Inside the Palm House

The Palm House at Kew Gardens is a magnificent glasshouse that is home to a vast collection of tropical plants. It was designed by architect Decimus Burton and built in 1844, and is considered to be one of the most important surviving Victorian iron and glass structures in the world.

As you step inside the Palm House, you will be struck by the sheer scale and beauty of the space. The central nave of the glasshouse is 19 meters high and is flanked by two wings that are 12 meters high. The structure is made of wrought iron and features over 16,000 individual panes of glass, which allow natural light to flood into the space.

The climate inside the Palm House is carefully controlled to create the perfect conditions for the plants that live there. The temperature is kept between 18-27°C, and the humidity is maintained at around 60-70%. These conditions allow the plants to thrive, and visitors can see a huge variety of tropical trees, palms, and ferns, as well as other exotic plants from around the world.

As you wander through the Palm House, you will be transported to a lush, tropical paradise. The air is heavy with the scent of the plants, and you can hear the sound of trickling water from the many fountains and water features. The paths wind through the foliage, leading you past towering palms and under arching ferns. It's a truly magical experience that shouldn't be missed.