princess of Wales Conservatory – London

This impressive conservatory is part of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and contains no less than ten computer-controlled climate zones. This allows visitors to travel through several different ecosystems all under one roof, including dry tropics, steamy rainforests and carnivorous plants. Princess Diana opened the conservatory in 1987, but it’s actually named after Princess Augusta, mother of George III, who founded the Gardens in 1759.

If the above glasshouses have inspired you to install a domestic conservatory at your home, get in touch with the experts at Lifestyle Designs. We can work with you to design and install a bespoke conservatory to fit your requirements and style. For more information or to arrange a consultation, give us a call today or visit our website.