Waterlily House

The Waterlily House at Kew Gardens is the warmest and most humid of Kew's historic glasshouses, built in 1852 and now home to the world-famous Victoria water lilies — the largest water lily species on earth, with circular floating pads that can reach over two metres in diameter.

For children, the Waterlily House delivers one of the most visually striking moments in any London attraction. The sheer size of the lily pads, floating serenely on the central pool, triggers immediate wonder and almost universal questions about how something so large can float, what lives beneath the water, and how the flowers work. These conversations are where the real educational magic happens.

The building is smallest of Kew's glasshouses but arguably the most dramatic in its impact. The high humidity and tropical warmth create an intense sensory experience — stepping inside from a cool London day produces an immediate and memorable contrast. Alongside the Victoria lilies, the pool contains other aquatic plants and tropical water specimens that add biodiversity to the display.

The Waterlily House is only open during the warmer months, generally from May or June through to the autumn, when the Victoria lilies are actively growing and at their most impressive. Outside these months, the house may be closed or displaying a reduced collection. Always check Kew's website for current opening status before planning to include it specifically in your visit.

As part of the wider Kew experience, the Waterlily House pairs naturally with the Palm House and Princess of Wales Conservatory for a complete indoor plant journey.