Hortus Botanicus: Around the World in Three Climates

In collaboration with Hortus Botanicus

Travel through three different climate zones in Hortus Botanicus’ newly renovated Climate House.

The New Climate House

Enter the Climate House, which prioritises sustainability, education and experience. Entirely gas-free and home to three different climate zones, a visit here is a journey to other world regions. Three of the world's most diverse climates are represented, from the humid Tropical Greenhouse and arid Desert Greenhouse to the changeable and turbulent Cape Greenhouse (which mimics the climate of the South African Cape). The World Zone connects the three climates – a place to show visitors the factors that drive true biodiversity and illustrate how the same and different conditions can help a species develop.

A Layered Layout

The new greenhouse is immersive too, home to special crawl and sneak routes – like sunken paths with underwater views of the underside of a Victoria water lily pad, a treetop castle, and a six-metre-high waterfall made of real Amsterdam pavement tiles. Ultimately, a walk here is supposed to replicate the physicality and terrain of the landscape it represents. But more than simply reflecting on it, the designers have also put thought into illustrating just how vital biodiversity is for our world, how it comes about, and how interconnected everything is. For any visitor, step into the World Room and you’ll be presented with videos explaining the rampant effects of climate change and how man is systematically destroying it. Meanwhile, the final room before you leave is designed for emotional impact, where visitors see themselves in a mirror and are asked to consider what the impact of their behaviour has on nature. It’s a lesson in our individual roles, as much as it is a reminder that we’re intertwined with the natural world.

Sounds of Nature

Open from June 2025, you can follow a guided audio-visual tour along the way, which will dive deep into the varying species, design and landscapes on offer. For those with accessibility needs, Hortus is partly accessible. Guide dogs are allowed, and a special wheelchair is available to rent. Guided tours are also available for anyone who wants one, a perfect accompaniment to any visit before you head for a coffee at the elegant Orangery Café.