Have you ever been to the conservatory at the Barbican? I didn't even know it existed! John and I went on Good Friday after seeing the 'Strange and Familiar' photography exhibition on the third floor (which was so, so good - go see it if you haven't already; it's on until June 19th!) and it was a lot of fun to wander.
Here are some photos, if you'd like to see:
We went on a gloriously sunny day and it was fairly busy (including some Instagrammers/fashion bloggers who needed to get their 'just-so' poses right next to some ferns while I snickered in the background - I know, I'm such a #meangirl) but I imagine that if you went during "off-peak" hours, it'd be pretty tranquil and serene. Entry to the conservatory is free, but it's only open to the public on certain dates, so check the website before you go.
It reminded me of a smaller scale version of Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, which was one of the highlights of our trip last summer. I especially loved the room with all the cacti at the Barbican conservatory. Air plants dangled delightfully low from the ceiling and fleshy succulents thrived in every corner.
I kept thinking the whole time we were there how it'd make the perfect date - an exhibition at the Barbican, followed by lunch and a stroll through the conservatory (which is basically what we did!).
I love discovering little hidden gems like these in London.