Visit the second biggest Conservatory in London and explore our hidden tropical oasis in the heart of the city.

Walk through, over and under colourful aquatic worlds from the tropical to the Arctic at one of London’s busiest attractions It’s not every day that you see sharks and penguins in London, but on the South Bank you can. Almost literally, too, if it wasn’t for the fact that Sea Life London Aquarium is closed on Christmas day. Thousands of tourists and local alike visit this old council building daily, which has been home to a remarkable watery wonderland since 1997.

Our Natural History Gallery first opened in 1901, the design influenced by the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements of the time. Many of the original showcases remain, packed full of taxidermy, skeletons and specimens preserved in fluid, giving the gallery a unique historic feel. Most of the specimens, including our taxidermy mount of a walrus were collected over 100 years ago during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. This was a time when naturalists and collectors were exploring the globe.

Discover the story of the world’s greatest trading city.