Set in Syon Park, the grounds of Syon House, the facility consisted of three purpose built greenhouses situated overlooking a lake. The facility contained hundreds of the world's most exotic species of butterfly, along with descriptions and illustrations. It also contained a small aviary.
The London Butterfly House closed on 28 October 2007, due to the Duke of Northumberland's plans to build a hotel complex on the land.[1][2] The greenhouses were demolished in November/December 2007 and the 5 star hotel built in their place. The London Syon Park (part of the Hilton WorldwideWaldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts) opened in March 2011 with conference facilities, restaurants, and a spa.[3]
There was a proposal to build a replacement Butterfly House in Gunnersbury Park,[4][5] but this was rejected.[2]
The owners of the London Butterfly House acquired The Butterfly and Wildlife ParkinLong Sutton, Lincolnshire, to which the creatures and many of the plants have been re-located. Unfortunately this closed in 2012 due to rising costs and reduced visitor numbers.[6]
