Temperate House is a Victorian glasshouse in Kew Gardens, Richmond, built in 1863 and listed Grade I. Its glass-and-iron structure shelters plants from Asia, Australasia, the Americas and Africa, including threatened species from remote islands. The themed sections and scientific labels give you plenty to look at beyond the building itself. Temperatures stay around 10°C throughout the year, so bring a layer if you plan to linger among the plants, especially on a cooler day.
A Victorian glasshouse at Kew
Temperate House was built in 1863 and is a Grade I listed building. Its glass ceiling and detailed structure make the architecture part of the visit, alongside the plant collection. A restoration costing £57 million renewed the house.
Plants from around the world
The collection includes plants from Asia, Australasia, the Americas and Africa. Some of the threatened island species come from places such as Saint Helena and Pitcairn Islands. Scientific names appear on the labels, giving you a way to identify individual plants as you explore the themed sections.
FAQ
Where is Temperate House?
It is in Kew Gardens, on Kew Road in Richmond, London.
How warm is Temperate House?
The temperature is kept at around 10°C throughout the year.
When was Temperate House built?
The glasshouse dates to 1863 and is Grade I listed.
What plants can you see inside?
The collection includes plants from Asia, Australasia, the Americas and Africa, including threatened island species.
